Does insistence on sameness affect adaptability in unpredictable environments for autism?

PostedDecember 10, 2025

UpdatedDecember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, adaptability and sameness in autism are often at odds in day‑to‑day life. Many autistic individuals rely on routine and repetition as a source of comfort and regulation. However, when change arises, that same preference for consistency may create challenges. This is especially true where adaptability and sameness in autism clash during transitions or new experiences.

Rigid routines can offer safety but may limit flexibility. For example, coping with changes in autism might involve distress, avoidance, or a strong emotional response. A single disruption such as a cancelled appointment or unfamiliar environment can lead to a cascade of stress. These situations reveal the deeper difficulty with unpredictability in autism, where the inability to anticipate outcomes feels overwhelming and dysregulating.

Signs It May Affect Adaptability

Here are a few common expressions of this challenge:

Resistance to change

Individuals may refuse new activities or environments.

Need for repetition

Familiar phrases or behaviours offer control when faced with unexpected events.

Delayed transitions

Moving from one task or place to another may require extended support or preparation.

Developing resilience in autism doesn’t mean forcing flexibility: it means creating space for slow, supported change. With structure, clear communication, and gentle exposure, many autistic people can gradually increase their adaptability without losing their sense of security.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations that respect the balance between sameness and growth.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Insistence on Sameness.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.