Why autistic people Often Have a Heightened Sense of Justice

You may notice that autistic people have a strong autistic sense of justice. This is because their brains prefer clear rules and patterns, leading them to often view situations as either right or wrong.

Fairness is incredibly important to them. Different parts of the brain contribute to understanding social cues and empathy.

Here is a table that illustrates the functions of these brain areas:

Your own life experiences also influence how you respond to unfairness, which can intensify your feelings.

Key Takeaways

• Autistic people really care about fairness and rules. They want things to be fair for everyone. They like when rules are clear and easy to follow.
• Cognitive rigidity makes it hard for them to handle rule changes. This can cause strong feelings when rules change. Justice sensitivity means they notice unfair things more than others. They may feel upset when they see unfairness.
• Black-and-white thinking helps them understand the world. But it can make their feelings about fairness very strong. Autistic people often stand up for fairness. They challenge unfair rules and help people who are treated badly.
• Clear talk about rules helps them feel safe and understood. Empathy in autistic people can look different. It is often guided by a strong sense of fairness. Teaching others about autism and fairness helps everyone feel included.

Autistic Sense of Justice

You might notice that your sense of justice is very strong. You care a lot about fairness and inclusion. When you see something unfair, you want to fix it.

Many experts call this justice sensitivity. You may feel upset when you see injustice. Sometimes, you think about unfair things for a long time.

Cognitive Rigidity

Cognitive rigidity affects how you see justice. It can be hard for you to change your mind. You may struggle to accept new rules. This happens more in autistic people than others.

Studies show autistic teens have more trouble with flexibility. This can make it tough to control your feelings. It can also make it hard to watch your own actions.

Cognitive rigidity makes you focus on rules and fairness. You may get upset when people break rules or act unfairly.

Strict Rule Interpretation

You often want rules to be clear and followed. If someone breaks a rule, you may feel it is unfair. Your brain likes clear information. You may not understand jokes or metaphors easily. You prefer rules that stay the same.

Black-and-White Thinking

You may see things as right or wrong. This helps you understand the world. You want things to be fair and predictable. When someone breaks a rule, you may feel strong emotions. You may think every unfair thing should be fixed.

• Autistic teens have more trouble with flexibility than others.
• Trouble with flexibility can make it hard to control feelings and actions.
• Parents say autistic kids with less flexibility show more outward and inward symptoms.

Patterns and Order

Patterns and order are important to your sense of justice. You like things to be organized and predictable. This helps you feel safe and calm. When things follow a pattern, you know what will happen.

Preference for Predictability

You like routines and clear rules. Changes or broken rules can make you feel worried. You value fairness because it helps life feel orderly. You want everyone to follow the same rules.

Impact on Fairness

Your need for order affects how you see fairness. You may score higher on fairness tests than others. Studies show autistic people, especially girls, score higher on fairness. You may care more about fairness because you notice patterns and want things to be equal.

Your strong sense of justice helps you stand up for what is right. You want everyone to be treated fairly. This trait is a key part of being autistic. It shapes how you think, feel, and act.

Sensitivity to Fairness

You might notice that fairness is very important to you. This shapes how you look at the world. Many autistic people feel this way.

It connects to their strong sense of justice. When you see something unfair, you may feel strong emotions. You might want to do something to fix it.

Justice Sensitivity

Justice sensitivity means you notice unfair things more than others. You may react strongly when someone is treated badly. You may also react when rules are broken. Many autistic people say they feel upset by injustice. Some experts call this Justice Sensitive Dysphoria (JSD). JSD means you might feel angry or hopeless when you see unfairness.

• Justice sensitivity means you notice and react to unfair actions.
• Autistic people often feel more upset by injustice.
• Justice Sensitive Dysphoria (JSD) is feeling hopeless or angry about unfairness.

Emotional Responses

Your feelings about unfairness can be very strong. You may feel sad, angry, or confused when you see injustice. Studies show autistic people feel more upset than others. The table below shows how satisfied autistic and non-autistic people feel:

You may get more upset by unfairness than other people. This can make you want to speak up or help others.

