Top 12 Autistic Strengths

👩‍👧‍👦As a mom on the spectrum, sometimes it’s easier to get bogged down by my daily challenges than to focus on my strengths. But today we’re making time to CELEBRATE autistic characteristics that enrich the world we live in. 🎉
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💪Let me hear from you in the comments about which characteristics resonate the most with you! And let me know what other strengths I need to add. ✍️
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💻 Click on any of the timestamps below to jump to that section.
Attention to detail (2:03)
Deep Focus (2:54)
Observational skills (3:11)
Ability to observe and retain facts (3:34)
Visual skills (4:00)
Expertise (5:14)
Good with methodical approach (6:14)
Novel approaches (6:56)
Creativity (7:40)
Tenacity and resilience (8:42)
Accepting of differences (9:11)
Integrity (10:32)
Pep talk with Tay (11:58)
📱Resources 🖥
💔🙏From Grief to Gratitude: Learning to Accept my Adult Autism Diagnosis: • Grieving My Autism Dia...
💞😩Empathy and Burnout: Strategies for Avoiding Overwhelm When Caring for Others: • Autistic Burnout, Peop...
Autism: The Strengths: www.gallagherbassett.com.au/a...
History’s 30 Most Inspiring People on the Autism Spectrum: www.appliedbehavioranalysispr...
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I'm Tay, a married mom of 2 who was diagnosed with Autism at 31 years old. This was after YEARS of therapy (and all of the self tests in the world!). My diagnosis has brought up questions, frustration, doubt, but most importantly, a new level of self compassion and understanding.
I'm here to share knowledge, resources, and products that empower other neurodivergents (and their loved ones) to live freely and creatively. I'm not a doctor so please speak with your healthcare providers before implementing any recommendations I make on my channel.
Females are under-diagnosed due to lack of research. Please share any videos that are helpful to you so we can spread awareness and acceptance.
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#autism #autistic #aspergers

[@whitneymason406]

I think my favorite thing about my autism is loyalty. I have been told by friends and coworkers that I'm very loyal and I think a lot of other autistic people are too. Thanks for another great video, I really appreciate your positivity!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

It's a super great quality that I think is becoming more rare among the general population!

[@LM-uq9nv]

Yes. I can definitely relate to this. Fiercely momma-bear level loyal.

[@whitneymason406]

@@LM-uq9nv Absolutely!

[@gwendolenyoung4198]

​​​@@MomontheSpectrumd no one ever sticks up for us though, it's always us calling out jerky behaviour even on behalf of strangers, so I tend to feel hurt when no one steps up for me. later they might say gee they person was an ass to you. I airways want to say why didn't you help me then? it feels like betrayal to me. I've asked and received the old "I didn't think it was my place" to protect others and make them not feel so alone?. I think they're just being cowardly.

[@Touay.]

I think I agree with that 'loyalty' point .... but perhaps this also makes it more painful when that loyalty is betrayed, in whatever manner.

[@mekachan5200]

One of my favorite strength is that I don't judge people, I'm almost unable to judge because I'm the one who was judged all of her life and I know that it really doesn't make sense Sometimes this can backfire in that I'm more naive than others and this could harm me, I just try to be aware of other Peoples' actions but not rush to judge

[@FenjaWonderland]

Hi mekachan! I total feel what you have written. It's the same for me! It never made sense to me why people are jealous and nasty to each other. I can't figure out what they get from it? I only see it as a waist of time! And because I'm so loyal, empathic and trusting I had been hit hard by the nature of some humans. I hope you gathered lots of lovely, trust worthy people now around you that like to care for each other without second thoughts!

[@kristinstewart5556]

These are wonderful reminders because as I dive deep into information on late (57) discovered yet undiagnosed ASD, I realize how very exhausted I am from masking. The strengths are the things that give me joy and hope.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes. There are so many strengths, though sometimes I know it is hard to believe it.

[@delphinebez3045]

Self diagnosed at 56 this year... I realised the burnout too ! But not from masking (which I don't care to do) but from my own intensity and over focus. From ADD too... which I also realised I (and my family...) have...

