4 Common Strengths of People on the Autism Spectrum Disorder

We hear a lot about the limitations and challenges faced by people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but there are also some common strengths attributed to people with autism.

The following is a look at four common strengths of people on the autism spectrum. Note that the level of capabilities across the spectrum vary, but these are positive traits often identified among this neuro-divergent population.

Deep Focus and Concentration

People with ASD tend to develop obsessions. They can become singularly focused on preferred pastimes or activities. These obsessions can get in the way of completing high-priority activities, but this inclination allows for a deep level of focus or concentration on particular topics, activities, or projects.

The value of this strength is most apparent when a person gets consumed with an aspect of school, work, or another endeavor that aligns with positive outcomes. For instance, if an employer can find tasks that fit well with an area of deep concentration, the outcome is mutually beneficial.

Excellent Memorization

An excellent memory is a benefit that is closely tied to the strength of deep concentration. People on the spectrum can easily forget things they see or hear that aren't of interest, but they tend to retain visuals, numbers, facts, and other pertinent information related to obsessions or areas of interest.

In classes, jobs, or activities where long-term retention is useful, someone with ASD often has an advantage over neuro-typical peers. 

Strong Integrity

Rigid or black-and-white thinking is a common trait associated with autism. While people on the spectrum are often knocked for being inflexible, many have a very consistent adherence to a moral code. Thoughts and actions that are viewed as clearly right are maintained, whereas those that are clearly wrong (against the rules) are avoided. 

It isn't that the morals or worldview of the person with ASD are inherently "right" or better, but that the worldview and rules they adopt are adhered to with greater consistency. This strict adherence makes their responses and actions more predictable in certain situations to the people around them.

Unique, Original Ideas

Even though "disorder" is embedded in the diagnosis of "autism spectrum disorder," it is often better to think of ASD as an atypical way of seeing the world. For this reason, ASD usually comes up early in the conversation about neuro-divergence.

Neuro-divergent minds are less-inclined to recognize and conform to social protocols or norms. This means people with ASD are less likely to fall into groupthink or to develop ideas primarily based on social acceptance. It is important that employers, teachers, and other people interacting with people on the spectrum embrace the differences and encourage acceptance of unique points of view.

Conclusions

Even though autism is considered a disorder in the health sector, people on the spectrum have certain capabilities that are more prevalent than they are within the neuro-typical population. Recognizing these unique strengths allows people to derive greater value from personal and professional relationships with people who have ASD.