Advocacy for Equity

Your strong feelings about fairness can make you stand up for others. You may challenge unfair rules or speak out. You want everyone to have the same chances. This is a big part of the autistic sense of justice.

Moral Compass

Your moral compass helps you make choices. You may judge things by clear rules and fairness. Research shows autistic people answer moral questions differently than others.

• Autistic kids say they feel sad and unsure more than others.
• This might be because of higher rates of alexithymia in autistic people.

Empathy and Distress

You may feel empathy in a special way. Your empathy often comes from following rules. You care a lot about fairness. You may feel upset by stories about cruelty or mistreatment.

Digby Tantam, a British psychiatrist, says autistic people care about cruelty in the world. They may show strong feelings when they hear about injustice.

Tito Mukhopadhyay, a nonverbal autistic author, writes about living beings with deep feelings. This shows empathy can look different for everyone.

Desire to Correct Injustice

Your empathy and moral compass make you want to fix unfair things. You may feel a strong need to help. You might speak out or help people who are treated unfairly. This comes from your autistic sense of justice and your wish to make the world fairer.

Focus on Facts

You like to use facts and clear rules to decide what is fair. This helps you know what is right or wrong. When you see something happen, you look for clear rules to judge if it is fair.

You want people to follow rules and social norms closely. If someone breaks a rule, you might feel confused or upset. For example, if a teacher bullies a student, you may feel very upset. This is because it goes against what you think teachers should do.

Clarity in Rules

Clear-Cut Standards

You like rules that are simple and easy to follow. Black-and-white thinking makes you want everyone to follow these rules exactly. You want people to know what is expected and act that way. This helps you feel safe and sure in social situations.

• You have a strong sense of justice and fairness.
• You want people to follow rules and social norms closely.
• When people break rules, you can feel confused or upset.
• You may get upset when someone acts unfairly or breaks a rule.

Challenges with Ambiguity

When rules are not clear, life can be hard for you. If rules change without warning, you may feel worried or upset. You might have trouble if rules change and no one explains why. Unwritten social rules can be confusing because they do not match what you learned.

You may find it hard to trust people who do not always follow rules. This can make it tough to feel safe in groups or with friends.

Direct Communication

Expressing Fairness Concerns

You like to speak clearly about fairness. You say what you mean and do not use hints. This helps you share your thoughts in a simple way. You want others to know how you feel without guessing.

• You like to speak directly and not use hints.
• It is easier for you to talk about fairness when you are clear.
• Some people may think you are rude, but you care about honesty.

Navigating Misunderstandings

Sometimes, people do not understand your way of talking. You may have trouble knowing what others really mean. This can make it hard to know what is fair in a group. Sometimes, you think people are unfair when you do not understand their actions.

• You may not always understand what others mean or feel.
• Trouble with theory of mind and executive functioning can make fair choices harder.
• Kids and teens with autism can find it hard to make friends or work with others.
• Not understanding fairness can lead to bullying or feeling sad.
• You may get upset by unfairness because you do not know what others mean.

You use facts and clear words to decide what is fair. You want rules to be clear and people to be honest. This helps you stand up for what is right, even if others do not see things your way.

Authority and Social Norms

Questioning Authority

You do not always respect authority just because of a title. You look for real reasons to trust someone. You care about things like honesty, knowledge, or creativity.

When you see a rule that feels unfair, you want to know why it exists. You care more about what is right than who is in charge.

Conflicts with Unjust Rules

You may have problems with leaders when they use unfair rules. Your autistic sense of justice makes you question these rules. You want to know the reason behind them. If a rule hurts someone or is not equal, you may feel upset and speak up.

Challenging Systems

You often try to change systems that are not fair. You ask questions or suggest new ideas. This can sometimes cause trouble with teachers or bosses. But your actions can help others by making rules better for everyone.

Navigating Norms

You may find unwritten social rules hard to understand. Neurotypical people expect you to know these hidden rules. These rules are not always clear.

• Neurotypical people often have secret expectations and do not explain them.
• These rules are not always followed the same way, so rule-makers avoid blame.

