It is important to know, especially if you are a parent who just got their child’s diagnosis, that children with autism can live normal lives through early intervention, therapies, schooling, and proper medical attention. If you fear that your child has autism, consult a medical professional right away.

Let’s continue with our topic at hand. So, what are autistic people good at? Let’s look at our top 10 positive traits of people on the spectrum.

• Deep Focus

The first one on our list is deep focus. People or children on the autism spectrum have great focus and are less prone to distractions. This hyperfocused autism super strength kicks in when a child or an adult on the spectrum is really interested in a particular thing or task.

There is a great deal of research done on this. According to a study in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, “People with autism have a greater than normal capacity for processing information even from rapid presentations and are better able to detect information defined as ‘critical’.”

• Great Long Term Memory

The second positive trait on our list is exceptional long-term memory. People on the autism spectrum have great memory as compared to those who are not on the spectrum. How often do we forget the minute instances, overlook details, or forget to call someone when we are supposed to? Too many to count, right? Well, for people on the autism spectrum, they are typically blessed with a sharp memory. In fact, a chunk of people on the spectrum have photogenic memories. A strong memory is a great asset for any individual, being on the spectrum or not. 

• Honesty

As a society, we value honesty and truth. However, we are not immune to lying. We often find ourselves telling white lies just to save ourselves from trouble. For people on the autism spectrum, lying is not an option as it is for neurotypical people. Whether for good or bad, people on the spectrum will clearly and honestly reflect their feelings and respond bluntly when asked about their opinions. So, if you have been complimented by a person on the spectrum, you should know that it came from the heart.

• Accepting

Another positive trait of people on the autism spectrum is that they are accepting. They don’t care about someone’s height, weight, or attractiveness. This is perhaps one of the biggest strengths of being autistic, the ability to go beyond the surface and be accepting of a person regardless of conditions.

• Being Passionate

With their hyperfocused ability, this trait is a given for people on the autism spectrum. People on the spectrum are truly passionate about things, ideas, and people. They’ll spend the time, energy, and imagination necessary to master what they focus on, no matter if it gets hard or frustrating. If we see neurotypical people with their procrastinating and delaying things, how many can we see sticking to the assigned work? Not too many.

• Less Materialistic

This isn’t true in the black-and-white sense, but generally, people on the spectrum are less prone to materialistic achievements and status than their neurotypical counterparts. They are less likely to care about branded clothing, high-end dining options, or other unnecessary things that neurotypical people often cling to. We should learn a few things from people on the spectrum, shouldn’t we?

• Innovative Thinkers

You may be surprised to see this trait on our list. But, many studies have shown that people on the spectrum excel at creative thinking and innovative problem-solving. Their distinctive imagination and expression of ideas surpass those of neurotypical people.

• Great at Auditory & Visual Tasks

When talking about good things about autism, it is important to mention the ability of people on the spectrum to perform auditory and visual tasks. Research suggests that people on the autism spectrum excel at doing tasks that require these skills.

“Recent data and my own personal experience suggest it’s time to start thinking of autism as an advantage in some spheres, not a cross to bear,” said Dr. Laurent Mottron, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Montreal.

• Great at Routine Tasks

If you have a loved one on the autism spectrum, you know they thrive in repetitive tasks. People on the autism spectrum are comfortable in routine environments and can’t stand stressful atmospheres where there is constant change. This hyperfocused super strength is a highly sought-after skill in the corporate world, where top technology companies, the likes of Microsoft and HP, are hiring people with autism for their unique ability for repetitive tasks.

• Great Eye for Details

Lastly, people on the spectrum have a great eye for detail. While neurotypical people will overlook details, people on the autism spectrum pick up the tiniest of details thanks to their hyperfocused ability. They enjoy detail-oriented work and can work persistently without getting distracted or bored.