Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Thinking: Why Autistic Brains Process the World Differently

Have you ever felt like your brain is just wired differently—like you make connections that others don’t, or that your thought process seems to take a scenic route while everyone else is on the freeway? If so, you’re not alone. Many Autistic and ADHD folks are associative thinkers, meaning our brains don’t just follow a straight line from point A to point B. Instead, we pick up details, patterns, and ideas along the way, building our understanding as we go. This is part of bottom-up thinking, which contrasts with the top-down style that neurotypical brains often lean toward.

There are many ways people process information—analytical, intuitive, logical, creative—the list goes on. No single style is “right” or “wrong,” just different ways of making sense of the world. In this post, we’re focusing on top-down vs. bottom-up thinking and how associative thinking fits into the mix. These thinking styles shape how we absorb, connect, and interpret information, and they often show up differently in Autistic and ADHD brains compared to neurotypical ones. Understanding these differences can help us better communicate, learn, and navigate the world in a way that works with our brains, not against them.

What’s the Deal with Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Thinking?

Imagine you’re putting together a puzzle:

• Top-down thinking is like starting with the picture on the box—you already know what it’s supposed to look like, and you fit the pieces into that existing framework.

• Bottom-up thinking is like dumping out the pieces, studying each one, and figuring out how they connect based on patterns and colors before seeing the full picture.

Many neurotypical people rely on top-down thinking because it’s efficient—it lets them use past experiences, generalizations, and expectations to quickly interpret new information. Meanwhile, many neurodivergent brains lean toward bottom-up thinking, meaning we take in raw data, analyze it, and build understanding from scratch.

All Brains Are Naturally Associative

All human brains are wired to be associative—it’s how we learn, make sense of new information, and navigate the world. But modern education systems and workplaces often emphasize top-down thinking. From an early age, we’re taught to categorize, follow structured learning paths, and rely on pre-established knowledge rather than forming our own connections.

For neurodivergent folks, this structured approach can feel limiting. When we allow ourselves to embrace our natural associative thinking, we often uncover deeper insights and creative solutions that might not fit into conventional frameworks.

How Autistic and ADHD Brains Process Information

For those of us with Autistic or ADHD brains, bottom-up and associative thinking go hand in hand. Here’s how this might show up in everyday life:

• You notice details others miss – Your brain picks up on subtle changes, inconsistencies, or unusual patterns that others might overlook.

• Your thoughts jump between ideas – To others, it might seem like you’re going off on a tangent, but in your head, the connections make perfect sense.

• You struggle with vague instructions – Phrases like “just use common sense” or “do it like last time” might not be helpful because you need concrete details.

• You take longer to process and respond – Since you’re sorting through raw data rather than relying on assumptions, forming a response can take extra time.

Communication Challenges Between Different Thinkers

One of the biggest challenges in mixed neurotypes is that we’re often thinking in different ways without realizing it. Here’s how that can play out:

How Neurotypical People Might Perceive Neurodivergent Thinking:

• “They give way too much detail.” → (We’re just making sure we have all the necessary context!)

• “They go off on tangents.” → (Our brains naturally connect ideas in unexpected ways.)

• “They take forever to answer.” → (We’re processing deeply instead of relying on assumptions.)

How Neurodivergent People Might Perceive Neurotypical Thinking:

• “They jump to conclusions too fast.” → (They’re relying on past experiences instead of fresh analysis.)

• “They miss important details.” → (They focus on the big picture and don’t always notice the nuance.)

• “They stick to social norms too much.” → (They use scripts and generalizations instead of adapting to each situation.)

It’s not that one way is better than the other—they’re just different ways of processing the world. Understanding this can help us communicate better and avoid unnecessary frustration.

How Associative Thinking Impacts Bias

Bias isn’t just about what we believe—it’s also about how we think. Associative thinking, which is common in bottom-up processors (especially Autistic and ADHD folks), can shape bias in unique ways.

Because associative thinkers process information by making connections between details rather than relying on broad categories, we might be less prone to certain cognitive shortcuts that reinforce stereotypes. For example, instead of assuming something based on generalizations, we might analyze each situation individually, leading to a more nuanced and context-driven perspective.

However, associative thinking can also create its own forms of bias. If our brains strongly link certain experiences, ideas, or emotions together, we might unconsciously prioritize those connections, even if they’re not entirely accurate. For instance, if someone has repeatedly experienced rejection in social settings, their brain may associate similar environments with rejection, even if the context is different.

In contrast, top-down thinkers—who rely more on established patterns—may be more susceptible to confirmation bias, where they quickly apply past experiences to new situations without reassessing the details.

Understanding these cognitive differences can help us be more aware of our biases, challenge assumptions, and remain open to perspectives that don’t immediately fit our existing mental frameworks.

Wrap it up

If you’re Autistic or ADHD, learning about bottom-up and associative thinking can be a game-changer. Instead of feeling like you’re “doing it wrong,” you can start recognizing how your brain actually works and lean into your strengths.

For neurotypicals, understanding these differences can help create more inclusive conversations. Instead of assuming someone is “overexplaining” or “off-topic,” consider that they might be offering insights that a top-down thinker wouldn’t naturally see.

At the end of the day, the world benefits from both styles of thinking. The key is recognizing that different doesn’t mean defective. When we respect and accommodate these differences, we make space for all kinds of brilliant minds to thrive.

Interested in working with us?