50 Positive Characteristics of ASD [level 1]
Most kids and teens with ASD (high functioning autism) have a bunch of positive traits that more than make-up for any negative ones. As one Aspie asserted, “Thank God I have Aspergers!”
Let’s look at just a few of the positive traits associated with the condition...
Most young people on the spectrum:
- are able to easily forgive others
- are conscientious, reliable, and honest
- are enthusiastic and have a propensity for obsessive research, thus developing a broad and deep base of knowledge in subjects of interest
- are free of prejudice
- are intelligent and talented
- are less inclined to be fickle or bitchy than their neurotypical counterparts
- are more likely than those of the general population to pursue a university education
- are not inclined to lie to others
- are not inclined to steal from others
- are not likely to be bullies, con artists, or social manipulators
- are not motivated by an intense social drive to spend time with whoever happens to be available
- are persistent, and when they set their minds to something or make a promise, they can usually be trusted to follow through
- are unlikely to launch unprovoked attacks, verbal or otherwise
- are untainted by the judgments that people often make regarding one another's social position or social skills
- are very accepting of the quirks and idiosyncrasies of others
- bring a highly original perspective to problem solving
- can be selective, choosing honest, genuine, dependable people who share their interests
- can bring up a variety of interesting facts
- can listen to people’s problems and provide a fresh perspective, offering pure assessments based on the information provided
- can recall fine details that others miss
- can relax and be themselves without fearing social censure
- don’t attack the reputations of those around them
- don’t discriminate against anyone based on race, gender, age, or any other surface criteria
- don’t force others to live up to demanding social expectations
- don't have hidden agendas
- don’t play head games
- don’t take advantage of other’s weaknesses
- don't usually recognize hierarchies, and so are unlikely to give someone superior status simply because that person is wealthy or has attained a high position in an organization
- have a good work ethic
- have a lot of passion when engaging in activities they like, which may translate into a talent for certain athletic pursuits
- have a tendency to adhere to routines
- have above-average intelligence
- have an acute sensitivity that supports creative talents
- have exceptional memories
- have extreme endurance
- have high integrity
- have no interest in harming others
- have one or more highly developed talents
- have talents for swimming, rowing, running, bodybuilding, or other activities that require sustained physical effort
- have values that aren't shaped by financial, social, or political influences
- judge people based on their behavior – not the color of their skin or socioeconomic status
- like to spend time alone and are perfectly capable of entertaining themselves
- loathe small talk and trivialities, preferring instead to talk about significant things that will enhance their knowledge base
- make very good employees if able to control their pace and work within either a solitary or socially supportive environment
- pay attention to detail
- stick to their positions, even in the face of intense social pressure
- tend to become proficient in the technological media required for lucrative employment in the “information age”
- tend to prefer individual sports to team sports, as there are no social demands and they can exercise complete control over the activity
- who develop an interest in sport or fitness are likely to work at it every day, often for long periods of time
- will not go along with the crowd if they know that something is wrong
==> How To Prevent Meltdowns and Tantrums In Children With High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's
==> Parenting System that Significantly Reduces Defiant Behavior in Teens with Aspergers and High-Functioning Autism
==> Launching Adult Children with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: Guide for Parents Who Want to Promote Self-Reliance
==> Teaching Social Skills and Emotion Management to Children and Teens with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism
==> Parenting Children and Teens with High-Functioning Autism: Comprehensive Handbook
==> Unraveling The Mystery Behind Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism: Audio Book
Comments
My name is Todd Garrison, Executive Director of ChildWise Institute. We are presenting a conference on Autism & Asperger’s Disorders on September 28th and 29th here in Helena, Montana. I found your blog post (50 Positive Characteristics of Asperger’s) and was wondering if we might use it at our conference. We will, of course, give you credit and point people to your blog, “My Aspergers Child”. Please take a look at our non-profit organization and let me know your thoughts.
Thanks so much!
Anyway, nice list, it was an interesting read, almost feels like someone out there gets it, well I mean comes really close to getting it, which is as close as a non-Aspie can get. :) <---Compliment, not insult (I can never tell if I'm insulting someone.)
I have my own blog about AS and wrote a post about fatigue and how we process information. Check it out here if you're interested. :)
http://life-of-an-aspie.blogspot.com/2013/10/aspergers-and-fatigue.html