Do You Know What the Weak Central Coherence Theory Is — and How Understanding It Can Help You See Autism Differently?

Understanding My Daughters Through the Weak Central Coherence Theory

Every atypical mother knows that this journey is filled with unique discoveries.
In my case, with Manuela and Milena, it has been a true lesson in love and adaptation.
But I must confess, it’s not easy to understand how they perceive the world.

Some time ago, I learned about the Weak Central Coherence Theory by Uta Frith, and it completely changed the way I see my daughters, and autism itself.

What Is the Weak Central Coherence Theory?

The Weak Central Coherence Theory, developed by Uta Frith in 1989, suggests that people on the autism spectrum tend to focus on details rather than perceiving the whole picture.

A practical example:
While most people see a tree as a complete image, leaves, branches, and trunk, a person with weak central coherence might focus only on the leaves, overlooking the rest.

This characteristic can be a strength in situations that require attention to detail, but it also brings challenges in tasks that demand a more integrated perspective.

Understanding this helped me recognize the unique ways my girls perceive the world, and, I admit, even taught me something about myself.

How It Shows Up in My Daughters

Manuela: The Invisible Focus on Details

Manuela, my youngest daughter, is level 3 autistic and nonverbal.
Since she was little, I’ve noticed how her attention to detail shapes the way she interacts with the world.

One striking example:
Once, at the supermarket, Manuela began pulling at the lower shelf in the candy section.
I assumed she wanted chocolate and offered her several options, none of them worked.

After a few moments of frustration, I decided to let her out of the cart.
She went straight to the last shelf and found a strawberry lollipop hidden among other products.
That was exactly what she wanted.

What amazed me most was that when I later offered her two more lollipops, she refused.
She had already achieved her goal, just one.

That experience taught me to see the world through her perspective: what seems insignificant to me can be crystal-clear and meaningful to her.

Milena: The Storyteller

Milena, my eldest, is level 2 autistic.
She has an extraordinary talent for storytelling, she paints with words, describing colors, smells, gestures, and places in detail.
But when I ask her about the meaning or moral of her story, she gets lost.

Milena also learned to mask emotions in social situations, imitating behaviors to fit in.
That effort, however, is emotionally exhausting. and often invisible to others.

When I mention that she is autistic, people often respond:
“She doesn’t look autistic!”
A common, and painful, phrase that reflects the lack of understanding about the spectrum.

Strategies Inspired by the Theory

Based on the Weak Central Coherence Theory, I developed and refined strategies to support my daughters, valuing their strengths while helping them navigate their challenges.
Some I used intuitively, but understanding the theory brought clarity and purpose.
Maybe they can inspire other parents, too.

1. Break Down Complex Tasks

Example:
To teach Manuela how to complete puzzles, I started by showing one piece at a time.
At first, she showed no interest.
Then, I chose an image she liked, completed most of the puzzle, and left a few missing pieces.

That triggered her attention, because for someone who perceives details, the missing pieces stand out.
Today, she loves puzzles, but before, she completely ignored them.

2. Use Mind Maps

Example:
With Milena, while she was in elementary school, we created mind maps to study.
We started with a central topic (“The Solar System”), and then drew branches with key words like planets, sun, and gravity.

The visual connections helped her see the big picture without losing herself in the details.
Colors, stickers, and drawings made learning more engaging and fun.

3. Clear and Objective Communication

Example:
With Manuela, I use short phrases like “Bath now” or “Time to eat,” always paired with gestures or images.
This reduces anxiety and provides predictability.
I also use PECS cards to indicate choices or activities.

With Milena, who speaks well but often gets lost in long explanations, I use a three-step method:
“First you draw, then write the title, and finally, color.”
It helps her organize her thoughts and understand the goal.

4. Avoid Information Overload

Example:
When teaching Milena a new habit, I divide it into small steps.
When she was learning to use a planner, first I taught her only how to write down tasks.
Then, how to use colors for priorities.
Finally, how to review her notes daily.

With Manuela, when introducing a new toy, I let her explore one feature at a time, so she doesn’t feel overwhelmed by too many stimuli at once.

5. Encourage Unique Interests

Example:
Manuela loves textures, fabrics, grains, dough.
To teach her numbers, I created a sensory tray with colored sand and hid plastic numbers inside.
She would find a number and then trace it in the sand with her finger.

With Milena, who loves stories, I used that passion to introduce school subjects, for example, explaining science concepts through characters she already knew.

Final Reflection

Understanding the Weak Central Coherence Theory has helped me create and recreate strategies with intention and foundation.
Before, I often felt lost.
Now, this knowledge allows me to see with more clarity and purpose.

Life with them teaches me that there isn’t just one way to understand or interact with the world.
Each autistic child is a universe, and supporting their journeys is a continuous learning experience.

If you live or work with autistic individuals, I hope my experience inspires new ways to connect, teach, and understand.

Remember: valuing the details while helping to connect the whole is one of the keys to building an inclusive and loving environment.
After all, every child on the spectrum is unique, and special.