What are the advantages and disadvantages of autism?

Answer 1

there is no advantages of autism but there is dis advantages for problem such as :

# having difficulty in social communication. # scramming # some of the having difficulty in speaking. # less of concentrating .. est

edit, 11.26.2009, by Crotalidae75

I thought I should amend this because the above poster obviously is only giving the reader one side of the story, which is also highly simplistic. Furthermore, the statement that "there is [sic] no advantages of autism" is a blatant lie. Or a misunderstanding. I can't really tell which, because whoever wrote it has poor grammar and doesn't know what they're talking about.

It is a misconception that there are no advantages to Autism/Aspergers. While it is true that we have difficulties, particularly as children, such as with socializing, and sometimes with speech itself. However, Aspergers people usually have fewer difficulties with speech, and can be [like myself] extremely articulate with speech, and very careful and thoughtful about what they say. "Normal" Autism people may have much more difficulty with "standard" forms of communication, but are in no way less intelligent than the average person. Instead, they may rely heavily on hand signals and other forms of non-verbal communication. The specific advantages of Autism/Aspergers may not be present in all individuals. We are are as diverse as the rest of the "normal" (neurotypical) population.

However, they may include :

> A high degrees of focus on single subjects. Sometimes, this means that people on the Autism Spectrum MAY make ideal scientists, engineers, and researchers, due to their dogged determination and concentration.

> Sometimes brutal honesty. Some Autistics, and Aspergers people, like myself, may have a difficult time with any form of dishonesty. This does not in any way mean that Autistics cannot lie : it just means there MAY be a tendency towards bluntness and brutal honesty. This is a double-edged sword, however, because some people can't handle this level of honesty.

> Critical thinking. Less prone to being swayed by emotions, Aspergers and Autistics may be well-suited towards clear-cut, rational thinking.

> Improved spatial perception abilities. I also possess this ability. This means that I am a 3-dimensional thinker. Not all of us have this ability, but when it is present it may be significantly more advanced than in the neurotypical population.

> Resistance to group-think/orthodoxies. This one is important. Because of a tendency to think for one's self, and not be influenced by peer pressure, Autistics are often not easily able to go along with conformity. This has clear advantages to those who value free-thinking and self-determination.

Most of the advantages to Autism/Aspergers are subtle, and sometimes easy for the ignorant to miss. They also do not necessarily make it easier to get along with "normal" society.

About me : Male, 34, Aspergers Syndrome. Grew up in Northern California, and was teased, harassed, and generally misunderstood as a child, by my peers - virtually constantly, I must honestly say. This is because of an enormous failure of society to accept That Which is Different.

Also, I was diagnosed as a child and had (and still have) most of the typical traits of this Spectrum. I'm not the most social of people. I don't particularly care anymore about this, though, as I'm intent to live my life as I see fit. I'm not saying I've not had difficulties with life -- I most certainly have, mostly with the ignorance of mainstream society, but I simply no longer care about those who do not understand me and what I truly am.

some important references/links

The Eight Asperger Advantages

Mild autism has 'selective advantages'

What, If Any, Advantages Does A Person With Asperger Syndrome Have Over Other Adults?

The Six Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome

Who's Planet is it Anyway? (blog)

Wrong Planet - Autistic Community

Why Is Autism Speaks So Bad?

www.solitaryforager.com

Answer 2

Disadvantages of Autism is that we lack social skills and social communication skills, general communication skills are poor, we tend to struggle a lot with executive dysfunction, sensory problems, a lot of us can have issues with our digestive systems, co-morbid mental health conditions like anxiety, and we have to deal with meltdowns. By far the biggest disadvantage is prejudice.

Advantages of Autism is that we think differently to neurotypical people which gives us a different perspective, socially we're not bound as much by social rules and tend to be more open-minded than neurotypical people and more free to be individuals. We tend to either be very logical or very creative and have 'special interests' that allow us to take in massive amounts of information on subjects that interest us far more effectively than neurotypical people. Sensory problems can be painful but equally our increased sensory perception can be pleasurable too.

Answer 3

There are positives and negatives to every equation, including Autism. However, everyone on the spectrum is different, and so these aspects will vary from one person to the next.

In other words, I would like to say that there is no "right" answer for this question, but I will at least give you MY perspective, so you can walk away with SOMETHING. (I have Asperger's Syndrome myself, which is a form of Autism.)

The main negative aspect for me is mostly the misunderstanding I feel from everyone.

There are SO many positive aspects for me. Creativity, a different way of thinking, honesty, intelligence, the list truly goes on and on.

Please remember that these aspects are only my point of view, and again, everyone on the spectrum is different. There truly is no one right answer to this question.