Black & White Thinking in Autistic Children: Practical Strategies for Parents

Written by Dr Lucy Russell DClinPsyc CPsychol AFBPsS

The cognitive pattern of black and white thinking is a very common trait of autistic people.

It’s tendency to view situations, emotions, and ideas in absolutes or extremes.

For example, as a child psychologist I often work with children who will provide me with a list of people they “hate” and a list of people they like.

This is black and white thinking.

There is no in-between.

Let’s dig deeper into autism and black and white thinking in this article. What are its pros and cons, and is there anything you can (or should) do about it?

Autistic Thinking

Our autistic children often see the world in a clear-cut way.

They usually think in terms of black or white, right or wrong.

This isn’t better or worse than how other kids think. It’s just a different way of seeing things.

Understanding this helps us, as parents.

Knowing our kids see the world this way lets us connect with them better. It shows us how they think and feel. This understanding of autistic thinking helps us support them with lots of love and care.

Autistic Black and White Thinking: Its Effects on Everyday Life

You may notice that black and white thinking affects different areas of your child’s life, such as social interactions, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

Autistic black and white thinking can also contribute to anxiety.

For example, a child might assume that their school trip will be “100% terrible” and that there is nothing whatsoever about it that they will enjoy.

This type of thinking can lead to challenges in adapting to new situations. Autistic children might struggle to see the ‘grey areas’ in life. This can make transitions and changes more stressful for them.

Moreover, black and white thinking can impact friendships. Your child might find it hard to understand others’ perspectives, leading to conflicts or misunderstandings.

They may see things as ‘all good’ or ‘all bad’ without recognizing the nuances in people’s behaviors.

It’s important to gently guide your child towards understanding the spectrum of possibilities in these sorts of scenarios.

This can help in reducing anxiety and improving their ability to navigate social and emotional landscapes.

Autism and Black and White Thinking: The Positives

Just like all autistic traits, whilst this thinking pattern may create difficulties in some situations, it can also be an advantage in other contexts.

It is not always a bad thing.

For example, black and white thinkers can often make quick decisions in situations where there is a clear right or wrong answer. Autistic people often have a strong sense of justice, fairness and loyalty which is enhanced by their black and white thinking.

It can be a great advantage to have a clear strong opinion about an issue.

However, black and whiteness can be problematic when it leads to rigid thinking or an inability to see shades of grey in more complex situations.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Black and White Thinking

What is Black and White Thinking?

Black and white thinking, also known as dichotomous thinking, is a pattern of thinking that involves viewing situations, ideas, or beliefs in an all-or-nothing manner.

In the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this cognitive style is part of a cluster of features that I call cognitive rigidity.

Cognitive rigidity can manifest in many different ways in autistic children.

For instance, your child may have difficulty with change, or they might engage in behaviours that are perceived as unusual, due to their rigid thought patterns.

They may become fixated on a particular routine or way of doing things.

They may insist on wearing the same clothes every day, or become very upset if their routine is disrupted.

Just because a child is autistic, doesn’t mean they will never be able to see shades of grey in a situation, or accept that there is a middle ground.

It’s different for every autistic person.

However, some characteristics of black and white thinking in people with ASD include:

• Inflexible thinking: They may struggle to accept that they got something wrong or interpreted something inaccurately.
• Tendency to oversimplify: They may have difficulty considering multiple perspectives.
• Heightened emotional sensitivity: Black and white thinking patterns can lead to intense emotional reactions to seemingly minor events or changes.

Understanding the possible connection between ASD and black and white thinking can help you better support your autistic child.

I always advise parents to encourage flexible thinking in their child, whilst also providing clear explanations and maintaining consistency as much as possible.

Examples of Black and White Thinking in Autism

Good Vs Bad

Autistic children may seeing things or people as either good or bad, including themselves. This can lead to labeling people as either entirely good or entirely bad.

