Common strengths and talents of people with ASD.
Many people with autism have unique strengths and interests that can be used to their advantage, or to help them succeed socially and occupationally. A common strength of those with autism is enhanced visual-spatial abilities. This means that people with ASD might be able to see and remember things in detail and might have a preference and talent for thinking in pictures rather than words. This can be a great asset in professions such as engineering, graphic design, and architecture. In the classroom or at home, parents and teachers can use visuospatial strengths to enhance learning and engagement in young people with ASD. For example, picture boards, visual explanations, images, and social stories can help young people with autism prepare for and cope with change and learning.
Individuals with autism can also be highly creative, and may have a strong interest in arts and music. People with ASD may also have heightened abilities in mathematics, science, and technology, though every person is different and these are just a few examples of areas of strength. Creativity and aptitude with mathematics and science are areas of expertise that are valuable in a range of fields, and can provide people with a competitive edge in their chosen profession. People with autism might also find that they have fantastic attention to detail and ability to concentrate or focus, especially in their areas of special interest or expertise. Focus, interest, and attention to detail can equip people with excellent problem-solving skills. This might make them naturally suited to hobbies or fields that include computer programming, accounting, and engineering. It can also be an advantage in research and development, where a keen eye for detail is essential. Individuals with autism may also have a passion for games and puzzles, which can be useful for engaging and learning in classroom settings, for self-soothing, and as an asset in professions like game design and computer programming.
People with ASD can possess many unique strengths that can be used to their advantage. By recognising and utilising these abilities, parents and teachers of young people with ASD can help them to reach their full potential and achieve success in their chosen fields of endeavour. Despite this article discussing some common strengths and talents of people with ASD, autism is of course a “spectrum” condition, and therefore these potential strengths in no way apply to all people with autism, and indeed, each individual is unique.