July 25, 2025 • 11 mins
Every person deserves the opportunity to know Christ, grow in Him and serve Him with the gifts He has given, regardless of their ability. The church is missing 80% of the 65 million Americans who have disabilities, and understanding structured logical thinking in autism can help bridge this gap.
• Structured logical thinking in autism involves preference for order, routine, and predictability
• People with autism often excel in attention to detail, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning
• Behaviors that may seem rigid are often expressions of needs rather than defiance or manipulation
• Resistance to change and literal interpretation of language are common characteristics
• Supporting individuals with autism requires consistent routines, clear communication, and respect for special interests
• Creating sensory-friendly environments helps reduce stress and anxiety
• Building authentic relationships with empathy and understanding leads people to Jesus
• Recognizing different thinking patterns as valuable expressions of neurodiversity enhances ministry
For deeper dives into these topics and more, check out indispensable-people.com and visit Amazon to purchase the books The Indispensable Kid and Gospel Accessibility and the Indispensable People.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Hi, my name is Tracy Correll and welcome to
Indispensable People.
I'm a wife, mom, teacher,pastor and missionary and I
believe that every person shouldhave the opportunity to know
Christ, grow in Him and serveHim with the gifts that he has
given, no matter their ability.
Over 65 million Americans havea disability.
That's 25% of the population.
(00:26):
However, over 80% of them arenot inside the walls of our
church.
Let's dive into those hardtopics, biblical foundations,
perceptions and welcome to thisepisode of Indispensable People.
(00:54):
Today I'm excited to talk to youabout diving into the world of
structured logical thinking, inparticular with individuals with
autism.
Logical thinking, in particularwith individuals with autism.
Our aim today is to unravel howthis unique cognitive process
influences behavior and how wecan respond with empathy and
(01:16):
understanding, recognizing thatsuch behaviors are often
expressions of needs rather thanmere acts of defiance or
indulgence.
And let's kind of dive into alittle bit more specific.
Structured logical thinking iskind of a hallmark of autism
(01:38):
spectrum disorder.
It refers to preference fororder, routine and
predictability.
It refers to preference fororder, routine and
predictability, and individualswith autism often excel in
logical reasoning, focusing ondetails and identifying patterns
, and this can kind of come outin a strong adherence to those
routines or particular ways ofdoing things, which might seem
(02:03):
really rigid, especially tothose who are not familiar with
autism at all.
So here are some of thecharacteristics of that
structured logical thinking.
First is the attention todetail.
Many individuals with autismhave exceptional ability to
notice details that others mightoverlook.
It is kind of a detailed, adetail-oriented approach that
(02:28):
can lead to deeper understandingof specific subjects or
interests.
And that's where you really seethe capitalization of the topic
of neurodiversity, where yousee the things that are going on
with someone with autism andhow their brain thinks
differently.
(02:49):
But that becomes a highlight tothe things that they're
learning and they're thinkingand a benefit to themselves and
those around them and theintelligence that comes with it.
Another step to this structuredlogical thinking is pattern
recognition.
People with autism often excelat recognizing patterns, which
(03:10):
can make them particularlyskilled in areas like
mathematics or music andcomputer programming.
Another thing to consider isthe preference for routine, and
it provides a sense of safetyand predictability.
Deviations from routine cancause discomfort or anxiety as
(03:31):
they disrupt the logical flowthat the individual has come to
rely on.
So when I'm telling you thisand I'm sharing these
characteristics with youimmediately makes me think of
(03:52):
the character Sean from the GoodDoctor, who, incredibly
intelligent but very rigid andstructured on routines, not
necessarily catching the socialaspects of different things, and
having to kind of learn his wayaround that.
Now, with this all in mind, Iwant you to please understand
(04:15):
that this does not describeevery person with autism.
It does not set the stage ofevery person's experience, every
person's level of intelligenceand need for these different
characteristics.