To help your child in this situation, you can:

1. Encourage your child to see both the positive and negative aspects of situations and people. Reinforce the message that people can have both good and bad qualities at the same time. Point out both positive and negative qualities in people.
2. Teach your child to consider multiple perspectives. Encouraging them child to think about how other people might see a situation or person.
3. Expose your child to new experiences and gently challenge their assumptions about the world.

Right Way Vs Wrong Way

Another example of black and white thinking in autism is the concept of a right way and a wrong way to do things.

You might find that your autistic child will adhere staunchly to routine, as it provides security and predictability.

They might not be open to alternative ways of approaching a task, believing that their way is the only correct method.

It’s important for them to understand that there are often many ways to accomplish a goal. At the same time however, there’s nothing wrong with sticking with a specific method if it works for them.

Autism and All or Nothing Thinking

Autistic children commonly struggle with all or nothing thinking, in my experience.

All or nothing thinking in autism can make it difficult for people to accept small gains.

They might also be excessively critical of themselves or others.

Some examples of autistic all or nothing thinking include:

• Needing to completing a task perfectly or considering it a total failure. This thought pattern often leads children to refuse to try a new activity for fear of failure.
• Believing that if someone disagrees with them, it means that person is entirely against them.
• Deciding “If I’m not the best at something, I’m not good at it at all.”

You can see how all or nothing thinking in autism can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

It’s important to help our children recognize when they are engaging in all or nothing thinking and teach them to gently challenge these thoughts.

Black and White Thinking in Autistic Young People

When it comes to black and white thinking in autistic young people, there are both pros and cons to consider.

On the one hand, black and white thinking can be a good thing for those on the autistic spectrum.

A strong sense of routine and structure can be beneficial in many areas of life.

For example, an autistic child may have a specific routine for getting ready in the morning, which includes brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and eating breakfast in a particular order.

This routine can help them to feel more organized and in control of their day, reducing anxiety and stress.

Black and white thinking can also help to simplify complex situations, making it easier for young adults to understand and navigate the world around them.

Also, special interests can be a positive aspect of this type of thinking, as they provide a sense of focus and purpose.

However, there are also problems with autistic black and white thinking.

Black and white thinking can lead to a lack of flexibility in a child’s thought processes and a narrow world view, where they struggle to see important differences in people and situations.

Black and white thinking can also lead to a bad day or a negative experience being seen as a catastrophic event, ultimately affecting their mental health.

Black and White Thinking in Autism: Social Interactions

Relationships with Neurotypical People

When you are an autistic person, black and white thinking can lead to misunderstandings and friction in your relationships with neurotypical people.

Due to their natural inclination for concrete, unambiguous perspectives, autistic children and young people may struggle to pick up on the subtleties and nuances in conversations or social situations.

This might result in misinterpretations or disagreements with others.

My best advice here is to identify any social difficulties early on and support your child one by one.

Wherever possible try to do this in a way which affirms neurodiversity and celebrates your child’s strengths, whilst helping them navigate life in a neurotypical-focused world.

For example, one teen girl I know navigates peer relationships by being very open and clear. She tells people, “I am autistic so please make sure you say exactly what you mean”. This refreshing approach is welcomed by her friends and they have learned to be clear and direct in their communication style.

Justice Sensitivity in Autism: Rooted in Black & White Thinking

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, many autistic people have a strong sense of justice and this can be a wonderful thing.

Autistic teens, for example, may be less likely to be swayed by peer pressure, and instead more likely to stand up for what they believe in.

In my clinical practice, I frequently observe that autism and justice sensitivity are intertwined.

Autistic children often display an acute awareness of fairness. Instances like queue-jumping can trigger a profound sense of injustice in them.

They expect unwavering adherence to rules and may become upset with teachers or peers if standards are not met.

Justice sensitivity in autism can sometimes also contribute to social challenges.

Difficulty in ‘letting go’ of perceived injustices can strain interactions and stir intense emotions.

Yet, it’s important to recognize the positive aspects too.

Many autistic children I see show a commendable anti-bullying stance for example. They are often being the first to defend their peers, showcasing how a huge strength of autism can be a strong sense of justice in action.

