How Does Literal Thinking Affect Learning in Autism?
Literal thinking affects learning in autism by making it harder for autistic individuals to understand figurative or implied language, such as metaphors, idioms, or sarcasm. Because they often interpret words at face value, autistic learners may struggle with abstract instructions, indirect questions, or nuanced classroom discussions. According to NICE guidance (CG128, 2025) and NHS England guidance (Bedfordshire and Luton, 2023), this difference in language processing can impact reading comprehension, communication, and social understanding but with clear, direct teaching and visual supports, learning outcomes can be significantly improved.
Understanding Literal Thinking in Autism
Many autistic people process language in a literal way interpreting words exactly as spoken rather than inferring hidden meaning. According to NHS England’s Bedfordshire and Luton Children’s Health guidance (2023), this “rigid” or absolute style of thinking can make change and ambiguity difficult to manage. Similarly, the National Autistic Society (2024) explains that many autistic individuals find sarcasm, metaphors, or figurative phrases confusing because they interpret language at face value.
Clinical guidance from NICE CG128 (2025) also notes that autistic children may misunderstand sarcasm or metaphor due to differences in understanding others’ intentions reinforcing that literal thinking is a recognised feature of autism spectrum disorder.
How Literal Thinking Affects Learning
In classroom settings, literal thinking can make it harder for autistic learners to grasp figurative or abstract material. The Cambridgeshire NHS Trust (2023) highlights that phrases such as “I laughed so much I nearly cried” may confuse some autistic pupils, impacting comprehension and participation.
Peer-reviewed research supports this: a 2024 PubMed study found that autistic children experience consistent challenges processing non-literal language, while another PubMed analysis (O’Shea et al., 2024) showed that autistic adults, though capable of understanding metaphors, take longer to interpret them due to a “literality bias.”
These differences can influence reading comprehension, interpretation of instructions, and understanding of implied classroom expectations.
Supporting Autistic Learners
Fortunately, practical strategies can make learning much more accessible. The Autistica (2025) — Learning Disability and Autism report highlights that autistic learners may need communication adapted to their literal and concrete language processing style, recommending clear, direct teaching and additional visual support. Teachers can also draw on research such as Autistica’s Action Briefing on Reasonable Adjustments (2023), which emphasises visual aids, structured communication, and predictable routines to enhance understanding.
Together, these approaches align with NICE guidance (2025), which advocates for clear, structured communication tailored to each child’s needs.
When to Seek Assessment or Support
If language or comprehension challenges are affecting daily life or learning, an autism assessment can help clarify needs and guide tailored support. Services like Autism Detect, rated “Good” by the CQC, offer private autism assessments for both adults and children including communication profiling and aftercare guidance to help families and educators put the right supports in place.
Takeaway:
Literal thinking is a natural part of how many autistic people experience the world. With clear communication, visual supports, and patient teaching, autistic learners can not only understand but thrive in environments that respect their unique way of processing language.
