Autism As a Super Power
By Brittany Sailer, LCSW
Many parents remember the day their child was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and they don’t remember it fondly. Autism can come with many challenges, and these parents are usually far too aware of what those challenges are for their child. Sometimes we can spend too much time focusing on what is different and challenging about a child with autism instead of focusing on why those things can actually make for an amazing human being.
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, let’s flip the script on some common autistic challenges and see how they can actually be super powers in disguise.
Hyperfocusing: Deep Creativity
I’ve had many parents sitting in my office telling me the battle it is to get their child to transition from one task to another. Once their child is focused on something, there is no separating them from that activity. Emotions and frustration rise for both the child and the parent, and the result is something worthy of telling me at their next therapy session!
But what if hyperfocusing was something you could turn on and off? What if someone learned how to harness it as a super power that allowed them to focus deeply when they needed or wanted to, but they could turn it off and move on with their day when it was time to do so? Think of all that someone could get done!
The neurodivergent mind has the capacity to zoom into an activity in a way that a neurotypical mind just doesn’t have. The neurotypical mind might have an easier time moving from task to task, but their ability to get locked in and create something incredible in a relatively short period of time just isn’t there. Harnessing the skill of hyperfocusing is not magic, I assure you! It’s hard work! But how cool is it to have a mind that once it starts something it is unstoppable!
Thinking Outside of the Box (Because There Is No Box)
Did you know that there are many successful entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, creatives…the list goes on…who have autism? One reason for their success could be that their brain is more hardwired to think outside the box, ask new questions, and solve problems that have never been solved.
Many neurotypical people find themselves unable to think creatively and experiment with new ideas because they are so used to staying in a box. They may not ask new and different questions because they’re fine with sticking to the status quo. People with autism may not know there was even a box of expectations to begin with! This can actually be a super power because it means that they can think creatively in order to solve problems that no one has thought to solve!
Breaking Social Expectations
We all know that one feature of having autism can be having challenges with social dynamics. Neurotypical people tend to learn the unspoken social code of their community without even thinking about it. The way we talk, dress, eat…the list goes on…is all part of that social code. Someone with autism may not pick up on that social code, so the way they talk, dress, eat…the list goes on…may be out of step with the people around them.
But is that really a problem? Some may think it is, but really this can be a super power as well! If the autistic brain is not focused on the way other people act in social settings, then they have more freedom to be different and to do the things they want to do. This could lead to helping others notice how social expectations can actually restrict us from being our authentic selves!
So, yes, I truly believe that all aspects of autism can actually be a super power! We just have to pay close attention, recognize autistic strengths, and flip the script!
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At Be A Problem Solver Services, we are passionate about supporting neurodivergent kids, teens, and their families with compassionate, practical care. We believe every child deserves to be understood, supported, and valued for who they are.
Offices in Cary, Chapel Hill, and Fuquay Varina, NC