What Predictive Processing Means in Autism

You learn about the world by guessing what will happen next. Predictive processing means your brain uses memories to make guesses. Autism and predictive processing are linked because autistic people often have trouble using these guesses easily.

Research shows that when prediction is less efficient, kids may react slower and have trouble with language or social hints. The table below shows these results:

You might see that being sensitive to sounds or lights, taking words literally, and liking routines are connected to how your brain guesses and changes.

When you know about predictive processing, you can change how you teach or help. For example, you can give more time for answers or keep routines the same to help autistic people feel safe.

Key Takeaways

• Predictive processing shows how autistic people guess about things. Knowing this can help people talk and learn better.
• Routines make autistic people feel safe and calm. Keeping routines the same helps lower worry and helps them feel okay.
• Many autistic people have strong reactions to sounds or lights. Calm places can help stop sensory overload and make life easier.
• Autistic people may take words exactly as they hear them. Using easy and clear words helps them understand and not get mixed up.
• Giving more time and help in social times helps autistic people talk and join in better. This can help them learn to talk with others.

Autism and Predictive Processing

Predictive Coding Theory

Your brain tries to guess what will happen next. This is called predictive coding theory. Your brain makes a model of the world around you. It uses this model to guess what you might see, hear, or feel. If your guess is right, you feel calm. If your guess is wrong, your brain notices. This is called a prediction error.

Prediction errors help your brain learn new things. They show you when something is different or surprising.

With autism and predictive processing, your brain may not change guesses easily. You might have trouble when things are different or new.

Scientists have some main ideas about this:

1. Your brain uses your senses to make guesses.
2. These guesses go from higher brain areas to lower ones.
3. If your brain cannot change guesses quickly, you may feel stressed in new places.

Researchers found that autistic people react strongly to sounds, lights, or touch. You may see small things that others do not notice. You might not get jokes or changes in plans. These things are linked to how your brain makes guesses and reacts.

Here is a table that shows the main parts of predictive coding theory and how they connect to autism and predictive processing:

How the Autistic Brain Updates Predictions

Autism and predictive processing do not mean you cannot use what you know. You may update your guesses in a special way. You might use what you see and hear now more than old memories. Sometimes, it is hard to link events or use social clues.

Studies show autistic people use what they know, but in a different way. You might:

• Use your senses more than your memories to decide things.
• Have trouble using old memories to guess what will happen with people.
• Notice when things are not what you expect, but need more time to change your guess.

Here is a table that shows how the autistic brain updates guesses:

You may notice more prediction errors. This means you see when things do not go as planned. You might react quickly to surprises, but find it hard to change.

For example, one study showed autistic kids noticed surprises faster than others. This means your brain watches for new or strange things.

Autism and predictive processing help explain why you like routines, focus on details, or find social times confusing. Your brain works hard to understand the world, but it may use different ways than others. Knowing this can help you and others learn and talk better.

Sensory Experiences and Processing

Sensory Sensitivity in Autism

You might feel your senses are stronger or different. Many autistic people have trouble with sensory processing.

About 94% of autistic kids and adults have problems with at least one sense. You may react to sounds, lights, or touch in ways others do not. Some people notice more than one sensory pattern at once.

Your brain uses predictive processing to guess what your senses will feel next. If your brain cannot change or control these guesses, you might feel too much at once. This is called sensory overload. The table below lists common types of sensory sensitivity:

You might also notice changes in how you feel your body, balance, or inside feelings like hunger.

Routine and Change

You may like routines and get upset when things change. Autism and predictive processing help explain this. Your brain wants to know what will happen. When things stay the same, you feel safe. If something changes, your brain may not update its guess fast. This can make you feel worried or stressed.

Many autistic people find it hard to get used to new things because their brains are slower to change predictions.

• Routines that stay the same help you feel calm.
• Surprises or changes can feel like too much.
• You may need extra time to get used to new things.

Literal Interpretation and Communication

You may understand words in a direct way. Many autistic people take words just as they are said. This happens because your brain may not always guess what someone means beyond the words. You might find jokes, sarcasm, or sayings confusing.

