How Does Literal Thinking Influence Empathy in Autism?
Literal thinking, where language and meaning are understood in a concrete way, can shape how autistic people experience and express empathy. According to NHS guidance, some autistic people find it harder to interpret others’ thoughts or intentions, which relates to cognitive empathy. However, their emotional empathy, or ability to care and feel deeply for others, is often strong and genuine.
Understanding Cognitive and Affective Empathy
Cognitive empathy involves recognising what someone else might be thinking or feeling. This can be more difficult when communication is abstract, sarcastic, or filled with social nuance. Literal and pragmatic thinking styles can make perspective-taking harder, so NICE recommends structured social learning and cognitive behavioural approaches to help adults build social understanding.
Affective empathy describes the emotional connection we feel with others. Many autistic people report experiencing emotions intensely but may struggle to show them in expected ways. The double empathy problem highlights that empathy challenges are often mutual, with both autistic and non-autistic people misunderstanding each other because of differences in language, experience, and communication style.
What Recent Evidence Suggests
A study carried out by Chapple, Williams, and Latham in 2022 at the University of Nottingham and published in Frontiers in Psychology found that autistic adults can show strong emotional empathy even when their perspective-taking is more concrete. The authors observed that reflective and structured learning, such as exploring literature or guided discussions, can help deepen social understanding and emotional connection (Frontiers in Psychology, 2022).
Another study published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders in 2023 found that pragmatic language difficulties, which are common in autistic youth who think literally, are associated with lower levels of social cognition and empathy. Speech and language therapy that targets pragmatic skills can help strengthen both empathy and social interaction (Crutcher et al., 2023).
Building Connection and Understanding
Practical guidance from the National Autistic Society and Autistica encourages using clear, direct language and shared experiences to bridge understanding. Structured peer programmes, visual supports, and psychoeducation around emotional recognition can also strengthen both cognitive and affective empathy.
Takeaway:
iteral thinking can make empathy look different in autism, but it does not mean it is absent. With direct communication, mutual understanding, and supportive learning, autistic people can build meaningful, compassionate relationships based on authenticity and respect.
If you or someone you care about would like to explore a professional autism assessment or aftercare support, visit Autism Detect, which provides private assessments and follow-up care for both children and adults across the UK.