[@delphinebez3045]

I totally resonate with this 500%

[@TennesseeLadyBug]

One of my strengths is a commitment to learning everything I can about a topic of interest. I become laser focused. I am also a good writer. I enjoy writing. It has evolved as an effective coping skill. I am also highly intuitive, compassionate and empathetic especially for those who are vulnerable and in emotional pain. I’m also very compassionate for animals and their wellbeing.

[@RobsFavInfoAndMusic]

When I was young I used to read dictionaries and encyclopedias to learn things I didn't know to look for.

[@lrwiersum]

Encyclopedia Brittanica !!

[@delilahhart4398]

Me, too!

[@A-Different-Way-of-Thinking]

I’m autistic 🧩, and ‘attention to detail’, and ‘absorb and retain facts’ are two of my favorite capabilities.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🏆

[@sarahleony]

I like my empathy and moral compass (is that equivalent to integrity? Similar?). I am not efficient at being innovative or seeing things through. I get paralyzed by what a huge commitment any project would be, and still I wouldn’t be able to do it perfectly, so I don’t do it at all -> avoidance.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I can relate. I am a 1 on the enneagram, which is a perfectionist, so it's very hard for me to do something that I'm super pleased with and not picking apart. And yes I think empathy and moral compass is very similar to integrity! In my experience it's almost like we have secret insight into what others need and how to help in a virtuous way.

[@heatonhelp9415]

Great list. I’d add “The unnreal ability to know the needs and schedules of your family at all times.”

[@exploringdimensions4all853]

One of my bosses identified tenacity as one of my core strengths. (P.S. - This was a sales job if anyone relates.)

[@jayshock2423]

I remember getting in so much trouble in elementry school for doing my paper on how to do something.. I chose "how to fart". The teacher said it could be about anything we wanted. Mine was far more descriptive and detailed than anyone elses. I drew diagrams and everything! The teacher was not impress lol. I remember getting mad because I followed every rule required for the assignment, and so why was I getting in trouble.

[@exploringdimensions4all853]

What a great video for someone on a job search.

[@emilymoran9152]

I love this list - and I feel like it explains a lot about how stereotypes about scientists and professors overlap a lot of autistic traits! Because I think there ARE a lot of us in academia who are on the spectrum, even if many are probably undiagnosed because a job that is heavy on research and even lecturing (bc really that's just talking at length about your special interest!) is something we can be really happy and successful at. Well...at least until you get to the point where "service roles" (eg chairing committees and programs) are expected to increase! I've been having some burnout problems relating to that. It sucks, but my dad (also an academic) made me feel a bit better the other day: "It's not that you can't do it. You just have to find YOUR way of doing it!"

[@kikisav7224]

I’m VERY detail oriented which is why I tend to stick data entry jobs. I’m super observant in general, which I think helps me pick up on facial expressions and body language in social situations. The problem is that I’m terrible at actually reciprocating and engaging in conversations.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I feel this on a deep level! Well-said.

[@T1MB05L1C3]

Here are what I feel like my strengths are as an autistic: Attention to detail (esp. when coding/scripting) Methodical Persistence Resilience

[@nighthawk244]

Just got disgnosed this week and I've been going through autistic burnout since october. I really needed this, thank you!

[@AngieWilkins]

I score five on energram, I'm a 5/6 . Their is a lot about the way I think as an autistic person that I love, I am a picture thinker too.

[@adamtobin8132]

Your changing my life and my two kids lives fit the better. Thank you. Diagnosed at 40.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

thank you so much for sharing this with me 🥹

[@katiejensen5547]

The Amazon production line part had me dead. I have been down this train of thought before 😂 I also read almanacs as a kid lol😅

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Haha glad I’m not the only one.

[@vivianstewart7523]

HaHa! Me, too! I've thought about that EXACT thing.

[@matshogmark]

Thank you for the reminder that many autistic traits are really good traits even though the autistic traits in a social context could really make me feel alienated and alone!

[@marjiecroston100]

I’m not super creative, but I do get to share short poetry with a poetry group at work. It’s fun for them when I join, because I’m staff.

