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An A-Z of autistic strengths, from a personal autistic perspective.
Autism is so often defined in terms of ‘deficits’ and ‘disorders’.
This is a celebration of some of our positive autistic characteristics.
#AutisticPride
#AutismAcceptance
#AutismAcceptanceMonth
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An A-Z of autistic strengths, from a personal autistic perspective.
Autism is so often defined in terms of ‘deficits’ and ‘disorders’.
This is a celebration of some of our positive autistic characteristics.
#AutisticPride
#AutismAcceptance
#AutismAcceptanceMonth
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These qualities aren’t unique to autistic people, of course.
But we have to assert our claim to them, because it’s wrongly assumed we don’t have them.
And how telling that we need to keep reminding non-autistic people that we’re fully and completely human, just like them.
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But we have to assert our claim to them, because it’s wrongly assumed we don’t have them.
And how telling that we need to keep reminding non-autistic people that we’re fully and completely human, just like them.
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‘A’
A quality I recognise in other autistic people is altruism.
It’s not just concern for other human beings, but creatures, plants, and climate.
Care for the welfare of the whole natural world.
There’s also great ardour (enthusiasm and passion) for principles and causes.
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A quality I recognise in other autistic people is altruism.
It’s not just concern for other human beings, but creatures, plants, and climate.
Care for the welfare of the whole natural world.
There’s also great ardour (enthusiasm and passion) for principles and causes.
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‘B’
Being beset by challenges and disadvantages doesn’t stop autistic people from behaving in brave, bold ways.
Because we value justice so highly, we find ourselves standing up to things like bullying and abuse.
We recognise the risk of repercussions, but do it anyway.
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Being beset by challenges and disadvantages doesn’t stop autistic people from behaving in brave, bold ways.
Because we value justice so highly, we find ourselves standing up to things like bullying and abuse.
We recognise the risk of repercussions, but do it anyway.
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‘C’
You don’t have to spend long with autistic people to realise how creative we are.
This manifests itself in the full range of human activities.
It’s partly because we see different possibilities, and don’t constrain ourselves.
We can be ‘careful’ too, in all senses.
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You don’t have to spend long with autistic people to realise how creative we are.
This manifests itself in the full range of human activities.
It’s partly because we see different possibilities, and don’t constrain ourselves.
We can be ‘careful’ too, in all senses.
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‘D’
There is no doubt that when we are committed to something we can be both dedicated and determined.
Our dedication means that we are prepared to invest huge amounts of time and energy in bringing something to fruition.
Our determination helps us to overcome obstacles.
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There is no doubt that when we are committed to something we can be both dedicated and determined.
Our dedication means that we are prepared to invest huge amounts of time and energy in bringing something to fruition.
Our determination helps us to overcome obstacles.
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‘E’
One of the most joyful aspects of being autistic is having esoteric enthusiasms.
Bespoke, personally tailored, intense interests, not just ordinary ‘off the shelf’ hobbies.
It’s wonderful to discover that some of these enthusiasms are shared by other autistic people.
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One of the most joyful aspects of being autistic is having esoteric enthusiasms.
Bespoke, personally tailored, intense interests, not just ordinary ‘off the shelf’ hobbies.
It’s wonderful to discover that some of these enthusiasms are shared by other autistic people.
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‘F’
The ability to really focus in on a subject, or an object, or an activity is a lovely autistic characteristic.
We can get great pleasure from minutiae.
The closer we get to something the more fascinating it becomes.
We see the fine detail and patterns others may miss.
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The ability to really focus in on a subject, or an object, or an activity is a lovely autistic characteristic.
We can get great pleasure from minutiae.
The closer we get to something the more fascinating it becomes.
We see the fine detail and patterns others may miss.
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‘G’
Autistic people are often genuine.
True to themselves not socially constructed norms.
That may seem contradictory, given references to ‘autistic masking’.
But it’s a deep truth, not a superficial one.
And, in my experience, autistic people have very generous hearts.
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Autistic people are often genuine.
True to themselves not socially constructed norms.
That may seem contradictory, given references to ‘autistic masking’.
But it’s a deep truth, not a superficial one.
And, in my experience, autistic people have very generous hearts.
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‘H’
We’re usually objectively honest, whenever we feel we can be.
It’s not in our nature to lie or deceive. It’s often distressing if we’re forced to.
That goes along with a rather old-fashioned idea of ‘honourable behaviour’.
Ironically, that often gets us into trouble.
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We’re usually objectively honest, whenever we feel we can be.
It’s not in our nature to lie or deceive. It’s often distressing if we’re forced to.
That goes along with a rather old-fashioned idea of ‘honourable behaviour’.
Ironically, that often gets us into trouble.
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‘I’
We often combine idealism and idiosyncrasy.
We aspire to better ways of doing things from a micro to a macro, global level.
And our perspectives and solutions are often peculiarly different (in a good way!).
This makes us ‘individualists’, which isn’t a bad thing.
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We often combine idealism and idiosyncrasy.
We aspire to better ways of doing things from a micro to a macro, global level.
