Autism Can Take You Further in Life Than You May Think

<p>We live in a different time when it comes to acceptance of people whose brains work differently. Terms like “neurodivergent” are common parlance, and we now celebrate rather than patronizingly pity those on the spectrum.</p> <p>Autistic people have been the butt of many jokes in less enlightened times, and conspiracy theorists link the condition to the alleged evils of vaccines. What both fail to realize is that autistic people possess many unique strengths and a different way of viewing the world around us, making them exceptionally talented, valuable, and interesting in their own way.</p> <h2>Autism: more than just a problem</h2> <p>Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with social skills and interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors. We call it a spectrum because it manifests differently from person to person, going from mild to severe symptoms and various combinations of strengths and weaknesses.</p> <p>While autism can be challenging to live with, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the positive aspects that these people bring to society. This leads to more inclusive and appreciative attitudes in our communities.</p> <h2>Advantages of autism</h2> <h3>Focus and attention to detail</h3> <p>A trait famously associated with autism is the remarkable ability of these people to be hyper-focused on a task and deliver with incredible attention to detail. The level of immersion autistic people indulge in their interests is vast, requiring exceptional levels of concentration. </p> <p>This is an excellent basis for the development of highly specialized skills and expertise in a given field, be it something based in math, science, art, or music. Their ability to catch on to intricate patterns and anomalies can be invaluable in research, engineering, and programming, for example.</p> <figure><img alt="Temple Grandin 2015 | Source: TaurusEmerald/Wikimedia" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Wdx66X3teA/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Temple Grandin (world-renowned academic, animal behaviorist, and autistic savant). <em>Source: TaurusEmerald/Wikimedia</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Bountiful creativity</h3> <p>Because autism fosters a diverse range of thinking styles and perspectives, individuals who apply themselves to creative pursuits lend their unique vision of the world and deliver innovative solutions. Unconventional thinking challenges conventional norms, inspiring new approaches to problem-solving in all manner of domains. </p> <p>Design, architecture, and technology are worlds in which people with autism thrive via their fresh insights and original ideas that enrich the creative process and push forward innovation.</p> <h3>Authenticity</h3> <p>This is a hallmark trait of autism. Their communication style tends to be direct and honest, with no time for pretense or social masking. It’s a level of sincerity that makes autistic people ripe for genuine friendships based on trust and mutual respect.</p> <p>Authenticity is surely a prized trait, and autistic people can serve as role models for how that should look. This reminds “normal” people of the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing what makes you unique.</p> <figure><img alt="Greta Thunberg in Stockholm | Source: Kushal Das/Wikimedia" class="img-responsive" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Nq4yyXaI7A/thumbnail.jpg" /> <figcaption>Greta Thunberg (environmental activist and on the autism spectrum). <em>Source: Kushal Das/Wikimedia</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Memory and information processing</h3> <p>Another standout feature of autism is the incredible memory and information-processing abilities of many individuals with the condition. With ease they can recall facts, figures, and details on a topic, often demonstrating an encyclopedic knowledge of their area of interest.</p> <p>These abilities are extremely useful in academic pursuits and professional endeavors. This is why individuals with autism often excel at history, literature, and technology, fields in which the ability to retain vast amounts of information can be utilized to powerful effect.</p> <h3>Passion and dedication</h3> <p>If you know one thing about autism, it’s that people with the condition tend to get hyper-fixated on one area or topic to the exclusion of others. This level of passion and dedication is hard to rival, and the results of such a focused application of one’s time, energy, and skills lead to some stellar outcomes.</p> <p>Whether it’s mastering a musical instrument or spending years getting to the bottom of a scientific inquiry, their commitment is unbounded.</p> <h2>More on Autism</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/oja82e6s4w-autism-spectrum-disorder" target="_blank">Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/jaep7ezu4w-autism-and-communication-problems" target="_blank">Communication Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/j6ge7yrczw-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd-screening" target="_blank">Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Young Children</a></li></ul>