Why Do Individuals with Autism Struggle with Abstract Emotions?

PostedDecember 13, 2025

UpdatedDecember 13, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

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

Understanding emotions such as love, pride, guilt, or jealousy can be challenging for many autistic people. According to NHS guidance, autistic individuals may find it harder to interpret abstract language or emotional cues, particularly in group or social settings. These differences are not due to lack of empathy, but rather to how the autistic brain processes and expresses emotional information.

The Role of Alexithymia and Theory of Mind

Research suggests that alexithymia, or difficulty identifying or describing one’s own emotions, is significantly more common in autistic individuals. A 2022 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders study found that children and adolescents with autism who experience alexithymia often struggle with understanding group expectations and complex emotional cues (PubMed). Similarly, differences in theory of mind, the ability to infer what others are thinking or feeling, can make it difficult to grasp abstract emotions that depend on subtle social context or self-awareness.

How Neurocognitive Patterns Influence Emotional Understanding

Autistic people often think in concrete or literal ways, focusing on observable facts rather than implied meanings. This cognitive style can make socially constructed emotions like pride or guilt harder to interpret. Evidence from The Lancet Psychiatry (2023) shows that autistic adolescents demonstrate atypical neural processing of social emotions, highlighting the biological roots of these differences (The Lancet).

The National Autistic Society explains that many autistic people recognise basic emotions like happiness or anger but struggle more with abstract or mixed emotions. Structured visual aids, emotion cards, and “social stories” are often recommended to support emotional literacy.

Building Emotional Understanding

Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), emotion-recognition training, and social communication programmes can help autistic people develop stronger emotional awareness. NICE guidance recommends structured interventions to support social cognition and emotion recognition in both children and adults. The Mayo Clinic also notes that using clear, direct language and visual supports during therapy can significantly improve emotional communication.

A Reassuring Takeaway

Struggling with abstract emotions is a common experience for autistic people and it reflects neurological difference, not emotional deficiency. With the right support, including therapy and social skills training, individuals can build stronger connections and greater self-understanding.

If you or someone you support is exploring autism assessment or aftercare options, you can learn more from Autism Detect, a UK-based provider offering private autism assessments for adults and children, along with ongoing aftercare services.

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.