How Does Difficulty with Abstract Thinking Impact Decision-Making in Autism?

PostedDecember 15, 2025

UpdatedDecember 15, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Hannah Smith, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Decision-making is a complex process that involves weighing information, predicting outcomes, and managing uncertainty. For many autistic people, differences in abstract thinking and the ability to understand non-literal, conceptual, or hypothetical ideas can make decision-making more effortful, especially when emotional or social factors are involved.

What Is Abstract Thinking and Why It Matters

Abstract thinking helps people interpret ideas that go beyond the here and now, such as time, possibilities, or other people’s intentions. According to the National Autistic Society (NAS), many autistic individuals process information more concretely, preferring precise facts and logical reasoning.

A 2023 review in Autism Research found that while autistic individuals often perform strongly on concrete problem-solving tasks, they may find it harder to navigate decisions requiring abstract reasoning or emotional interpretation (Autism Research, 2023). Similarly, a 2025 systematic review in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders showed that limited cognitive flexibility and abstract reasoning can affect everyday decision-making and planning (JADD, 2025).

How Abstract Thinking Affects Decision-Making

When decision-making relies on prediction, prioritisation, or social context, differences in executive function and working memory can make these choices more demanding.

A 2022 review in Autism Research identified that challenges in abstract reasoning and mental flexibility contribute to slower and more rule-based decision-making among autistic adults (Autism Research, 2022).

In contrast, a 2025 study found that autistic adults tend to gather more evidence before deciding, demonstrating thoughtful but slower processing and a reduced tendency to “jump to conclusions” (JADD, 2025).

The NICE Quality Standard QS51 highlights the need for structured support and clear communication to help autistic people navigate decision-making, while Autistica’s guide on unhelpful thinking styles recommends psychoeducation to build flexible thinking and emotional resilience.

Supporting Autistic Decision-Making

Practical strategies that can help include:

Using visual supports (e.g., decision maps, flow charts) to make abstract choices concrete.

Breaking decisions into small, clear steps.

Allowing extra time to process complex or hypothetical information.

Teaching flexible thinking and self-reflection skills through therapy or structured coaching.

Clinicians and families can also use structured frameworks to help autistic individuals anticipate outcomes without relying solely on intuition or emotion.

Takeaway

Difficulties with abstract thinking don’t reflect a lack of intelligence they reveal a different way of processing information. By providing structure, time, and clarity, families, educators, and clinicians can help autistic people make decisions that are both confident and authentic to their cognitive style.

If you’d like to understand how thinking styles affect decision-making and everyday life, consider an autism assessment with Autism Detect. Tailored support can help identify strengths and develop strategies that make decision-making easier and more empowering.

Hannah Smith, MSc

Author

Hannah Smith is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and over three years of experience in behaviour therapy, special education, and inclusive practices. She specialises in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and inclusive education strategies. Hannah has worked extensively with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities, delivering evidence-based interventions to support development, mental health, and 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 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.