I finally know who I am. I’m not flawed. I’m not a failure. I’m not a freak. I am autistic. And I am fabulous because of it.
Ysabel, a late diagnosed autistic woman
It’s important to celebrate autistic strengths, and not solely focus on the challenges autistic people might face. Some autistic people who experience a high level of disability may struggle to see their strengths, but neurodiversity is a collective strength, regardless of an individual's abilities.
Each autistic person is different, just like how all non-autistic people are different. We’ve listed some examples of strengths that are common in autistic people, but it doesn’t mean every autistic person will excel in every one of these areas.
10 examples of autistic strengths
1. Expertise in their favourite topics
Some autistic people have developed deep expertise in topics that interest them, which some people call special interests. There is a huge variety in these topics, which can range from astrophysics to vintage clothing and everything in between.
My special interest has been a way for me to succeed in education and my career, even when the social and psychological odds were stacked against me from the start.
Lauren, an autistic therapist and PhD researcher
2. Hyperfocus
Many autistic people experience periods of intense focus on something that interests them, known as hyperfocus. When they are engaged in something, some autistic people can experience a flow state, where everything else disappears apart from the task they are focusing on.
My autistic strength is hyperfocus. I get through way more work than my colleagues and it’s always accurate and of excellent quality.
Gill, autistic adult
3. A strong sense of justice
Many autistic people are highly empathetic and have a strong moral compass. They may become distressed by injustice and motivated to change the world for the better. Plenty of autistic people are not afraid to stand up for their beliefs and challenge things they see as unjust.
I have a strong sense of justice and will fight and be vocal for what I think is right.
Shardae, an autistic adult
4. Creativity
There are lots of creative autistic people. Many autistic people pursue careers in the arts, such as becoming a musician or a visual artist.
I enjoy being creative: it not only brings me joy, it's a useful tool in all parts of life.
Jimi, an autistic adult
5. Attention to detail
Many autistic people are observant and have excellent attention to detail. This can serve them well in professional settings and day-to-day life.
I tend to have such high attention to detail, which as an artist, helps me to create many wonderful artworks.
Dylan, an autistic adult
6. Honesty
Autistic people can have excellent character strengths, including honesty. Honesty fosters trust and credibility, which are crucial in personal and professional relationships. It also promotes integrity, when someone is consistent between one's words and actions.
I feel like due to my autism I am probably the most trustworthy, honest and loyal person anyone could ever meet, I genuinely feel this is because: 1. I have a strong sense of justice which means I struggle to lie even if it’s for my benefit. It also means if I do something wrong I hold myself accountable. 2. I have to have everything fair and equal. These traits occasionally do go against me though!
Dani - an adult who happens to be autistic
7. Loyalty
I’m fiercely loyal. Once I let you into my heart, you can trust me implicitly.
Emma , an autistic adult
8. Creative problem solving
Many autistic people are excellent problem solvers and can come up with creative solutions with their great pattern recognition.
One of my autistic child’s strengths is his uncanny ability to figure out solutions to problems that are amazingly creative, inventive, and often downright ingenious.
Bethel, parent of an autistic teenager
9. Less influenced by socially-derived biases
Research suggests autistic people are less likely to be influenced by prejudices driven by societal norms and beliefs.¹
A great strength of autism can be seeing the world in a different way, questioning and breaking norms which others blindly follow.
Nick
10. Excellent memory
Many autistic people talk about their excellent recall ability and how well they can remember details.
My memory. I retain ridiculous and usually pointless details and facts. It's usually a strength and I love it when people are amazed by the cool memory game and challenges I show them. But sometimes it's a weakness too, because when something awful and traumatic happens, I wish I didn't remember it so vividly
Josh - a trans male autistic adult
Are you autistic, or do you have an autistic family member? Join the Autistica Network to get involved in research and use your autistic strengths to help others!
When we reached out for quotes, we asked people to choose how we would like to refer to them. There may be examples of both person-first and identity-first language to reflect people's individual preferences.
References
[1] Rozenkrantz, L. et al (2021) Enhanced Rationality in ASD.