This is a generalization and itis kind of a wide range and
(04:37):
just as autism is a spectrum,for a reason it really hits so
many different things that arenot going to identify all of
those characteristics for eachperson.
So we want to understand how thestructured logical thinking
influences behavior right,because especially when we're
(04:59):
raising kids or we're disciplingyoung people, we are looking to
behavior and we're wanting tomodify some of that behavior,
grow and mature it, and a lot oftimes our reactions to certain
behaviors are based on what weunderstand.
(05:22):
The generalization of thebehaviors is and typically a
child behaves in a certain wayto achieve a goal right.
A child behaves in a certainway to achieve a goal right and
what we need to understand isthat is not always going to line
up and be the case with someonethat lives this logical
thinking way of life.
(05:43):
It is not just going to be amanipulation or a reaching of a
goal or something like that.
It is because it is outside ofthat logical, rigid thinking,
and so then they don't know whatto do with it, they don't know
how to handle themselves or theydon't know how to get through
the process that you're leadingthem through without having that
(06:06):
rigid, structured thinking.
So you're going to see aresistance to change.
Changes in routines orenvironments can be really
challenging.
This resistance is not aboutbeing stubborn, but rather about
the discomfort of theunpredictability.
You also might see a high focuson interest, because that
(06:29):
interest, engaging deeply withthese interests, can be a source
of joy and comfort for them.
We also want to take intoconsideration literal
interpretation, whereindividuals with autism may
interpret language andsituations literally.
This can lead to bigmisunderstandings, especially if
(06:51):
figurative language or sarcasmis used.
So how can we respond?
How can we step into the worldof structured logical thinking
and help?
Especially when we seebehaviors in individuals with
autism differently that might bedue to this, it's essential to
(07:15):
interpret them through the lensof the structured logical
thinking.
So let's talk about somestrategies to support Number one
.
We want to embrace routine, so,whenever possible, maintain
consistent routines.
We've talked about this acrossthe board.
Whether it's an intellectualdisability, anxiety, adhd,
autism, this is beneficial foreveryone across the board.
(07:39):
If changes are necessary, wewant to provide clear
explanations and advance noticeto help with the transitions.
We want to respect specialinterests, encourage and
validate them.
We want to utilize them aspowerful tools for learning and
engagement.
We want to have clearcommunication, direct language,
(08:01):
avoid idioms and figurativespeech that might be
misinterpreted.
We also want to provide choices.
When we offer choices, weempower those individuals by
giving them a sense of control,reducing anxiety that comes with
decision making.
We also want to always consider, with all of these things,
(08:23):
sensory considerations, beingmindful of those sensitivities.
Loud noises, bright lights,crowded spaces creating a
sensory friendly environment canreally help reduce stress.
And in all of that, we want torecognize the communication
needs.
It's crucial to recognize thatbehaviors stemming from
(08:45):
structural logical thinking areoften ways of communicating
needs, rather than viewing theseas behaviors such as, you know,
spoiled.
They're just getting what wewant, demanding that kind of
thing.
We want to listen actively andpay attention to both verbal and
nonverbal cues, because thosebehaviors are often forms of
(09:06):
communication, expressing thoseneeds, whether it's discomfort
or whatever it might be.
We want to empathize, we wantto put ourselves in their shoes,
we want to imagine how it mightfeel to navigate their world
that seems unpredictable andoften overwhelming.
And we want to collaborate.
We want to work together withthe individual, also with their
(09:27):
parents or their caregivers, tohelp really foster that
supportive environment.
Understanding and appreciatingthe structured logical thinking
of individuals with autismallows us to respond with
empathy and respect, and thoseare key in relationship building
.
And relationship building leadsto Jesus and that is how we
(09:49):
bring more of the indispensablepeople into the family of God,
and that is our goal.
So let's do that.
Let's take into considerationthis structured logical thinking
, how it can impact the way thatwe interact, how those who we
are interacting with behave, andhow we can build true,
(10:11):
authentic relationships withpeople who need Jesus and just
might think about it in adifferent way than you or I Do.