Research shows autistic kids can use predictive processing for language, but they may not do it as well. This can make it harder to understand hidden meanings or social hints.

Practical Implications

Supporting Sensory Needs

You can help your senses by making your space calm and steady. Predictive processing theory says your brain feels safe when it knows what will happen. If you feel overwhelmed a lot, you might need changes that help your brain guess better.

• Make routines and keep them the same so you know what is coming.
• Use spaces that fit your sensory needs. For example, you may like soft lights or quiet rooms.
• Practice moving your body in real life. Doing things over and over, like tying shoes or brushing teeth, helps your brain learn what comes next.
• Try activities like horseback riding. These can help many autistic kids feel less bothered by sounds or touch.
• Look into therapies like Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy. This uses movement and play to help you with sensory information.

Small things, like noise-canceling headphones or soft clothes, can help you feel better every day.

Reducing Uncertainty

Not knowing what will happen can make you feel worried or stressed. When things are not clear, your brain may have trouble guessing what comes next. Making things more certain can help you feel calm and ready to learn.

You can make things more certain by using picture schedules, clear steps, and talking about changes before they happen. These things help your brain feel more in control.

Learning and Communication Strategies

You may find it hard to use clues or guess what someone will say. Predictive processing theory says you might need extra help to learn these skills. Teachers and families can help by giving you more time to answer and by using simple, clear words.

Practicing talking and using pictures can also make learning and talking easier. When you practice guessing what comes next in both senses and words, you can feel more sure and understand better.

Research and Other Theories

Experimental Evidence

In the last ten years, scientists have studied predictive processing in autism much more. They found that autistic people have both strengths and challenges with prediction.

Some studies show that autistic people have trouble with sensory and social prediction. But not all prediction skills are weaker. In some visual tasks, autistic people do as well as others. In listening tasks, it can be harder to use what you hear and what you already know. This makes it tough to guess what will happen next in sounds or talking.

Researchers also learned that autistic people may find it hard to guess what others will do or say. You might not know when someone will talk next or if you can trust them. Not every autistic person has the same problems. Some people have more trouble with prediction than others. This means autism is different for everyone.

There are still things we do not know. Some studies show results that do not match what we expect. Many scientists say we need to learn more about these differences. They also say most studies do not include all autistic people or look at the therapies they use.

Comparing Predictive Processing to Other Autism Theories

You might wonder how predictive processing is different from other ideas about autism. The Theory of Mind idea says autistic people have trouble knowing what others think or feel.

Predictive processing adds that it can be hard to use what you know about people to guess what they will do. This makes social times less clear and can cause confusion.

Another idea, called Weak Central Coherence, says you focus on details but miss the big picture. Predictive processing explains that you may pay more attention to small things because your brain thinks they matter more. You might see small changes that others do not, but it can be hard to put everything together in social times.

• Predictive processing shows it is hard to use what you know and make guesses.
• Weak Central Coherence is about focusing on details and missing the whole.
• Theory of Mind is about knowing what others think and feel.

Each idea explains a different part of being autistic. Predictive processing helps connect these ideas by showing how your brain makes and changes guesses about the world.

You now know predictive processing explains why you notice sounds or changes. It also shows why routines are important for you. Your brain uses guesses and senses in its own way.

You can use things like social stories or pictures to help you understand. These tools can help you connect with other people. When you talk about your ideas and listen to others, you learn to care and make good friends.

Remember, your way of thinking gives you special strengths.

FAQ

What is predictive processing in simple terms?

Your brain makes guesses about what will happen next. It checks if these guesses match what you see, hear, or feel. This helps you make sense of the world around you.

Why do you like routines if you are autistic?

Routines help you know what will happen. Your brain feels safer when things do not change. If things change, your brain needs more time to catch up. This can make you feel stressed.

How does predictive processing affect your senses?

You might notice sounds, lights, or touches more than others. Your brain may not block out extra things you sense. This can make you feel overwhelmed.

Tip: Headphones or sunglasses can help you feel better when things are too much.

Can predictive processing explain why you take things literally?

Yes. Your brain may pay attention to the exact words people use. You might not guess hidden meanings or jokes as easily. This means you understand language in a direct way.