In fact, many admirable young public figures are both autistic and have a strong sense of justice, such as Greta Thunberg.

Your child might, too, become a fervent campaigner for justice one day!

In everyday life though, navigating this strong sense of justice in autism sometimes requires understanding and support. It’s about helping young people see the complexities in social situations, and guiding them to balance their strong sense of justice with empathy and flexibility.

Autism and Fairness

Alongside justice sensitivity, autistic people often have a heightened perception of fairness, which plays a significant role in their general interactions.

For example, when playing board games, an autistic child may adhere strictly to the rules, finding it challenging to accept any deviations, even minor ones.

This insistence on fairness can lead to frustration if others do not follow the rules as precisely.

It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the principle of fairness that is deeply ingrained in their understanding of the world.

This strong commitment to fairness, while admirable, can sometimes make social play and group activities challenging, as it requires navigating the flexible and often unwritten rules of social conduct.

Autism, Black and White Thinking and Sudden Changes

Sudden changes to routines or plans can be particularly challenging when you are autistic.

Sudden changes combined with black and white thinking can create a complex response in autistic people.

The brain may interpret sudden change as a threat to survival and trigger the fight or flight response.

The autistic brain often needs more time to adapt than the neurotypical brain.

To help your autistic child manage sudden or unexpected changes, consider the following strategies:

• Help your child build flexibility into their schedule by including “transition times” or “buffer zones” that allow for unexpected events.
• Make sure you always have a “Plan B”.
• Develop a list of coping strategies that they can turn to when faced with change, such as writing in a journal, engaging in a calming activity or reaching out to a trusted friend or family member.

Autism, Black-and-White Thinking and Mental Health

Negative Thinking Patterns in Autism

Black-and-white thinking can have a significant impact on our mental health and can contribute to the development of a variety of mental health conditions.

If young people find themselves trapped in entrenched negative black and white thinking patterns, they may feel helpless and/ or hopeless.

Anxiety Disorders in Autism: The Link With Black and White Thinking

Anxiety disorders can be exacerbated by black-and-white thinking.

When you view situations in absolutes, it becomes difficult to manage the complexities of everyday life. You may struggle to cope with uncertainties and experience heightened anxiety as a result.

For example, if a child hears a loud noise outside their house, they may immediately assume that something bad is happening and become anxious about their safety.

Mood Swings & Black and White Thinking in Autism

Autistic children’s mental health can also be affected by mood swings associated with black-and-white thinking.

This is incredibly common amongst the autistic young people who come to my clinic.

For example, if a young person is unable to complete a task perfectly, they may swing from a brilliant mood into becoming extremely upset within a split second.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Links With Autism and Black & White Thinking

Black-and-white thinking has been found to play a role in the development and maintenance of certain mental health disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is very common in autism.

Dichotomous thinking can fuel intrusive thoughts, obsessions and compulsions, as children may feel compelled to maintain strict order and control over their environment to reduce anxiety.

Understanding and Supporting Your Autistic Child With Black and White Thinking

Clear and Logical Information

Provide clear and logical information to your autistic child. Autistic individuals may struggle with ambiguity and often prefer straightforward explanations.

When presenting new concepts or situations, try breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps. This helps them better understand the situation and increases their self-awareness.

Remember to be patient and explain things using simple and concise language.

Navigating Social Media and Social Situations

Social media can be particularly challenging for your autistic child due to the abundance of information, opinions, and complex social interactions.

Encourage them to use social media in moderation and guide them in developing safe online habits.

When it comes to social situations online, you can gently coach your child to recognise different perspectives and the importance of considering others’ feelings.

The most important rule for them to learn however, is not to act on impulse, and always to think responses through before posting online. What might seem black and white to them, might seem complex and less clear to others.

Understanding From Adults

It is crucial for adults in your child’s life to have a comprehensive understanding of autism and black and white thinking.

Connect with autism services, support groups, and professionals to make sure you are confident in your understanding, and build a strong support network.

