Mapping the Autistic Advantage from the Accounts of Adults Diagnosed with Autism: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Autism has been associated with specific cognitive strengths. Strengths and weaknesses have traditionally been conceptualized as dichotomous. Methods: We conducted 28 semi-structured interviews with autistic adults. Maximum variation sampling was used to ensure diversity in relation to support needs. We asked which personal traits adults attributed to their autism, and how these have helped in the workplace, in relationships, and beyond. Data were collected in two stages. Responses were analyzed using content and thematic techniques. Results: The ability to hyperfocus, attention to detail, good memory, and creativity were the most frequently described traits. Participants also described specific qualities relating to social interaction, such as honesty, loyalty, and empathy for animals or for other autistic people. In thematic analysis we found that traits associated with autism could be experienced either as advantageous or disadvantageous dependent on moderating influences. Moderating influences included the social context in which behaviors occurred, the ability to control behaviors, and the extent to which traits were expressed. Conclusions: Separating autistic strengths from weaknesses may be a false dichotomy if traits cannot be isolated as separate constructs of strengths or deficits. If attempts to isolate problematic traits from advantageous traits are ill conceived, there may be implications for interventions that have reduction in autistic traits as a primary outcome measure.

Parent-identified strengths of autistic youth

“…Interestingly, while there are sometimes clashes between perceptions and priorities of autistic self-advocates and parents (e.g. Opar, 2019), our analysis found that parents of autistic youth had similar perceptions of autistic strengths as the autistic adults interviewed by Russell et al (2019). Specifically, both groups identified memory, tenaciousness, and creativity as strengths, while also expressing that traits act as both strengths and challenges.…”

“…For example, preferences for structure may present as behavioral inflexibility, detail orientation may present as socially inappropriate preoccupations or perseveration, and other differences in learning and communication may present as social deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). However, several of these characteristics are also seen as strengths and may place autistic 1 individuals at an advantage (Mottron et al, 2013; Russell et al, 2019). Autism strengths identified in research include pattern detection, ability to direct attention, memory, visuospatial skills, attention to detail, pitch discrimination, and creativity (de Schipper et al, 2016; Happe & Frith, 2009; Mahdi et al, 2018; Meilleur et al, 2015).…”

Developing the Multidimensional Visual Scale Assessing Affect, Anxiety, Pride, and Energy Through a Research Partnership with Autistic Scholars

“…4,44,45 Some studies have reported negative experiences associated with autism including feeling the need to camouflage or mask traits to be perceived as normal by society, social groups, and employers, 5,46 whereas others describe strengths associated with autism such as strong memories, advanced knowledge, and systematic thinking. 47 These studies have provided a glimpse into the lived experiences of autistic people. However, specific emotions associated with these experiences and the degree to which these experiences are shared with autistic people who do not communicate through the language-based methodologies used in these studies remain unclear.…”

Lobbying Autism’s Diagnostic Revision in the DSM-5

“…In short, we largely agree with psychiatry as to what autism is (a difference of neurology) and feel that scientific research should play a key role in defining the diagnosis. Nonetheless, we believe that identification of autism should transition to a non-pathological system that allows inclusion of evidence-based neutral differences and strengths, recognizing that autistic traits can be strengths, challenges, or neutral depending on context (and are often deeply valued by autistic people ourselves; Russell et al [41]). And while we agree with psychiatry that autism emerges from neurological differences, we disagree with many assessments of how autistic people should be treated-and wish to call attention to the social, legal, and political context in which research and diagnosis take place.…”