What is the link between insistence on sameness and repetitive negative thinking in autism?

PostedDecember 10, 2025

UpdatedDecember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

There’s a clear connection between sameness and repetitive thinking in autism, particularly when it comes to managing emotional overload. Many autistic individuals rely on routines to create a sense of safety, but that same reliance can also extend to mental habits. Sameness and repetitive thinking in autism often mirror each other, with structured thought loops offering predictability in uncertain situations.

However, when these mental patterns revolve around worries or perceived failures, they can easily slip into unhelpful territory. This is often seen in rumination in autism, where the mind replays distressing thoughts repeatedly in an effort to find resolution. Unfortunately, rather than helping, this can deepen emotional discomfort.

The tendency to revisit the same negative thoughts is also tied to negative thoughts in autism, especially when there’s no shift in thinking or emotional processing. Coupled with cognitive rigidity in autism, this makes it harder for individuals to break free from unhelpful thought cycles even when they’re aware it’s happening.

Thought Patterns to Watch

These signs may indicate when sameness is contributing to negative thinking:

Repetitive worry loops

Constantly going over the same fears or concerns.

Mental ‘routines’

Following fixed thought paths in response to stress.

Difficulty letting go

Holding onto negative thoughts longer than necessary.

Emotional ‘stuckness’

Staying in one mood or thought for hours or days.

Spotting these patterns early can support healthier emotional habits.

Visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations tailored to cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

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.