And our perspectives and solutions are often peculiarly different (in a good way!).
This makes us ‘individualists’, which isn’t a bad thing.
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‘J’
We can be jocular and jovial.
One of the most damaging stereotypes attached to autistic people is that we’re no fun to be with.
This is so far from the truth.
When we’re comfortable, relaxed, and with the right people, we can be supremely sociable, joyful company.
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We can be jocular and jovial.
One of the most damaging stereotypes attached to autistic people is that we’re no fun to be with.
This is so far from the truth.
When we’re comfortable, relaxed, and with the right people, we can be supremely sociable, joyful company.
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‘K’
Autistic people often make great teachers because we’re both kind and knowledgeable.
We love to share our knowledge with others, and encourage them to grow their own.
If only educational settings treated autistic people better, so that more of us could be educators.
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Autistic people often make great teachers because we’re both kind and knowledgeable.
We love to share our knowledge with others, and encourage them to grow their own.
If only educational settings treated autistic people better, so that more of us could be educators.
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‘L’
As friends, partners, spouses, parents, or companions to creatures of various kinds, autistic people can be loving and loyal.
We may not express love neurotypically, as this sometimes feels cliched, or superficial.
But when we give our heart we’re often truly devoted.
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As friends, partners, spouses, parents, or companions to creatures of various kinds, autistic people can be loving and loyal.
We may not express love neurotypically, as this sometimes feels cliched, or superficial.
But when we give our heart we’re often truly devoted.
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‘M’
When we are interested in something, or feel committed to it through a sense of duty, we can be very highly motivated.
We often work well without supervision, monitoring and managing ourselves effectively.
And attention to detail means that many of us are meticulous.
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When we are interested in something, or feel committed to it through a sense of duty, we can be very highly motivated.
We often work well without supervision, monitoring and managing ourselves effectively.
And attention to detail means that many of us are meticulous.
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‘N’
Most of the autistic people I know are non-judgemental.
They are open minded and accepting of other people.
They also tend to be refreshingly non-hierarchical.
Which means they don’t feel the need to behave differently just because of someone’s social or work status.
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Most of the autistic people I know are non-judgemental.
They are open minded and accepting of other people.
They also tend to be refreshingly non-hierarchical.
Which means they don’t feel the need to behave differently just because of someone’s social or work status.
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‘O’
Being observant may be due to noticing detail and standing slightly apart from groups, with an onlooker’s role.
And we’re often quite original in our thinking, our way of doing things, even our appearance.
We don’t feel the need to be dedicated followers of fashion.
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Being observant may be due to noticing detail and standing slightly apart from groups, with an onlooker’s role.
And we’re often quite original in our thinking, our way of doing things, even our appearance.
We don’t feel the need to be dedicated followers of fashion.
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‘P’
Our ability to see things differently, ‘lateral thinking’ if you like, lends itself to problem solving.
We can come up with novel and effective solutions.
We can also be extraordinarily precise, whether in language, engineering, baking, or contractual negotiations.
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Our ability to see things differently, ‘lateral thinking’ if you like, lends itself to problem solving.
We can come up with novel and effective solutions.
We can also be extraordinarily precise, whether in language, engineering, baking, or contractual negotiations.
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‘Q’
Many of us knew we were quirky long before we realised we were autistic.
Quirkiness is an endearing autistic quality that can be observed in almost any aspect of our lives.
We also often question things. This is not to be difficult, but because we want to understand.
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Many of us knew we were quirky long before we realised we were autistic.
Quirkiness is an endearing autistic quality that can be observed in almost any aspect of our lives.
We also often question things. This is not to be difficult, but because we want to understand.
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‘R’
When we’re set on something we can be totally resolute:
“admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.”
What a lovely way to describe it; so much nicer than ‘obstinate’!
We may also be extremely reliable, due to our sense of duty, and our enjoyment of routines.
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When we’re set on something we can be totally resolute:
“admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.”
What a lovely way to describe it; so much nicer than ‘obstinate’!
We may also be extremely reliable, due to our sense of duty, and our enjoyment of routines.
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‘S’
Many of us are super-sensitive, especially when it comes to things like suffering, injustice, or other kinds of harm.
How we show this side of ourself varies. It may be well hidden.
We’re also sincere, so we don’t tend to go in for schmoozing or sucking up to people.
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Many of us are super-sensitive, especially when it comes to things like suffering, injustice, or other kinds of harm.
How we show this side of ourself varies. It may be well hidden.
We’re also sincere, so we don’t tend to go in for schmoozing or sucking up to people.
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‘T’
Many of us think a lot. We’re naturally thoughtful.
It’s a matter of debate whether we ‘overthink’ or the rest of the world ‘underthinks’.
We have a tendency to be trusting and believe what people tell us.
It’s hard for us to come to terms with how much people lie.
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Many of us think a lot. We’re naturally thoughtful.
It’s a matter of debate whether we ‘overthink’ or the rest of the world ‘underthinks’.
We have a tendency to be trusting and believe what people tell us.
It’s hard for us to come to terms with how much people lie.
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