Autism and Language Processing: Word-Finding, Literal Language, and Humor

Language can be a funny thing. For many autistic individuals, language processing works differently, which can lead to unique and sometimes hilarious quirks in communication. Whether it’s taking things literally, struggling to retrieve the exact word, or using creative substitutes, these differences are often rooted in how the autistic brain processes and organizes language. In this blog, we’ll explore the fascinating connection between autism and language, share real-life anecdotes, and celebrate the humor and humanity in how words come together.

1. Word-Finding Challenges: When the Right Word Plays Hide-and-Seek

Have you ever struggled to think of a word that’s on the tip of your tongue? For some autistic individuals, this can happen frequently and lead to creative or unexpected substitutions. This phenomenon, often referred to as “word-finding difficulty” or “anomia,” involves challenges in accessing the brain’s mental dictionary to retrieve the right word, even when the concept is clear. For example:

Instead of “watch,” someone might say “hand clock.”
Instead of “soda,” they might say “water with bubbles.”
Instead of “ceiling fan,” they might describe it as “the thing that spins on the roof inside.”

Why Does This Happen? Research suggests that differences in the connectivity and functioning of brain areas responsible for language processing, such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s regions, might contribute to these word retrieval challenges. In autistic individuals, these pathways may process language in ways that prioritize meaning over conventional labels. My husband describes moments when it feels like the right word has “gone black” in his mind. He knows he knows it, but accessing it feels impossible in the moment. This can be incredibly frustrating and highlights how effortful language processing can be for some neurodivergent individuals.

2. Literal Language: When Words Mean Exactly What They Say

Autistic individuals often take language at face value. Idioms, metaphors, and figures of speech can be confusing because they rely on implied meanings that aren’t always obvious. For example:

“It’s raining cats and dogs” might prompt a genuine question: “Where are the cats and dogs?” As it did my daughter, but then I’m sure that us Brits baffle our children with the sheer number of metaphors we use.
“Can you pass me the salt?” might elicit a simple “yes” without any movement toward the salt shaker.

How to Bridge the Gap:

Use clear, direct language: Instead of “Can you pass me the salt?” try “Please hand me the salt.”
Pair figurative language with an explanation if needed: “I said it’s raining cats and dogs, but I just mean it’s raining heavily.”

Why This Matters: Literal language isn’t a lack of understanding—it’s a different way of interpreting the world. By being mindful of how we communicate, we can foster better understanding and reduce confusion.

3. The Social Side of Language: More Than Words

For many autistic individuals, the social aspects of communication—like interpreting facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language—can be more challenging than the words themselves. This is because the “social brain network,” which processes these cues, works differently in autistic people. What This Looks Like:

A raised eyebrow might just look like… a raised eyebrow, without the implied meaning of skepticism or curiosity.
Small talk might feel unnecessary or overwhelming because it doesn’t serve a clear purpose.
Phone calls might be avoided because they combine unpredictability with rapid processing demands.

Sometimes, it can also seems as if an autistic person doesn’t care. For example my husband can be horrified to find out that either I or one of our children have been upset for ages and he just couldn’t read the body language, tone of voice or facial expressions. In our house we have to be a little obvious to help each other out. How You Can Help:

Pair nonverbal cues with verbal explanations: “I’m raising my eyebrow here because I wasn’t sure what you meant.”
Be direct and specific: Say exactly what you mean without relying on hints or implications. No joke here – “I would like a massage voucher for my birthday.”
Respect communication preferences: If someone prefers email or text over phone calls, honour that choice.

5. Celebrating Language Differences

Language mix-ups and literal interpretations can lead to genuinely funny moments. I’m writing this wishing that I had saved more examples! Autistic individuals often bring a fresh perspective to communication. Whether it’s a unique turn of phrase, a literal interpretation, or a creative workaround for a missing word, these differences enrich our conversations and remind us of the incredible diversity in how we think and express ourselves. If you have a great example please drop it in the comments I would love to hear from you.