A lot of how I think, process information, and make decisions is grounded in logic rather than intuition. I don’t rely comfortably on gut feel alone. My brain looks for evidence, patterns, past outcomes, and a clear chain of reasoning. When that isn’t present, it doesn’t just feel uncomfortable – it feels unsafe.
This aligns closely with the work of psychologist Daniel Kahneman, particularly his distinction between System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 is fast, intuitive, automatic. System 2 is slower, more deliberate, analytical, and effortful. Most people move between the two without realising. My brain, however, lives largely in System 2.
Kahneman’s research showed that intuitive decisions, while quick, are more prone to bias and error, especially under pressure. That’s exactly where my discomfort comes from. When decisions feel rushed, based on assumption, or driven by “experience” without explanation, my brain can’t switch off. It needs to see the working.
This is why I naturally gravitate towards successful experience over intuition. If something has worked before, if data supports it, or if the logic is clear and defensible, that’s where my confidence sits. Evidence creates certainty. Certainty reduces anxiety. Without that, my thoughts loop.
“When I don’t get an explanation, my thoughts loop, my mood drops, and my energy disappears.”
There’s also research showing that autistic individuals rely more heavily on explicit reasoning and less on implicit or intuitive decision-making. Studies have found that autistic cognition often prioritises accuracy, consistency, and rule-based logic over social or intuitive shortcuts. This isn’t a deficit. It’s a different processing style.
“Autistic people are more likely to use deliberate, analytical reasoning rather than intuitive shortcuts.”
De Martino, Harrison & Dolan, 2008
When decisions are explained step by step, especially with evidence or past examples, my nervous system calms. My anxiety drops. My focus returns. Even if I still don’t fully agree with the outcome, understanding the logic gets me most of the way there.
What doesn’t help is being told to “let it go”, “trust the process”, or “move on”. Without logic, my brain simply can’t. It stays alert, scanning for flaws, trying to prevent future problems before they happen.
“Intolerance of uncertainty is strongly associated with anxiety in autistic adults.”
Boulter, Freeston & South, 2014
Understanding this has helped me reframe my own behaviour. I’m not being difficult. I’m not trying to win an argument. I’m trying to make sense of the world in the way my brain is wired to do it.
Logic is how I find safety.
Explanation is how I regain control.
Understanding is how my mind finally moves on.
And when that happens, I can focus again, regulate again, and move forward – through my eyes.
Autism: Through My Eyes 