As a parent, one of your goals is to help your child maximize their strengths so they can lead a happy and productive life. This is especially crucial for children with autism. The key is to understand that the differences between autistic and neurotypical children can be qualities that allow them to shine, rather than weaknesses or disabilities.
Like any child, children with autism need to feel accepted to thrive. Therefore, the best thing you can do for your child is to embrace them, quirks and all.
Here are some characteristics of people with autism that translate into strengths throughout their lives:
Special Interests or Talents
People with autism are often extremely passionate and knowledgeable in areas of intense, solitary interest. These interests can help reduce other autism traits and build self-confidence. For example, children with autism often become more animated when discussing their passions. Some people with autism even highlight these special interests within very successful careers.
Professionals can incorporate these interests during ABA therapy to keep individuals engaged. For example, if a child with autism is passionate about dinosaurs, the therapist could use dinosaur videos or cards with pictures of dinosaurs as part of their ABA therapy.
Detail-oriented
When motivated to pay attention, children with autism can be hyper-focused. This attention to the tiniest of details means they tend to make fewer mistakes than those with neurotypical minds. This allows them to excel in detail-oriented schoolwork or future careers, and even notice things that others may overlook.
Structured
Children with autism thrive on routine, crave consistency, and are adept rule followers. This translates to reliability, which is an asset in both professional and social situations. What can be perceived as inflexibility or rigidity, allows children with autism to grow into punctual, organized, and dependable adults who follow workplace rules and strive to complete their work accurately.
Because children with autism are rule followers, professionals can incorporate this skill into ABA therapy. For example, they can create clear parameters for what needs to be completed and when, and help teach rules of social interaction that are often challenging for children with autism.
Unique Communication
Children with autism are more likely to speak their minds with “no filter” regardless of the social context. They seldom lie and usually say exactly what they think. This straightforward manner of communicating means they grow into sincere, genuine, and honest adults.
Excellent Recall of Facts
People with autism often have an excellent rote memory, which enables them to recall large amounts of information, such as dialogue from movies. This exceptional memory can be a significant strength when it comes to academic skills, such as recalling and solving complex math formulas. ABA therapists can use this asset to help children with autism learn practical information, such as their address or times tables.
Authenticity
Children with autism are often perceived as “quirky” which means they are also nonconforming and not afraid to be themselves. This authenticity allows them to be more creative and questioning. Because they do not feel obliged to conform, they are less likely to fall prey to peer pressure and often bring openness and freshness to social interactions.
GBC Autism Services: Maximizing Strengths
At GBC Autism Services, we provide ABA therapy to children with autism in the areas of Chicagoland, Peoria, Normal, Rockford, Springfield, Dekalb, and North-West Indiana. Our services include in-home and clinic-based ABA therapy, early intervention services, school consultations, and social skills groups.
The team at GBC doesn’t only focus on the behaviors that might be seen as weaknesses in children with autism. We accept and appreciate each child’s unique abilities and incorporate them into our programming. In fact, we love to learn about each child’s interests and strengths and only look to help them navigate the world better.
Ready to learn more? Get our Essential Guide to Autism and ABA.
