What are the assets of autism spectrum disorder? Part 3
My last blog regarding the assets of autism spectrum disorder is here! So, let’s finish this three part blog series with looking at the other assets of autism spectrum disorder.
Rules-based
Children and adults with ASD are usually good at accepting and functioning within rules. You can use this strength to help develop new skills in your child.
Having a set structure and routine supports clear rules about what should be done and when. This can assist understanding of the ‘hidden’ rules of social interaction and make daily activities more evident, organised and comfortable for your child to follow. For example:
- When we have a visitor, I say ‘hello.’.
- After I have breakfast, I brush my teeth.
Always use positive statements like ‘When ….. happens, do this …’. They work better than negatively stated one like ‘Don’t …’. Get as much information as you can from other professionals and parents with autistic children to get ideas about what expectations are appropriate and should be included.
Using visual supports is a MUST! Visual supports are an evidence-based practice, therefore should not be overlooked. Creating a ‘rule book’ using pictures and words is ideal. Repetitive reading and having easy access to the ‘rule book’ is essential. This will allow them to look at it in their own time and process the information presented.
The 3 best-performing echolalia tactics of 2019 (most of which
you’ve never heard of…) >>> LEARN MORE>>>
Sentences that incorporate ‘if, then’ statements may support your child’s understanding regarding what’s going on around them. For example, ‘If Beau is crying, Beau might be sad’.
Statements that have ‘first, then’ phrases may also assist your child to follow clear steps and sequences. This helps you to implement activities or chores that you want your child to complete. For example, ‘First put your shoes on, then we go to the park’. Alternatively, a simpler way is ‘Shoes first, then park’.
Refreshingly frank and logical
Individuals with autism are very linear in their thinking. The ‘framing effect’ theory entails the thought that individuals make decisions grounded on the way choices are framed. A particular study in London concluded that neurotypical individuals make decisions based on their emotions when making decisions. Several choices seem more desirable than others, even when choices offer the same reward.
Studies have also revealed that emotional awareness is weakened in people with ASD, otherwise referred to as “emotional blindness”. As “emotional blindness” is more common in people with ASD, this means they are less prone to the emotionally driven ‘framing effect’. Vulnerability to the ‘framing effect’ was less evident in autistic individuals because their responsiveness of internal feelings or emotional awareness is not driving the driving force when making decisions. They make decisions based on rules not emotion.
Thought processes
Autistic people have unique thought processes and can come up with innovative solutions. There are so many individuals that are on the spectrum that have contributed to our lives. You may recognise some of these people! There are celebrities, scientists, artists, and game developers. They may have a distinctive imagination which leads to new products and different expression of ideas. Individuals with SD are not broken, they are not disabled; they just look at the world through a different lens and think about aspects of daily life differently…. It doesn’t mean it is wrong!
Honest, loyal and resilient
People with autism have integrity. Since they follow the rules, they will not lie and will get upset if someone disagrees with what they are saying if they know it to be the truth.
People on the autism spectrum, are always honest—whether it’s encouraging or undesirable.
The fact that they are honest means individuals with autism will accurately reflect their feelings and respond with frankness when asked for their view. When a person with autism states that you look great, you’re looking a million bucks!!
They will stay committed to a particular job, whether paid or volunteered work. According to an investigation directed by The National Autistic Society, individuals with ASD are often highly conscientious and very dedicated to their work. The study also established that levels of absenteeism from work is often lower among people with autism. They are punctual, authentic and dependable.
Well there you have it! I hope you have enjoyed reading about the assets of autism spectrum disorder over the last few weeks. There are so many more assets to ASD. As a parent, teacher or therapist, it is our role to keep searching to uncover them all. Individuals with ASD have so much to offer the world. It’s time to re-examine and challenge what we think we know to be true about autism. This is the only way we’ll tackle the many misunderstandings about ASD while also helping people with autism become functional members of society.
Until next time
Voula