Autism Can Also Be Associated with Strengths

When reading literature about autism, most characteristics associated with the diagnosis are described from a negative perspective. As a result, many people are unaware that autism can bring many strengths to those of us who live with autism. Sometimes autism can be a superpower! Below are some examples of such strengths and abilities:

1. Black and White Thinking

Negative: Seeing everything in black and white.

Positive: You can have strong opinions and the ability to stick to your viewpoint even when the majority of people claim otherwise. And who is to say the majority is necessarily right?

2. Literal Thinking

Negative: Thinking literally and misunderstanding other people’s messages.

Positive: You are probably reliable, mean what you say, and have the ability to express yourself clearly and precisely. How many people in this world leave others wondering, “What did that person actually mean?” Wouldn’t it be better if everyone communicated clearly? Many misunderstandings could be avoided that way.

3. Inflexibility

Negative: Being inflexible and unable to cope with changes.

Positive: You likely value sticking to what you’ve decided, and in this world, there is always a need for people who can ensure the desired outcome is achieved from the start.

4. Limited Interests

Negative: Having limited interests and being unwilling to try new activities.

Positive: You can have a very strong special interest, which allows some of us with autism to stay occupied for weeks, months, or even years without getting the slightest bit bored. If you genuinely enjoy life that way, you don’t need to try new things. Some autistic people also have special talents thanks to their special interests, which can be utilized in professional life. One of my special interests is grammar, and thanks to my linguistic ability, I have written my book in three languages and am almost finished with the translation into a fourth.

5. Difficulty Adapting to Others

Negative: Difficulty adapting to other people.

Positive: You likely have the ability to think independently, regardless of what other people think and feel, and you refuse to change yourself for the sake of others. How many people in this world feel bad when they try to do things just to conform to today’s societal norms?

6. Focusing on Details

Negative: Difficulty seeing the big picture and getting stuck on unnecessary details.

Positive: You likely notice details that most other people don’t think about, which can be utilized in professional life. For example, if you get stuck on typos, you could be a very good proofreader.

7. Social Naivety

Negative: Difficulty understanding other people’s intentions and therefore being socially naive and easily deceived.

Positive: You likely have no preconceived notions about other people but take them as they are. You are often a kind person and expect the same kindness from others.

8. Routine-Bound

Negative: Being routine-bound.

Positive: You can sometimes succeed in finding really good routines. I have, for example, created a diet plan that I always follow, and I never deviate from it unless absolutely necessary, such as when traveling to other cities to lecture about autism. My diet plan only includes healthy food, and therefore I don’t eat any unhealthy foods such as cookies, chocolate, and candy. Many people envy my ability to live healthily and abstain from sugar.

9. Sensory Sensitivity

Negative: Lacking a filter for visual impressions and being unable to cope with strong colors, light, and messy places.

Positive: If you are out in the forest picking mushrooms, it can be a huge advantage that you see absolutely everything, as that’s when you will probably find the mushrooms right away.

10. Difficulty Understanding Social Rules

Negative: Difficulty understanding other people’s way of thinking and being unable to learn the so-called unwritten social rules.

Positive: You likely think differently and have your own personality, and the world needs people who have the ability to see things from a different perspective. If everyone in history had always thought the same way, we would still believe the Earth was flat and that the sun revolved around the Earth. Isn’t it good that there have been people who thought differently so that we have made progress in development?

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Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if life feels hopeless! Here’s a list of helplines and phone support services in the US you can contact if you need assistance. For people outside the US this page lists helplines for people in need of immediate mental help support during a mental health crisis.