Advantages of autism

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Whenever I google search advantages of autism I can never find any concrete examples. All they mention is "attention to detail", "good concentration" and some variations of that.

The one that I like, which got an interesting worded complement for the other day is:

I consider that a strength of character of autism, telling it like I see it instead of playing games don't know how to.
Will always get a straightforward unvarnished truthful answer from me.

Heightened senses. Granted, sensory defensiveness is a rather annoying side effect of this, but the fact that I can hear, smell, and taste things better than an average person is pretty cool.

I got a medal. and there was a parade! and.. and..

actually none of that. I am just me and without actually being someone else, i don't know what advantages' i have had over them. If i ever work out how to turn aspieness into gold, i'll come back and tell you i promise.

If we put our minds to something and make it our "special interest" we can master it. Imagine the aspies who use that gift the right way. Everyone who ever destroyed me in chess was aspie or HFA/LFA.

To add to Ezra, yes, a lot of us are very blunt. That can be both good or bad, though.

I can't lie.

The truth just splurts out and takes people by surprise.

There has been once or twice where it has got me in trouble.

But luckily for me most people find it hilarious.

I take that as an advantage.

It could also be a disadvantage though as well.

I always wanted to ask you that, what is Ezra?

The biggest advantage of having autism for me is...
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There isn't one. It's all disadvantage.

I wish I had good concentration

I have a very strong personality. A personality that shines when I'm not wearing disguises.

In a way, I have to agree. Only because none of the potentially "advantageous" traits associated with autism are EXCLUSIVE to autism. You can have "extraordinary concentration" or be "refreshingly honest," for example, without also having autism.

I wish I could honestly say I thought there was a definitive advantage privy only to those on the spectrum. I would like to think there is. But...not so sure.

I am only speaking for myself here. On a different day, maybe I could answer with more optimism.

I agree with this. I can do all sorts of awesome things with computers that most people can't wrap their heads around, all because I've spent an absurd amount of time pursuing it as a special interest. In some ways it almost seems like I'm naturally attuned to it, but I just think that my skill with computers has more to do with my experience and my undying interest.

I can think of a lot of advantage that autism has done for me. Like making me a math and science genius. OTOH: I also can't deny the disadvantages of it as well, Like having poor social skills which makes it almost imposable to use my autism given advantages towards doing things like making a living. One WP user describe it like having a Lamborghini with no wheels on it. You can rev the engine all you want but you are not going anywhere.

While I am friendless, I am very popular at work (a large employer) because people can let their guard down around me and don't have to play any games and know I don't make false promises. I'm almost the resident counselor/bartender at every job because everyone knows I am honest, reliable and don't play mind games. In a world like ours, it is very refreshing to know I won't use what they say against them or back stab them and people. Of course, bullies can take advantage of that but at my age and workplace there aren't a whole lot of them around.

I also have young children and animals flock to me like an Alpha Male has women stick to them likely because I am very genuine and being open minded, children can pick up on it. It does get annoying having kids constantly latch onto you like leeches but I'm also glad my presence makes them so happy and comfortable. I would also assume that my literal thinking and honesty helps a lot too.

I feel that way a lot too. For example, I am an expert at designing streets and maps but lacked the ability to prove it to anyone. Everywhere I've work, the big responsibilities are always given to the loudmouth who can pretend to be an expert when they are not.

From the point of view of an undiagnosed 70 year old HFA/Aspie, nothing about Autism is advantageous in the NT world.

Yes, certain characteristics can be leveraged to help you function and compete successfully but they do not compensate for the characteristics that work against you.

The only exception would be an outgoing HFA with the right idea at the right time in the right place. Not likely.

Know your limits and develop appropriate coping skills and you'll be fine, but you won't have an advantage.

I made it to a secure retirement despite having to learn my limits and develop coping skills on the fly, without an awareness of Autism. I leveraged the ability to convert concepts to pictures and pictures to concepts. Without that I would have been buried, with it I did ok.

I classify this within "seeing the detail", but:

solving complex problems of all sorts.


I honestly think that I can handle social conflict resolution better than most NTs. However, regular, daily stuff I don't seem to do well with.