This is my experience with Autism.
I am Autistic and I have an Autistic child.
And the thing is, we are different. As Autistic people our brains are different.
We are born with a different kind of wiring in our brains which causes us to react and process thoughts and situations differently.
I would like to add that this post is based on my own personal experiences with having Autism.
A little bit on Autism
Autism is a really complicated neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the persons ability to communicate, interact (especially socially), and understand the world around them.
An Autistic person can also be described as being on a spectrum. Because not any one Autistic person is the same as another. And symptoms of the individuals Autism can be very different from the next.
Autism is usually diagnosed in early childhood. Because most signs and symptoms are seen from a very early age. However, sometimes, unfortunately Autistic people are described as ‘quirky’ and so they may go undiagnosed.
At least untill they the Autistic person reaches an older age and decides to go through the diagnosis route when they are older.
There is no cure for Autism. Nor should any Autistic child be forced to change or given the nonsense idea that they need to change themselves. Or be told that they are different and that this is a bad thing.
Though, I will mention that early intervention and therapy can help individuals with Autism develop skills and learn coping strategies to improve their quality of life.
I have seen this myself, at least with my own kid who has been going through early intervention since 2 years old.
I have written several posts on the signs and symptoms of Autism from early ages.
You can read those here:
- 13 Common Symptoms of Autism in Toddler – 0-18 months
- 19 Common Symptoms of Autism in Toddler – 18-30 months
- 23 Common Symptoms of Autism in Toddler 30-48 months
It is important to note that some misconceptions about Autism, is that it is caused by bad parenting, or other environmental factors. The exact causes of autism are still not fully understood, but research suggests that genetic and environmental factors may play a role.
Having an Autism Diagnosis is not the end of the world. And it does not mean that it is all doom and gloom.
If you wish to read more about Autism and understand the pschology behind it, I recommend this book, “The Official Autism 101 Manual”
So here I have compiled a list of 10 things positive about being Autistic.
1. Attention to detail
Autistic individuals may have a keen attention to detail. The things that other people tend to miss or not focus on, which can be helpful in many cases.
Such as academics, creative pursuits, and professional fields that require precision.
Actually, from my knowledge, the govenment has more recently began employing Autistic individuals to review footages and find faults in certain settings/scripts. Just because certain Autistic people can catch the things that most average individuals let slip.
2. Strong memory
Many Autistic individuals have excellent memory skills and can recall information with great accuracy.
I, in particular have a crazy strong visual memory.
For example, I could go to a location I have never been before, walking for at least 1 hour just randomly. However I will be able to trace my steps back to exactly the same location that I started out from.
I also never forget locations or how to get to a certain place.
Unless I am in a car. Then there is too much stimuli for me and my brain cannot handle all the lights and traffic and noises at the same time. So my brains tends to not hold on to any of the information. Otherwise, I will experience anxiety and get sensory overload.
3. Unique perspectives
Autistic individuals may have a unique way of looking at the world, which can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.
Sometimes, there is no need to over complicate things. And we generally tend to see things in Black or White.
Therefore, it makes it much easier for us to simplify a situation.
Because we process and understand things differently than an average typical person, we can make you see things from a completely different perspective!
4. Intense focus
Most Autistic individuals are able to focus intensely on tasks or interests they are passionate about, leading to high levels of achievement and success.
It also goes without saying that Autism is usually coupled with ADD.
People tend to think that anyone with ADD does not have any focus at all.
Actually that might only be true in some cases.
In most cases, if the topic is interesting to us. Whether it is Autism, ADD or both, we can spend all several consecutive nighters on it, easily. Without wanting to give up.
Some Autistic individuals are able to hyperfocus on tasks or interests. Leading to spots of extremely high levels of productivity.
5. Honesty
Autistic individuals may have a strong sense of honesty and integrity, which can be very valuable in personal and professional relationships.
Not always. But sometimes is it really beneficial to be honest. And it is greatly appreciated.
At least around decent people it is.
And if you value lying, then you will need to find another person to be around because thats a strong NO from me.
Autistic people, naturally, tend to be unable to lie. We struggle to make up fantasy stories that are not real. And, fail to understand why that would even be a good thing in the first place.
We say what we see and speak what we know.
That’s it.
6. Creativity
Many Autistic individuals are highly creative and may excel in artistic or musical pursuits.
In other words, if we learn something and we like it. We will learn it really well.
7. Loyalty
People who have Autism form very strong bonds with others and exhibit a deep sense of loyalty to those they care about.
We are also all about familiarity.
What this means, is that once we find a person who is ‘our’ person, whether they are our safe space or close friend. We hold them dear to us. For life!
And it is extremely rare that we betray any of those persons. We will absolutely always have their backs.
It makes us great at being faithful and loyal in relationships as well as friendships.
8. Black and White thinking
We tend to keep emotions out of our scenarios. For the most part.
It is either a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’. Not a maybe!
If something is logical and makes sense, then we go with that.
We know what we want. And what we like.
We know what we do not want. And what we do not like.
It also makes it much simpler for anyone having a conversation with us or asking for our advice/opinions.
And if you know us, then you will know exactly what bothers us and what does not bother us.
It really eliminates a whole guessing drama game.
9. Detail-oriented
Autistic individuals may be skilled at analyzing complex information and identifying patterns or connections that others may miss.
10. Unique talents:
Many autistic individuals have unique talents or abilities that can be leveraged for personal or professional success.
I have a thing. Where I can memorise codes and passwords. Not by knowing the numbers. But by watching which buttons your fingers press, where the buttons are located and the sequence that you push those buttons in.
So you could torture me for a safe combination and for the life of me, I will not be able to tell you.
However, put me in front of the safe and I will open it in seconds, if I have seen you open the safe before.
I am not really sure which profession that this skill would be helpful to. Other than a professional criminal maybe.
MUAHAHAHA!
Anyway, thats my list of the 10 most positive things that comes with being Autistic!
I hope you enjoyed reading this!