The Strengths of Autism
What might seem like a very difficult and inconsistent disorder to deal with, and for many people it is, there are strengths that come with autism. It’s easy to assume that because certain individuals are unable to process information, deal with social environments or struggle to adapt to changes in routines and environment, that there are, and can be a burden to people and have no strengths to offer, however, this is a very inaccurate misconception.
Just because people show signs of autism doesn’t mean that they are incapable of succeeding. Having autism can actually pose benefits and offer solutions to problems that only people who suffer with autistic types are able to see and develop. For example, individuals who suffer from autism, and develop strong routines will have a great attention to detail, as their everyday life will include doing the same thing again and again, to the best level as possible, and, in being incredibly detail-orientated, they can possess great levels of focus and determination, and not bored with repetition, something that someone who doesn’t suffer from autism might not be able to do. In terms of social skills, it also offers positives and strengths. If you don’t agree with someone or something, it can be easy to avoid bringing it up or questioning it because you don’t want to cause a fuss or a scene. However, in a strange way, people with autism might lack the filter that allows them to survey what might come from questioning something. If they then do question something, then it can open the doors for other people who are better equipped to deal with situation to speak on it. People who possess autistic types may also be very loyal and incredibly honest. It’s very easy to lie, and sometimes lying about something can have a domino effect where you find yourself, or other people lying to cover up their prior lies. Honesty and truth can hurt, but being more honest with people builds trust and relationships, and this is an area in which many autistic people can benefit and highlight and showcase the positives of being them.
Autism doesn’t define success. Of course, certain people who suffer might find it more difficult, however, just because one person struggles severely, doesn’t mean that you can box them in as being unable to achieve success. Again, this is a wild misconception. Here are just a few examples of people who have achieved success despite suffering from autistic types and tendencies.
SUSAN BOYLE – Susan Boyle is a Scottish singer, probably most recognisable from her Britain’s Got Talent performance that shocked the country back in 2008. Since then, Boyle has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2012, yet despite that, she has gone on to win a World Music Award in 2010, be nominated for two Billboard Awards, and two Grammy Awards in 2011 and 2012 respectively, as well as perform at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
ANTHONY HOPKINS – Anthony Hopkins, or Sir Anthony Hopkins despite being diagnosed with Asperger’s has gone on to win two Academy Awards, four BAFTAs and two Emmy Awards and will go down as one the greatest Welsh actors in recent times. And finally:
ALBERT EINSTEIN – Albert Einstein was a German theoretical-physicist who is believed to be one of the smartest minds in the last century, and seen as one of – if not the greatest – physician. His theories include that of general relativity which focuses on the forces and nature of gravity, E=mc2, as well as countless others that have helped him become known and referred to as a ‘genius’. Whilst it was never officially diagnosed, experts at many universities including Simon Baron-Cohen at Cambridge, has suggested that Einstein showed multiple symptoms of Asperger’s. However, he wasn’t the only great mind either. Isaac Newton, the man often attributed to discovering the forces of gravity also showed signs of autism. Legendary authors like George Orwell, Hans Cristian Andersen and H.G. Wells and the greatest composers of all time including Mozart, Beethoven all showed autistic tendencies. And yet they’ve gone on to influence so many people, be inspirations for millions and literally change the way we live.
Autism is a tricky topic to learn about because there are so many different variants to it. There are so many things that can come with autism, but understanding what it is, the different types, as well as knowing that by having autism shouldn’t pigeon hole people into a box, can greatly help you, and other people who you might know who suffer from this disorder.