Central Coherence in Neurodivergence
Ever feel like your thoughts are spinning in circles or that you’re missing the bigger picture while trying to make sense of it all? You’re not alone. For many people—especially those who are neurodivergent—making sense of the world around them can feel confusing, frustrating, or downright exhausting.
That’s where something called central coherence comes in.
What Is Central Coherence?
Central coherence is your brain’s ability to connect the dots—taking lots of small bits of information and weaving them into a bigger, meaningful picture.
For example, someone with strong central coherence might walk into a forest and immediately think, "Wow, what a beautiful forest." Someone with weaker central coherence might notice the shape of the leaves, the texture of the bark, or the way the light hits the ground—focusing more on the pieces than the whole.
It’s not about being right or wrong—it’s just a different way of processing the world.
Weak Central Coherence and Autism
In autism, this detail-focused way of thinking—known as weak central coherence—is common. It can look like:
Focusing on someone’s mouth when they speak instead of reading their whole facial expression
Struggling to understand the overall point of a story or conversation
Getting stuck on specific details and missing the broader meaning
But here’s the thing: this cognitive style comes with strengths, too.
Strengths of Weak Central Coherence
While it can make generalizing or abstract thinking harder, weak central coherence often comes with:
Incredible attention to detail
Strong memory for facts, numbers, or patterns
Talent in fields like math, science, engineering, music, or art
Many autistic individuals thrive in roles where precision and deep focus are essential.
Signs of Strong vs. Weak Central Coherence
Strong Central Coherence Might Look Like:
Quickly understanding the main point of a conversation or story
Applying what you learn in one situation to other areas of life
Reading the room easily and adapting your behavior
Weak Central Coherence Might Look Like:
Getting lost in the details or facts and missing the takeaway
Telling stories full of rich detail that others find hard to follow
Struggling to summarize what you’ve just read
Needing explicit connections to understand how pieces fit together
Neither is a flaw—it’s just how your brain is wired.
What Causes Weak Central Coherence?
There isn’t one single cause, but a few things might contribute:
Sustained attention difficulties: It's hard to filter and prioritize what’s important
Visual processing differences: Patterns, tone, or subtle differences might not register automatically
Rigid thinking or special interests: Deep focus can sometimes make it harder to shift gears or zoom out
Can You Strengthen Central Coherence?
Yes—while you can’t (and shouldn’t) try to change how your brain works entirely, there are ways to stretch your thinking and support flexible processing.
Ask Yourself Questions
When reading or listening to something, pause and ask: "What’s the big idea here?" or "What’s the main takeaway?" This helps reinforce the connection between the parts and the whole.
Break Down Information Into Chunks
Rather than taking in a huge wall of information, break it into smaller pieces. Focus on one chunk at a time, then try to connect them together.
Use Visual Organizers
Things like flowcharts, diagrams, or bullet-point lists can help you organize and integrate information more clearly.
Routines and Reminders
Use sticky notes, visual schedules, or alarms to stay on track. Routines help reduce decision fatigue and allow your brain to focus on understanding the bigger picture.
Add Structure Wherever You Can
Make lists. Break down tasks. Ask for help if needed. Creating clear, predictable systems can make it easier to process and apply information.
Reduce Distractions
Quiet, calm environments can help you avoid getting sidetracked by sensory input or detail overload. Consider studying, working, or doing tasks in distraction-free spaces.
Celebrate the Benefits of Detail-Oriented Thinking
While you might be working on improving your central coherence, don’t forget that your detail-oriented brain is powerful. People with weak central coherence often:
Notice things others miss
Stay focused on tasks longer
Solve problems in creative, unexpected ways
Excel in roles that require precision and deep analysis
If your brain works differently, that’s not something to fix—it’s something to understand and work with.
Whether you’re autistic, have ADHD, or just find yourself stuck in the weeds sometimes, knowing how central coherence works can give you more tools to support your thinking style—and more appreciation for the strengths you already have.
At Sagebrush Counseling, we help neurodivergent clients work with their natural cognitive style—whether that’s improving executive function, understanding how they process information, or finding strategies that actually make life easier.
You don’t need to become someone else. You just need support that meets you where you are.
