5 Remarkable Autism Benefits and Support Strategies

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that impairs the social functioning of children and adults. The condition is almost always perceived through a negative and critical lens, and the deficits it brings are often highlighted. However, despite all the challenges faced by those with autism, it also brings about a whole host of positive aspects.

People with autism often bring around new perspectives on daily situations and may offer great insight and expertise, showcasing neurodivergence's benefits. In this blog, we will dive into the various positive factors of ASD, discuss potential Autism benefits, and highlight support strategies for Autistic people.

What is Autism?

Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autistic Spectrum Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is marked by challenges in social communication, speech and non-verbal communication, repetitive/restricted behaviour, social interactions, body movements, and hyper-reactivity to sensory input.

Autism is classified as a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can manifest in a wide range of ways in different individuals. For example, some autistic people may be completely non-verbal, while some may face no impediments in speech. Due to the wide variety of diagnoses that individuals with autism may receive, there is also a wide variation in the need for supportive care for people on the autism spectrum.

The severity of the diagnosis depends on the strength of the symptoms one exhibits, and diagnosis of autism is made via the diagnostic criteria outlined by the DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). Autism is currently classified as a mental health disorder, but some argue that it should be classified not as a disorder but rather as part of natural neurodivergence. The current classifications mean that sometimes, individuals with autism are also marked as individuals with disabilities.

The exact cause behind autism is still unknown, but it has a high genetic cause, though some environmental factors may also play a part. The condition is also frequently co-morbid, meaning that it occurs with other conditions such as ADHD or epilepsy. While there is no cure for autism, supportive techniques and an early diagnosis especially help autistic children.

While an autism diagnosis often surrounds itself with a lot of negativity, it is critical to look at the positives. For those with non-severe forms of the disorder, leading a normal life is not particularly hard and may even bring with it some autism benefits and strengths.

ALSO READ: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

5 Autism Benefits and Strengths

There is no denying that autism may affect one's everyday life and quality of life negatively. However, if autism is only looked at through a negative lens, it may have a severe impact on the well-being and health conditions of those on the spectrum. Only discussing the deficits of ASD with individuals with autism can have a profound negative effect on their mental health and can lead to discouragement regarding their condition, as well as low self-esteem.

Therefore, it becomes important to have a look at the positive aspects of ASD and discuss any potential autism benefits and strengths that someone on the spectrum may have. Being neurodivergent implies that individuals with autism have a divergent or different way of thinking, and this allows them to possess abilities or benefits that neurotypicals may not possess.

Having a favourable attitude towards the condition can lead everyone to interact with autistic people in a different light and bring further positive awareness about the condition. While not everyone with autism may possess these conditions, they are prevalent among those with ASD.

Extraordinary Vision

A large number of autistic people have a hypersensitivity to many senses, and this includes vision. This hypersensitivity allows for heightened sensory perception, which enhances vision, leading to extraordinary abilities. This means that many autistic people have a heightened sense of seeing, which manifests itself in different ways. For example, some children with autism may be able to read tiny text from across classrooms, identify visual patterns and abnormalities easily, see through optical illusions as well as absorb more visual details than neurotypicals, making the extraordinary vision a special autism benefit.

Heightened Musical Ability

Akin to extraordinary vision, some people on the spectrum may also have a heightened sense of auditory perception. This increased capacity leads to those individuals possessing superior auditory capabilities, such as auditory discrimination and pitch detection, both of which permit heightened musical abilities. Auditory discrimination refers to the ability to distinguish between multiple noises and notice background sounds more easily, whereas pitch detection refers to the ability to identify the musical pitch of various sounds. Sometimes, a few autistic individuals may possess musical abilities so vastly improved that they are titled musical savants, and they often possess absolute pitch, making this another autism benefit that neurotypicals do not have.

High Intelligence

Ironically, while autism is dubbed as an intellectual disability, many individuals may have high intelligence, making ASD a disorder of high intelligence. Studies have found that many children with autism, as well as adults with autism, score very high on IQ tests, sometimes even upwards of 140 (the minimum requirement to be identified as gifted). Studies have determined that the genetic material that is linked with developing autism correlates with high intelligence. This makes high intelligence an autism benefit that has a huge potential to impact the lives of individuals with autism.