Encourage teachers, relatives, and other involved adults to learn more about autism and adapt their approach to better support your child.

Encouraging Flexible Thinking

Help your child develop flexible thinking whilst celebrating their uniqueness as an autistic person.

Remember, in many aspects of life black and white thinking can be an advantage.

• Problem-solving tasks: Engage your child in activities that require creative thinking and developing alternative solutions.
• Role-playing: This can help your child understand different perspectives and practise empathising with others.
• Exposure to new experiences: Encourage your child to explore and embrace new hobbies, environments, and social settings, as long as these do not place too much stress on your child.

Supporting your autistic child with black and white thinking involves patience, understanding, and a collaborative approach.

Develop a strong support system, and strive to create a nurturing environment where your child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Interventions and Therapy For Black and White Thinking

In this section, I discuss various approaches that can be helpful for autistic young people who experience black and white thinking that is causing problems in their lives.

Parent Training and School Staff Training

One of the most crucial steps in supporting autistic children and teens is to train school staff to truly understand their cognitive patterns.

For example, if they are refusing to go into class, this is not a display of “poor behaviour”. Teachers must look under the surface to discover why.

Here are some possible reasons:

• A different teacher (“I am only good at poetry with Mr Collins, so I won’t be able to do it.”)
• A new topic (“I don’t like learning about the Romans because I don’t know anything about them.”)
• Fear of failure (“Ms Donnelly said she expected us all to get 80% on the test this week. I won’t get 80% so it’s better not to try.”)

Work collaboratively with your child’s teachers, developing a positive framework in which they are always open to new knowledge about autism, and in particular about your child’s individual needs.

Adapting the Environment

An adapted classroom environment can help autistic children who are affected by black and white thinking.

Adaptations include incorporating visual cues and structured routines to reduce anxiety and provide predictability.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective therapeutic intervention for addressing common cognitive distortions in autism, including black and white thinking.

In CBT, a therapist works with the child to help them recognise and gently challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, develop coping strategies, and promote flexible thinking.

CBT is suitable for children from around 9 years of age. Before this, they will not have the ability to identify and analyse their own thoughts.

Therapy can be offered by clinical psychologists or CBT therapists. It’s vital that your child’s therapist is experienced in autism and knows how to adapt CBT to meet their specific needs.

For example, they may use more visuals and diagrams if your child responds well to these.

Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations

Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations are visual and narrative tools that can help autistic young people understand complex social situations in a less black and white way.

They can be used to address black and white thinking by providing alternative perspectives and demonstrating the nuances in social interactions.

Key Take Aways: Black & White Thinking in Your Autistic Child

1. Black and white thinking is a common trait in autistic people that can be a great thing. However, sometimes it can contribute to problems in their lives such as friendship difficulties.
2. Autistic young people who engage in black and white thinking may have a strong sense of justice and fairness, and be able to make quick decisions.
3. However, black and white thinking can also lead to difficulties in managing uncertainty and change or seeing the complexities of a situation, and can exacerbate anxiety and stress.
4. To support autistic children who engage in black and white thinking, try to keep information clear and concrete. A structured environment will allow your child to feel safe and secure.
5. If black and white thinking is causing a problem for your child, there are various approaches. Challenging black and white thinking through cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, can help children develop a more nuanced understanding of the world. This may support them in social interactions and other important areas of their lives.

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Autistic Children and Hoarding: How to Help Your Child

Dr Lucy Russell is a UK clinical psychologist who works with children and families. Her work involves both therapeutic support and autism assessments. She is the Clinical Director of Everlief Child Psychology, and also worked in the National Health Service for many years. In 2019 Lucy launched They Are The Future, a support website for parents of school-aged children.

Through TATF Lucy is passionate about giving practical, manageable strategies to parents and children who may otherwise struggle to find the support they need.

Lucy is a mum to two teenage children. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children, rescue dog and three rescue cats. She enjoys caravanning and outdoor living, singing and musical theatre.

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