[@Lost-ec5on]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been struggling a lot lately with my meltdowns and hearing your encouraging words means a lot. Please keep making these videos. For those of us who don't have the courage and strength to talk about it publicly, it's so nice to see people like you being that light for all of us who still need help figuring out how to navigate this world. Your kids are very, very lucky to have a mother like you. I know they will be amazing, kind hearted, and compassionate when they grow up. :)

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you so much for this kind comment.

[@paulmc9203]

Great List, many thanks! No. 11 relating to animal welfare and injustice leads many on the spectrum to become vegetarian and vegan - the cruelty/exploitation and slaughter is just too much to endure.

[@user-xf4nt9gk8p]

You have such a beautiful soul and are touching the lives of so many people. Thank you for being so brave and encouraging all of us to show up as our most authentic selves Tay!

[@tallgirlhappyme]

"Let's stop spending our day trying to invision how the Amazon production line works!" Omgosh, that is the story of my life! Thank you for acknowledging that!

[@pjkr123]

I used some of the topic in this video for my job interview. I am a high functioning autistic person

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🙌🏻

[@iluvmonkeez6481]

thank you for making this video focusing on the strengths rather than deficits which so many seem to highlight whether by using loaded terminology or stereotyping.

[@susanlivingston3075]

These traits have served me well as a pediatric occupational therapist. I created most of my jobs in a very non traditional way. Thus includes creating a pre-K - 5 alternative school for kids with sensory processing disorders. And that environment helped me improve my coordination, communication, socialization, regulation and gave me a reset on my childhood.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I am al happy to hear this! Thank you for the work you’re doing. 🙏🏼

[@PEARL_Pediatric_Therapy]

I’m a pediatric PT 👋🏼 and I’ve always been told I do things differently and outside of the box… love the most complex NICU micropreemies.

[@widewailcorduroy7278]

Regards #7 of writing clear specific instructions to the point of minutiae: I became a professional technical writer focusing on hardware and software procedural instructions. I'm that guy who writes user manuals that no one reads. I didn't really know why I actually liked doing that when other people around me thought it was a chore. Until my autism diagnosis, which was well into in adulthood.

[@gwenhyr]

I think "Good with methodical approach", "Accepting of differences" and "Integrity" resonate very strongly with me. But what I always saw as my superpower falls under the "Observational skills" and that is observing and recognising patterns and analyzing things. I think it's The Most Useful Thing I can do because it allows me to understand, learn and navigate this world. And occasionaly help someone else. I am looking forward to more videos from you, you are just what I was hoping to find, thank you for sharing :)

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I would agree this is also a tremendous strength for many on the spectrum! Thanks for sharing this. 💓

[@oliviersoable]

You are not alone!

[@ItsDrMcQuack]

Taylor, this video made me tear up, as often happens with your work. You help me realize I have genuine strengths I thought were nothing special or even weaknesses. It also brings up my post-diagnosis grief, but you make it feel cathartic. Thank you. :')

[@JustKate1111]

Loved this and really needed it today….too often our ‘neurodiversity’ or quirks are the focus-called names or criticized- which can be so disheartening when u feel like u r trying so hard. Will look forward to both the parent and the adhd ones;).

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Absolutely! Time to rewrite the narrative! Which strength do you find yourself relating to the most?

[@JustKate1111]

@@MomontheSpectrum Thanks for the reply. Bit by bit and at least we are in a country where we have a chance. Attention to detail is my top skill----and curse;-). I notice everything.

[@debbietaylor4107]

I love love love this. Thank you. I needed this today. Just had a eureka moment this past weekend and realized that I probably am on the spectrum. I feel like you described me perfectly in this video & it helped me to stop dwelling on my quiet freak out last Saturday at a family gathering of about 40 people to celebrate my mother in law’s 90th birthday. I spent the majority of time there at her house in a quiet room trying to tolerate the noise in the rest of the house.

[@charleyfrench3064]

I love your videos! I have binged today after being told at work on Friday that a coworker felt I was condescending…I have suspected myself of being on the spectrum in the past, but now I feel even more certain after picking apart coworker interactions that I can recall…. I am just taking all of this in and it makes me feel so much better sand confident ❤️ thank you sooo much!!!