As one advocate said, “Allistic people don’t make rules. Instead, they create expectation traps for those of us who can’t ‘read between the lines.’”

The “hidden curriculum” means these secret social rules. You may not notice these rules unless someone tells you. For example, you might not know when to talk in a group or how to act at a party. This can make social times confusing or stressful.

Struggles with Social Expectations

You may feel upset when people want you to follow rules they never explain. If someone gets mad at you for breaking a secret rule, you might feel confused or left out. These problems can make it hard to fit in or feel welcome.

Promoting Inclusion

You use your voice to help everyone feel included. You teach others about autism and neurodiversity. You tell people to include autistic people in all parts of life. You help make a community where everyone belongs.

• You teach others about autism and fairness.
• You tell people to include everyone at school, work, and in the community.
• You help others listen to autistic voices and learn from their stories.

Your advocacy helps people see autism in a new way. By sharing your story, you show the strengths of autistic people. You help make a world where fairness and inclusion are important to everyone.

Real-Life Impact

Your sense of justice affects your life every day. You notice unfair things at school, work, home, and in your neighborhood. This strong feeling helps you make choices and decide what to do.

Daily Experiences

School and Work

Rules and fairness are very important to you at school and work. If someone breaks a rule or treats you badly, you feel upset. You want things to be fair for everyone. Sometimes, you speak up for yourself or others, even if it is hard.

The person felt tricked by an estate agent. Because of their strong sense of justice, they worked hard to fight unfair charges. It was about doing what is right, not about money.

You might spend extra time making sure your work is right. You check facts and follow directions carefully. If rules change and no one tells you, you can feel confused or worried. You want clear rules so you know what will happen.

Family and Community

Your sense of justice also matters at home. You notice if someone gets special treatment or if rules are not the same for everyone.

You speak up when you see something unfair. In your neighborhood, you might join groups that help make things fair or help people who feel left out.

Relationships

Building Trust

You build trust by being honest and loyal. People know you tell the truth and stick to your values. Your strong moral compass helps you make good choices. Sometimes, your beliefs are different from others, but you are a good friend or partner because you say what you mean.

People with autism often have a strong moral compass and care a lot about fairness. This can cause problems with friends or family if their beliefs are not the same. Their strict ideas about right and wrong can make talking with others harder. But their honesty and loyalty help people trust them, because they always say what they believe.

Managing Conflict

Arguments can be tough for you because your feelings are strong. You may feel sad or embarrassed when someone does not agree with you. These feelings can make you want to leave or fight back.

• You often feel strong emotions during arguments, like sadness or shame.
• These feelings can make you want to run away or fight, which makes solving problems harder.
• You might stay away from arguments because you do not want to feel different or wrong, so you try to protect yourself.

Empathy helps you deal with arguments. You learn that understanding how someone feels does not mean you have to agree.

• Empathy helps calm things down, even if you see things in a different way.
• Knowing that empathy is not the same as agreeing helps you handle arguments better.

Your sense of justice helps you every day, with friends, and when you have problems. You use your voice to stand up for fairness, build trust, and find new ways to solve problems.

Value and Challenges

Positive Contributions

Promoting Fairness

You help make the world more fair. You notice when things are not equal. You speak up if someone is treated badly. You ask questions about rules that seem wrong. People watch what you do and start to think about fairness.

Your words are important. When you stand up for fairness, you help others feel safe.

You help make rules that include everyone. You remind people that fairness means respect for all. Your actions make others think about what is right.

Inspiring Others

You inspire people with your care for justice. Friends and family see your honesty and bravery. You show them how to stand up for what is right. You teach others that it is good to speak out against unfairness.

• You help classmates be kind to each other.
• You encourage coworkers to follow fair rules.
• You help your community be more welcoming.

Your example helps others speak up too. People feel braver when they see you fight for fairness.

Emotional Dysregulation

Coping Strategies

Sometimes, your strong feelings about fairness are hard to handle. You may feel angry, sad, or upset when you see unfairness. These feelings can be very strong, but you can learn ways to deal with them.