Savant Syndrome

As discussed earlier, musical savants are those gifted with perfect musical ability and pitch. However, savant syndrome can manifest itself in a myriad of fields, including mathematics, music, art, and mechanical abilities. Research has suggested that around 10-20% of all autistic people may be savants, whereas the number lies at less than 1% for neurotypical individuals. While the remarkable nature of savant minds varies with each field, one common factor prevalent among all savants is extraordinary memory, showcasing yet another autism benefit stemming from neurotypical minds.

Hard Workers

Studies indicate that those with autism are often harder workers than neurotypicals. This is because those with ASD do not feel rewarded by social situations or socializing but rather through dedication to their task at hand. Research has even found that autistic adults may be up to 140% more productive than an average worker as long as the work aligns with their interests.

Supportive Strategies

While we have looked at the autism benefits that come from neurodivergent thinking, it is also critical to take note of the supportive strategies that individuals with autism may require. While those on the spectrum may be incredibly gifted in particular forms of intelligence, they still lack the social skills to navigate the world efficiently and need support from those around them to build and grow their skills.

In children particularly, ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) is used to provide suitable interventions and help develop skills. Through ABA, licensed health professionals provide personalized strategies to develop sensory-motor as well as social skills. Autism must be diagnosed as early as possible to make up for any developmental disabilities right from a young age.

Additionally, parents play a significant role in creating the right environment for their children. For neurodivergent thinking to manifest in the form of positive autism benefits, children must be provided with the right settings to hone their skills. Parents must foster a positive and supportive environment for children with autism and provide them with the special education they may need to develop verbal, physical, and behavioural skills.

Autism Benefits Provided by Government

In the United Kingdom, autistic people, along with their families, may be entitled to receive certain autism benefits that the government provides. ASD may often present challenges and difficulties for patients and families in leading a relatively normal life, and therefore, the government provides benefits for affected individuals.

Autism is recognized as an intellectual disability, which allows people to claim certain benefits that aim to improve their living conditions, financial status, and accommodation. In the UK, autism benefits can be divided into three categories: benefits for children, adults, and older and younger people.

Benefits for Children

The government provides three primary autism benefits for autistic children and their caretakers. The first one is the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which provides monetary support for autistic people under the age of 16. The compensation is equated with the needs of each individual, and DLA is very helpful in covering the costs of raising an autistic child. The DLA can provide compensation based on two factors- care and mobility, depending on the child's needs.

The next benefit is the Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan. In some cases, autistic children in the UK may be eligible to benefit from this benefit package and may receive adequate payments to help them in education environments. Furthermore, the UK government also provides a Carer's Allowance. This allowance financially supports those caring for autistic children for more than 35 hours a week.

Benefits for Adults

For autistic adults, multiple autism benefits aim to provide financial support and facilitate independence. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) replaces the DLA, offering assistance with additional costs arising from long-term health issues or disabilities. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) steps in to support those facing challenges in the workforce, offering both financial aid and personalized assistance.

The Access to Work grant further aids employment by providing practical workplace support and assistance with commuting. The Universal Credit benefit also offers financial assistance tailored to individual circumstances, reducing living expenses for autistic adults.

Benefits for Older and Younger People

Benefits for both young and older individuals with autism aim to address evolving needs across different stages of life. Transition to Adult Services provides tailored support for young adults transitioning into adult services, including continued education and employment assistance to facilitate a smooth transition.

As autistic individuals age, their requirements change, and they need specialized support. Benefits such as Attendance Allowance offer financial assistance to older adults who suffer from severe disabilities and require care. Additionally, Housing Benefit provides aid by covering rent and ensuring stable accommodation for individuals who have low incomes or are claiming benefits.

Listen To This Podcast: From Segregation to Inclusion: Transforming Our Perception of Autism with Rahul Punj

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Autism Spectrum Disorder presents unique challenges, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the strengths and abilities it brings. By reframing the narrative to acknowledge autism benefits alongside its challenges, we foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals on the spectrum. The UK Government also plays a vital role by providing essential autism benefits and services tailored to the needs of autistic individuals across different walks of life.

From extraordinary vision to heightened musical abilities and high intelligence, the talents of autistic individuals enrich societies in many ways. By embracing neurodiversity and implementing supportive strategies, we can unlock the full potential of individuals with autism, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to society.

FAQs