Positive Traits of Autism You May Be Missing

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It is important to recognize the positive traits of autism instead of always focusing on the challenges.

We can oftentimes get bogged down in how difficult things are and wonder why everything just seems so hard.

By no means am I negating the fact that there are significant struggles for our children with autism.

In fact, some times I consider my son to be the strongest person I know because he works so hard to do things that come naturally to his peers.

It can be heartbreaking and exhausting – at times it can even make us, as their parents, feel depressed.

Sometimes being the mom of a child with autism can be very isolating.

But my son has some amazing assets that accompany his autism and they should be recognized.

Benefits of Having Aspergers  (or High Functioning Autism)

Autism is a spectrum disorder and our children all have various abilities and struggles.

Our specific experience is that my son is considered as having high functioning autism (also formerly known as aspergers syndrome).

High functioning autism is an invisible disability and, as such, we spend a lot of time teetering between hoping he will be fully included yet advocating for support when he needs it.

My son’s autism has clear assets. He would likely be considered a savant in some areas.

These splinter skills are incredible and serve him well. For instance, he has an uncanny ability to navigate directions (for which I am grateful!)

Strengths of autism

We have found that autism accounts for some unique strengths.

Many of these positive traits of autism are related to traditional “symptoms” .

In other words, with a shift in perspective, certain indicators of autism may be viewed as assets.

Here are some examples of positive autism abilities:

Honesty

Many people with autism are incapable of being deceptive.

More than likely, if you want to get a true answer, you will hear it from your child with autism.

It may actually be because autistic people miss nonverbal cues and don’t really “get” sarcasm.

If you are not prepared for a truth bomb, you probably should not ask anyone with autism for their opinion.

However, if you want to cut through all of the smokescreens and hear someone tell it like it is, then, by all means, ask a person with autism.

Not likely to be a bully or manipulator

People with autism do not bully or manipulate others. This goes along with them being honest.

Partially this is due to the fact that they may not accurately interpret underlying intentions, non-verbal cues and other invisible social rules.

But this autism trait is actually an advantage because it makes them trustworthy.

People on the spectrum are often more likely to see through surface appearances to the real person (which also makes them less likely to judge others – another positive trait of autism).

Can recall fine details

It never ceases to amaze me that my son is able to remember the smallest of details.

People with autism may be able to recall things that others miss.

What is often labeled as “hyper focus” in people with autism can actually be a real advantage.  

Where others may have completely missed a small detail, someone with autism may be able to identify an intricate detail that could turn out to be very important.

A skill like this could certainly be utilized in a laboratory setting, for instance, where every detail counts.

This is just another way that a sign or symptom of autism (hyper focus) can be a significant advantage when utilized in the correct environment.

No hidden agendas

Are you sensing a theme yet?

Again, this can be a real strength of autism since they are not very likely to try to manipulate others with any hidden agendas.

While at times people with autism may appear to be extremely blunt, they have no intentions to hurt others for their own personal gain.

In fact, many people with autism do not understand why others may hide their true intentions.

If you value a straight shooter, then you will treasure the friendship of a person with autism.

They don’t play head games and will give you a straight answer when you ask a question.

Loyal

People with autism are often extremely loyal.

Aversion to change and unfamiliar circumstances is a common autism trait.

What comes along with that is that autistic individuals are loyal.

They like what they like and tend to stick with it – whether it’s people, certain brands of food or sports teams.

Excellent memory

Along with being skilled in recalling fine details, people with autism often have fantastic memories.

In fact, it is very common for individuals on the spectrum to have specialized interests.

Typically, they are masters in their preferred topics and their level of expertise can be quite astonishing.

Others may label those with autism as having “obsessions”, “splinter skills,” or “savant” abilities which all seem to carry a negative connotation.

However, these skills are often indicators of an excellent memory. This may come in handy in other areas of life as well.

Those on the spectrum with a specialized interest often demonstrate a passion and undeterred ability to focus where others might easily give up.

I will reiterate that autism is a spectrum disorder in that those with autism have varying degrees of strengths and weaknesses.

There is no formula for autism. For example, some are non-verbal while others talk incessantly.

The important thing to remember is that autism affects everyone differently and there are many positive traits of autism.

As mentioned, the benefits of Aspergers have allowed my son to become an expert in his preferred topics.

I learn so much from him each and every day, not only in terms of interesting facts, but also all about being genuine, loyal, curious and enthusiastic.

It is a blessing, at times, that he misses certain cues because that means he also misses the cynical and sarcastic side of people that can be hurtful.

People with autism have uniquely positive traits that are rare or even nonexistent among neurotypical individuals.

So if you are tired of feeling down about the challenges of autism for someone in your life, remember this list and that not everything is a “symptom”.

Hopefully these positive traits of autism have changed your perspective and you realize that individuals on the autism spectrum have many strengths.

Share some of the strengths of the autistic people in your life with us below!

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