I know everything aboutdisability ministry.
Do I have all the answers?
Have I done everythingperfectly?
I have absolutely not, but weare going to continue this
conversation so that people ofall abilities can have the
(10:35):
opportunity to know Christ, growin Him and serve Him with the
gifts that he has given them.
For deeper dives into thesetopics and more, check out
indispensablepeoplecom and visitAmazon to purchase the books
the Indispensable Kid and Gospel.
Accessibility and theIndispensable People.
Hi, my name is Tracy Correll and welcome to
Indispensable People.
I'm a wife, mom, teacher,pastor and missionary and I
believe that every person shouldhave the opportunity to know
Christ, grow in Him and serveHim with the gifts that he has
given, no matter their ability.
Over 65 million Americans havea disability.
That's 25% of the population.
(00:26):
However, over 80% of them arenot inside the walls of our
church.
Let's dive into those hardtopics, biblical foundations,
perceptions and welcome to thisepisode of Indispensable People.
(00:54):
Today I'm excited to talk to youabout diving into the world of
structured logical thinking, inparticular with individuals with
autism.
Logical thinking, in particularwith individuals with autism.
Our aim today is to unravel howthis unique cognitive process
influences behavior and how wecan respond with empathy and
(01:16):
understanding, recognizing thatsuch behaviors are often
expressions of needs rather thanmere acts of defiance or
indulgence.
And let's kind of dive into alittle bit more specific.
Structured logical thinking iskind of a hallmark of autism
(01:38):
spectrum disorder.
It refers to preference fororder, routine and
predictability.
It refers to preference fororder, routine and
predictability, and individualswith autism often excel in
logical reasoning, focusing ondetails and identifying patterns
, and this can kind of come outin a strong adherence to those
routines or particular ways ofdoing things, which might seem
(02:03):
really rigid, especially tothose who are not familiar with
autism at all.
So here are some of thecharacteristics of that
structured logical thinking.
First is the attention todetail.
Many individuals with autismhave exceptional ability to
notice details that others mightoverlook.
It is kind of a detailed, adetail-oriented approach that
(02:28):
can lead to deeper understandingof specific subjects or
interests.
And that's where you really seethe capitalization of the topic
of neurodiversity, where yousee the things that are going on
with someone with autism andhow their brain thinks
differently.
(02:49):
But that becomes a highlight tothe things that they're
learning and they're thinkingand a benefit to themselves and
those around them and theintelligence that comes with it.
Another step to this structuredlogical thinking is pattern
recognition.
People with autism often excelat recognizing patterns, which
(03:10):
can make them particularlyskilled in areas like
mathematics or music andcomputer programming.
Another thing to consider isthe preference for routine, and
it provides a sense of safetyand predictability.
Deviations from routine cancause discomfort or anxiety as
(03:31):
they disrupt the logical flowthat the individual has come to
rely on.
So when I'm telling you thisand I'm sharing these
characteristics with youimmediately makes me think of
(03:52):
the character Sean from the GoodDoctor, who, incredibly
intelligent but very rigid andstructured on routines, not
necessarily catching the socialaspects of different things, and
having to kind of learn his wayaround that.
Now, with this all in mind, Iwant you to please understand
(04:15):
that this does not describeevery person with autism.
It does not set the stage ofevery person's experience, every
person's level of intelligenceand need for these different
characteristics.
This is a generalization and itis kind of a wide range and
(04:37):
just as autism is a spectrum,for a reason it really hits so
many different things that arenot going to identify all of
those characteristics for eachperson.
So we want to understand how thestructured logical thinking
influences behavior right,because especially when we're
(04:59):
raising kids or we're disciplingyoung people, we are looking to
behavior and we're wanting tomodify some of that behavior,
grow and mature it, and a lot oftimes our reactions to certain
behaviors are based on what weunderstand.
(05:22):
The generalization of thebehaviors is and typically a
child behaves in a certain wayto achieve a goal right.