Here are some helpful ideas:

• Remind yourself it is okay to feel upset about unfairness.
• Take care of yourself. Sleep well, eat healthy, and take breaks.
• Try calming techniques like mindfulness or writing in a journal.
• Think of your justice sensitivity as a strength you can use to help.
• Talk to people who understand and share your feelings.

You can make life less stressful by having clear rules at home, school, or work. Safe places for advocacy let you help others without feeling too stressed. Remember to be kind to yourself and take care of your needs.

Educating Others

You help people learn why fairness is important. You tell your story and explain how unfairness makes you feel. When you share your feelings, others learn to respect your view.

You teach classmates, coworkers, and family about autism and justice. Your words help people be kinder and reduce stigma. When you teach others, you help everyone support each other.

Supporting Autistic Justice

Advocacy

Empowering Voices

You can help by listening to autistic people’s stories. Share what you learn with others. Many groups work to make sure autistic voices are heard.

People use social media to talk about justice and fairness. You can join these talks and support their ideas. Here are some ways to help autistic voices:

• Listen to stories from autistic people.
• Support groups that fight for autistic rights and give help.
• Share posts and articles that show autistic views.
• Encourage autistic people to speak up at meetings and events.
• Challenge stereotypes and ask for fair rules.

The Autism Justice Center tries to change laws so autistic people are treated fairly. They teach judges and lawyers about autism. You can help by learning about their work and telling others.

Inclusive Environments

You can help make places more welcoming for autistic people. Simple changes help everyone feel safe and included. For example, use clear words and offer quiet spaces. Change how you talk to match different needs. The table below shows ways to make places more inclusive:

You can ask for sensory-friendly spaces at school or work. You can also help others learn why these changes are important.

Understanding

Educating Peers

You can teach your friends and classmates about autism and justice. Workshops and talks help people learn the facts.

Share materials that explain how autistic people see fairness. Join talks to clear up myths and help others understand. Here are some ways to teach your friends:

• Watch experts to learn how to be good friends to autistic people.
• Follow autistic people over time to see how their needs change.
• Think about your actions and help others become allies.

Reducing Stigma

You can help stop stigma by sharing facts and showing respect. Training programs help people learn more about autism. When people know more, they treat autistic people better. The table below shows how learning can change attitudes:

Some places have more stereotypes and less respect for autistic people. You can help by teaching others and being kind. When you speak up, you help make your community more welcoming.

You feel a strong sense of justice because your brain likes clear rules and patterns. Things like cognitive rigidity, justice sensitivity, and empathy shape how you see fairness.

Studies show you often stand up for what is right, even if others do not. You help make things better by following your beliefs and not just doing what the group does. Your choices inspire people and help build better communities.

• Autistic people often help make changes at school and work.
• You follow your values, not just what others want.
• Doing what you believe is right helps your community.

You add something special to the world by supporting fairness and including everyone. People can learn from how you see things and help you work for justice.

FAQ

What does “heightened sense of justice” mean for autistic people?

You notice unfairness quickly. You care deeply about rules and fairness. You want everyone to follow the same standards. You often speak up when you see injustice.

Why do you feel upset when someone breaks a rule?

Your brain likes clear rules. You feel safe when rules stay the same. When someone breaks a rule, you may feel confused or angry. You want things to be fair.

How can you explain your sense of justice to others?

You can use simple words. Share personal stories. Tell people why fairness matters to you. Use examples from your life. People learn best when you speak clearly.

Do all autistic people have the same sense of justice?

No, everyone is different. Many autistic people care about fairness, but some may not react as strongly. Your experiences shape how you feel about justice.

What helps you cope with strong feelings about unfairness?

You can try deep breathing or writing in a journal. You may talk to someone you trust. You can use calming activities. Taking breaks helps you feel better.

How do you handle unwritten social rules?

You can ask for clear explanations. You may need reminders or written lists. You can talk to friends or teachers for help. Practice helps you learn hidden rules.

Can your sense of justice help others?

Yes! You inspire people to be fair. You help make rules better. You stand up for those who need support. Your actions teach others about kindness and respect.