Why Do Abstract Concepts in Textbooks Confuse Individuals with Autism?
Abstract concepts in textbooks can confuse individuals with autism because many autistic people process language and information in a literal, concrete way. This means they often interpret words exactly as they are written, without automatically inferring hidden or figurative meanings. According to NICE guidance (2025) and NHS education guidance, this difference in processing can make figurative or abstract ideas in school materials difficult to understand unless they are clearly explained or illustrated.
Understanding Abstract Thinking Challenges in Autism
Many autistic learners thrive on structure, facts, and concrete information. The Cambridgeshire NHS Trust (2023) explains that children with autism often have “a poor grasp of abstract concepts and feelings” and primarily express concrete needs rather than abstract ideas. Similarly, Just One Norfolk NHS (2024) notes that autistic people may take things literally, finding sarcasm, idioms, or complex explanations confusing.
A 2024 study by Lampri et al., conducted at the University of Athens and published in Research in Developmental Disabilities, found that autistic children experience systematic difficulties processing figurative and abstract language, with comprehension linked to verbal ability and Theory of Mind. Similarly, O’Shea et al. (2024), from the University College Dublin’s Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, reported that autistic adults can understand metaphors but take longer to process them due to a “literality bias.”
More recently, Kritsotakis et al. (2025), at the University of Crete, demonstrated that autistic children show reduced proficiency in figurative and abstract text comprehension confirming that autistic cognition tends to focus on literal meaning rather than abstract inference.
Why Textbooks Can Be Difficult
Textbooks, especially in secondary or higher education, often rely on metaphors, analogies, and abstract frameworks to explain new ideas. For learners who think more concretely, these teaching styles can be confusing. A 2025 PubMed study found that autistic children show significant difficulties in reading comprehension when content includes abstract or figurative language, because it demands higher inferential reasoning and flexible interpretation.
Helping Autistic Learners Understand Abstract Material
According to NHS Berkshire Healthcare guidance (2024), effective strategies include:
- Using visual supports like diagrams or step-by-step models
- Replacing idioms or metaphors with literal explanations
- Providing real-world examples for abstract terms
- Checking understanding through short, direct questions
These techniques align with NICE NG204 (2025), which recommends clear, concrete communication for autistic people in both educational and clinical settings.
When to Consider Assessment or Support
If a student consistently struggles with abstract or figurative material, it may be a sign of an underlying communication or processing difference. A formal autism assessment can help clarify learning needs and inform effective support strategies. For example, Autism Detect, rated “Good” by the CQC, offers private autism assessments for adults and children across the UK helping families and educators access tailored recommendations and aftercare support.
Takeaway:
Abstract concepts can be confusing for autistic individuals because their brains tend to focus on concrete details rather than implied meanings. But with visual aids, clear language, and thoughtful teaching, these learners can not only grasp abstract ideas they can excel at them.