[@TRXST.ISSUES]

This was wonderful! 👏🙏🔥🔥🔥!

[@kairussell2156]

Thank you for making this video. I've been feeling like I'm not cut out for my current job because of my autism, so I really needed this reminder of my autistic strengths. Hope you're doing well. Take care.

[@emilymoran9152]

My dad gave me the best little pep talk about this. I was telling him about how I'd been having some serious burnout problems this year bc of the amount of "people wrangling" my current job roles entail. But when I mentioned this to a work friend and she was like "Uhggh, tell me about it!" she showed me her calendar. It had twice as many meetings...and she's just a little tired and grumpy, not totally collapsing and being unable to function periodically. Which made me feel really bad about my prospects going forward. He stopped me and said: "Hey. It's not that you can't do it. You just have to find YOUR way of doing it." Unsaid but implied was: like you've always done things your way. And he's right - I have a history of getting stressed out bc someone tells me I need do thing X way, which I know won't work for me, and then either figuring out I can do it Y way...or deciding I don't need to do it at all. So hopefully you will find YOUR way through whatever your challenge is!

[@annienamaste8283]

Beautiful, thank you 🙏💖

[@karaamundson3964]

Thanks! Resonating! Love it, sending love ❤

[@Farfie2023]

That was beautiful. Thank you

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're welcome!

[@shelbybutler9714]

ALL of this!!! It's like you are in my head- love it.

[@andymansfield3153]

Thank you. I resonate with so much of your content, and I feel I need to watch this every few days to remind me different can mean better.😊

[@virgofairy88]

My autistic strengths-I definitely feel the attention to detail-I like to draw and paint and it really helps me make the best quality art. At work my attention to detail makes me good at my job, and my hobbies (drawing, acting, and especially music). I also have perfect pitch and pick up singing in other languages very fast which are great for studying opera. My autism made me good at my medical coding job which involves thousands of codes, rules and medical terminology-because of this I now train my teammates (and I’m one of the youngest people on my team!)

[@jamideherrera5194]

I can relate to this entire video

[@jacquelineraner14]

I have a very good relationship with my psychiatrist. I brought it up to her and she agreed to refer me to be checked for autism and the only reason why she was not going to was because she knows that I don't have insurance that will cover it. She also told me that if I were to have autism that it does not necessarily mean that my other diagnosis of bipolar might still be accurate. I agreed with her and said the reasons why I was bringing it up was actually because it would be relevant to what medications would be the most effective to treat me. I learned that antipsychotics were not recommended for bipolar patients who also have autism and I knew I was having side effects from my medication. We changed to a different type of medication and it worked much better. I can't stress enough how terrible antipsychotic medication is for autistic individuals with other diagnoses. It caused long term damage to my ability to function. I have days where despite being off these medications I will experience the same side effects as if I were still using it. It affects control over my muscles and I can't relax them no matter what I do. I also have other days where I drop everything if I don't give 100% of my attention to that task.

[@PenniniFroze]

This couldn't have come up at a better time for me. Thank you for all the videos you make

[@MorePranaGardens]

Haha. I LOVED the peanut butter sandwich assignment in 7th grade! SO much fun.

[@yvonnegrossenbacher4762]

I like that video a lot, definitely resonates. I think we should put way more focus on,how to bring all of the potential out in the world. And as you say, it can be brought silent ❤ love that quote, thx!

[@trancemuter]

thank you for this video! this is like 100% me… you are beautiful!

[@steveneardley7541]

On methods: I was in a job where a whole lot of new people were being hired, with no one to train them. I made flow-charts for the duties of each job, then talked over these flow-charts with others in the company to improve them and add anything I may have left out. Needless to say, this was very helpful. Negatively, I can get stressed out about doing things in their "proper order," even when that order doesn't really matter all that much.

[@CuriosityUnchained]

Really great video, please keep making videos supporting the community

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Will do! Thanks for your comment.

[@staceykennedy3289]

Excellent talk 😊

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for watching! Please let me know if you have any suggestions for future videos.

