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Home > The autistic mind is different: Strengths and skills

The autistic mind is different: Strengths and skills

Strengths and talents

Autism conveys strengths and talents, not just deficits! 

'Our daughter is funny, warm, affectionate, hugely loyal as a family member and a friend and can be great company. Stereotypical descriptions of autism don't always encourage us as parents to enjoy the fabulous person our child is. Yes, we have some really tricky or challenging times, but we also have some really special times too.'

Mum of a child on the autism spectrum.

The differences seen in ASC may indeed lead to challenges but with sufficient understanding and appropriate support in place, differences can potentially be utilised as strengths and skills.  

It is crucial for the strengths and skills of a child who has an ASC diagnosis to be noted and maximised as much as possible, especially in light of the significant challenges they may face, over and above those of neurotypical children.  

Many of these challenges come from the expectation that people that have an ASC diagnosis should conform to the expectations and environments designed by neurotypical people.

Obviously no two children on the autism spectrum are the same. 

It is always helpful to be on the lookout for individual strengths that a child might present with and ways in which they may be able to demonstrate their intelligence.

Strengths can include:

Language

They might show a high ability to decode language and be reading at a very young age (hyperlexia), though their reading ability might be significantly better than their comprehension skills.

Attention to detail

Many autistic children have a heightened consideration of details and are very precise.

They may be very skilled at playing games that involve quick identification of visual information, when compared to neurotypical children e.g. Where’s Wally & Dobble.  

Rules and Fairness

They may also have a determination to seek the truth and have an interest in rules and fairness. 

Related to this, they might be incredibly reliable, honest and punctual and have the ability to keep to routines and schedules over time.

Independent thinking

Children that have an ASC diagnosis may be more likely to be independent thinkers (perhaps less concerned with what others think of them), think things through in different ways and show alternative problem solving skills.