Alexithymia is a term used to describe difficulty identifying, understanding, or expressing one’s own emotions. People with alexithymia may struggle to recognise what they are feeling, find it hard to describe emotions in words, or focus more on physical sensations than emotional states. Alexithymia is a trait that can occur in the general population and is more common among some neurodivergent people, including autistic individuals. In educational settings, alexithymia can affect how students communicate distress, frustration, or overwhelm. A student may appear withdrawn, confused, or behaviourally reactive without being able to explain why they feel that way. Understanding alexithymia can help educators respond more effectively by using clear language about emotions, offering structured supports, and recognising that difficulty expressing feelings does not mean a student is unwilling to communicate or engage.