Research shows that humor improves well-being for both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals.

Literal thinking is a neurodivergent trait that can be channeled into creative literal humor.

Creating and appreciating literal humor can help us celebrate cognitive quirks and better regulate emotions.

Recently, my 9-year-old son noticed that I was pouring cashew milk in my coffee. With a curious look, he asked, “Mom, how do you milk a cashew?”

“With tiny fingers!” I replied. This evoked a burst of laughter and more importantly, a bonding moment.

Creating humor is a mood-lifting activity, even when I keep my jokes to myself. In fact, not having the pressure to perform to others’ expectations is part of what makes humor therapeutic for me.

Not long ago, I read Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected and Happy, by comedic writer Chris Duffy. Duffy presents research as well as interviews with physicians, psychologists, and activists that converge to reveal the power of humor in promoting health, well-being, and social connection. He also draws from his own experiences, which are the funniest parts of the book.

Literal Thinking and Its Impact on Humor

Duffy’s work inspired me to reflect on how humor has helped me cope with literal thinking. Literal thinking is a neurodivergent trait that can emerge from trouble with processing cues that someone is using irony or a metaphor instead of meaning exactly what they say.

Decades later, my early literal-thinking moments still haunt me. I remember a time in middle school when a classmate pointed out something about genes. I immediately looked down at the pants I was wearing. The bewildered look on his face made me realize he was referring to “genes” with a “g.”

Little did I know at the time that literal humor had the potential to become a hotbed for creativity.

According to humor expert Lois McElravy, literal humor is the art of amusing others by responding to figurative language in a way........

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