the positive side of Autism......

acknowledging 'MI Autism Wonders' for the use of this picture

Many parents and carers when beginning their path to researching the description, symptoms, understanding of, and other ‘want-to-know’ criteria regarding Autism and associated diagnoses, will find themselves bombarded with a long line of “deficits” connected with the challenges our children (and adults), are faced with.

Although it is necessary to be aware of these challenges to more easily assist our loved-ones, we would also like to know and acknowledge that they also have a list of “Traits”, that as a parent, we can celebrate as a positive, to be proud of, as with any of our children.

These include being- passionate, honest, logical, loyal, non-judgmental, kind, compassionate, trustworthy, appreciative, gifted, and creative; have a great memory, and so much more.

With most people claiming to always tell the truth, other than the occasional ‘white lie’, people with ASD are generally ‘honest’ to extreme. Describing any situation as a straight forward black and white description with no shades of grey; their honesty focuses on facts-are-facts and they have a ‘say it as they see it’ outlook.

This honesty also extends to their personality, as they are who they are, and don’t pretend to be something or someone they aren't, with the concept of deception unknown to them.

Generally people with Autism have no expectations, liking the simple things and are happy with what they have, being less concerned about appearances, or having brand labels, the newest fads, etc.

They are kind, compassionate, trusting, and not judgemental, they see people for who they are deep down, and they don’t understand or grasp the concept of ‘mind games’, that people have hidden agendas, and cannot understand hidden meanings or clichés, they always state things in a purely ‘literal’ sense, and cannot comprehend others would want to intentionally hurt them.

They can become very passionate about an interest, idea, or suggestion, regarding someone or something they connect with and really enjoy, at times to the extreme; and their loyalty to their friends and family once given is unquestionable, with a strong moral code and sense of justice, although break their trust or respect and you may never gain it back.

They will ‘live in the moment’; enjoying the many simple things of life, they seem more tuned in to taking notice of all the finer details of things that surrounds them.

They have amazing memories and can repeat the simplest to the most complex details of all they see and hear. Remembering places and pictures to the minute detail, stories almost word for word, including different names, dates, items, and numbers, etc.

Many have a specific talent or gifted ability that is unique in many ways, creative and inventive, so to nurture and guide them with this could be beneficial to them and others.

When they commit themselves to any job or task they are reliable and conscientious, they will focus directly on that single task willingly dedicated to persevere until they succeed, repeating the process exactly as taught in fine detail, as often as it is required.

For any neurotypical, living with or being a part of an autistic person’s life, can have a profound positive impact on their perceptions, beliefs, and expectations, giving an outlook that anything ‘is’ possible.

Allowing these children/people to express themselves in a loving and nurturing environment will be a positive for them; although they may at times express frustration and sometimes even anger due to not understanding their over-sensitivities to the surrounding environment, their own physical changes,  or how to verbally express themselves, etc; once given assistance and guidance in these areas, maybe through the support of physical/occupational/speech therapies, or even just the love and positive attitude from their parents/family/friends, they can begin to see and express the 'positives' of life.

Acknowledging Autistic people as being ‘human’, overlooking their ‘weaknesses’ and focusing on their many ‘strengths’, using their likes and passions to utilise a talent that may progress into something beneficial for their future prospects, and also for their community as a whole.