Accounting for the preference for literal meanings in autism spectrum conditions

Pragmatic difficulties are considered a hallmark of autism spectrum conditions (ASC), but remain poorly understood. We discuss and evaluate existing hypotheses regarding the literalism ASC individuals, that is, their tendency for literal interpretations non-literal communicative intentions. present evidence reveals developmental stage at which neurotypical children also have suggest an explanation such behaviour links it to other behavioural, rule-following, patterns typical age. showing strict adherence rules is widespread in ASC, might be linked rule-following behaviour.