What is Central Coherence?
Central Coherence is a current psychological theory, first described by Uta Frith. It is the process by which all incoming stimuli are organised and interpreted in a coherent manner. Central Coherence enables us to draw meaning and make connections from the sets of information we perceive. Children with ASD often perceive stimuli as isolated parts. Details dominate over the meaning of the whole. Stimuli are not necessarily processed as being related. They may perceive things without interpretation and understanding. A weak Central Coherence can cause many difficulties, for example: difficulty transferring skills learnt in one environment to another; difficulty in integrating things and drawing connections; difficulty in understanding events; may not recognise a familiar environment if approached from a different direction; insistence on sameness; difficulty in identifying relevant and irrelevant information from the senses. Professionals who are able to provide advice and information i