A child behaves in a certainway to achieve a goal right and
what we need to understand isthat is not always going to line
up and be the case with someonethat lives this logical
thinking way of life.
(05:43):
It is not just going to be amanipulation or a reaching of a
goal or something like that.
It is because it is outside ofthat logical, rigid thinking,
and so then they don't know whatto do with it, they don't know
how to handle themselves or theydon't know how to get through
the process that you're leadingthem through without having that
(06:06):
rigid, structured thinking.
So you're going to see aresistance to change.
Changes in routines orenvironments can be really
challenging.
This resistance is not aboutbeing stubborn, but rather about
the discomfort of theunpredictability.
You also might see a high focuson interest, because that
(06:29):
interest, engaging deeply withthese interests, can be a source
of joy and comfort for them.
We also want to take intoconsideration literal
interpretation, whereindividuals with autism may
interpret language andsituations literally.
This can lead to bigmisunderstandings, especially if
(06:51):
figurative language or sarcasmis used.
So how can we respond?
How can we step into the worldof structured logical thinking
and help?
Especially when we seebehaviors in individuals with
autism differently that might bedue to this, it's essential to
(07:15):
interpret them through the lensof the structured logical
thinking.
So let's talk about somestrategies to support Number one
.
We want to embrace routine, so,whenever possible, maintain
consistent routines.
We've talked about this acrossthe board.
Whether it's an intellectualdisability, anxiety, adhd,
autism, this is beneficial foreveryone across the board.
(07:39):
If changes are necessary, wewant to provide clear
explanations and advance noticeto help with the transitions.
We want to respect specialinterests, encourage and
validate them.
We want to utilize them aspowerful tools for learning and
engagement.
We want to have clearcommunication, direct language,
(08:01):
avoid idioms and figurativespeech that might be
misinterpreted.
We also want to provide choices.
When we offer choices, weempower those individuals by
giving them a sense of control,reducing anxiety that comes with
decision making.
We also want to always consider, with all of these things,
(08:23):
sensory considerations, beingmindful of those sensitivities.
Loud noises, bright lights,crowded spaces creating a
sensory friendly environment canreally help reduce stress.
And in all of that, we want torecognize the communication
needs.
It's crucial to recognize thatbehaviors stemming from
(08:45):
structural logical thinking areoften ways of communicating
needs, rather than viewing theseas behaviors such as, you know,
spoiled.
They're just getting what wewant, demanding that kind of
thing.
We want to listen actively andpay attention to both verbal and
nonverbal cues, because thosebehaviors are often forms of
(09:06):
communication, expressing thoseneeds, whether it's discomfort
or whatever it might be.
We want to empathize, we wantto put ourselves in their shoes,
we want to imagine how it mightfeel to navigate their world
that seems unpredictable andoften overwhelming.
And we want to collaborate.
We want to work together withthe individual, also with their
(09:27):
parents or their caregivers, tohelp really foster that
supportive environment.
Understanding and appreciatingthe structured logical thinking
of individuals with autismallows us to respond with
empathy and respect, and thoseare key in relationship building
.
And relationship building leadsto Jesus and that is how we
(09:49):
bring more of the indispensablepeople into the family of God,
and that is our goal.
So let's do that.
Let's take into considerationthis structured logical thinking
, how it can impact the way thatwe interact, how those who we
are interacting with behave, andhow we can build true,
(10:11):
authentic relationships withpeople who need Jesus and just
might think about it in adifferent way than you or I Do.
I know everything aboutdisability ministry.
Do I have all the answers?
Have I done everythingperfectly?
I have absolutely not, but weare going to continue this
conversation so that people ofall abilities can have the
(10:35):
opportunity to know Christ, growin Him and serve Him with the
gifts that he has given them.
For deeper dives into thesetopics and more, check out
indispensablepeoplecom and visitAmazon to purchase the books
the Indispensable Kid and Gospel.
Accessibility and theIndispensable People.
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