[@juanvalenzuela1418]

I simply enjoy how you express your points of view. Heaps and heaps of talent to be shared with the rest. :)

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you so much Juan!

[@aliciawelch1473]

Wow. This video was so good and I had to comment because of that, but I'm almost overwhelmed, so I don't know what to say! So I guess I'll stick to saying I just relate so much, and it felt really good to hear someone speak my language so perfectly. It made me happy cry 💜

[@MomontheSpectrum]

aw I'm happy to hear this. Thank you for sharing it with me!

[@Mikeyboi699]

Thanks for this. Really encouraging such that I'm probably gonna watch it over and over

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awww this made my day!! I'm so happy to hear this. Which strength do you identify with the most?

[@Mikeyboi699]

I resonate with all of them but I'd say acceptance and having integrity were the ones that stuck out to me as they're ones I forget due to often having experienced rejection or ridicule for acting differently.

[@user-jl7ch8co3x]

Hi!! I'm Adam Sparkman!? I also have!? High functioning!? Autism!😂. Love watching!? Your. Shows!? And I understand!! Were your coming from!? My life!? Gets! Very difficult!? And i m still struggling!? With this life!? Thank you for being a great mom!?😅. And a fun mom to watch and to give me something to learn and think about everyday of my life!? Keep being awesome!? And fun everyday and night!? Im happy!? For for you!?😂. And I will always be watching!?😊.❤

[@user-jl7ch8co3x]

And I'm 39 years old.

[@kingmasterlord]

10:35 if you always tell the truth, you're always right. it forces you to do your own research to only speak on what you understand.

[@catherinedesrochers]

Your videos have structure and I love it. Please continue doing the gr8t work

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Woo hoo! So glad you appreciate the structure. I do put a lot of thought into it as I LOVE structure and a good flow to things. Thanks for the feedback. Please let me know if there are any other resources or videos I can share with you that may be helpful.

[@vivianstewart7523]

I absolutely agree with this. Thank you so much for all that you do. I know it is A LOT of work for you.@@MomontheSpectrum

[@sammylangford8858]

A good strength I have and it’s also a bad thing too is that I have a really good long term memory. I’m 48 and I can remember stuff from when I was 1 and 2. Another thing I believe I’m good at is being able read books and then have ideas of what the characters and things and setting look like in the book. I’m also brilliant at remembering numbers.

[@vivianstewart7523]

That's so interesting. My mom was also good at remembering numbers.

[@jamideherrera5194]

Pool is my thing and I can see the shots

[@adrianopper9472]

I was always the kid that knew a little about a lot. I read encyclopedias for fun. I'm still the deep diver. I'm always asking new questions and reading about them. Google and other search engines are the best thing for my brain 😂 I was always the know it all because I just knew stuff for fun. I annoyed people talking constantly about whatever the current deep dive was on. I have greatly tempered myself not to info dump...but I still do it...just not as seriously. It's compulsive...I can't help it. I also give too much info. As a teacher, it's so hard to know how to deliver directions ... So I am constantly figuring it out with my students. I was always told ...how can you be so smart and be so "stupid" at the same time. It was hurtful. I was clueless about "street smarts" and was seen not having much "common sense". Know, I know why. I've learned how to mask and just pretend I know something, but I'm starting to unmask and ask for clarification and help. I also get really affected by what I watch. Super high empathy. Thank you for this ❤

[@delilahhart4398]

I'm a diagnosed autistic, and my Enneagram type is 5w4.

[@waynepalumbo8917]

13:11 - I always get upset if someone else gets recognition for an idea that i had (specifically if we both had the idea independently but i didnt get a chance or have the ability to do anything with it) which i'm learning to let go because its ok for others to have an idea. But i also get really embarassed when someone gives me public praise. I feel like others are like "whatever" or are like "oOoOoOoh bIg DeAl!" probably because it happened to me all through school. I wasn't allowed to be proud of myself. My company has this 'stars of the week' concept, and i've only been featured once and it was for something that I DIDN'T EVEN DO! But if i say "dont involve me with that, i dont want recognition" i get weird looks. Just tell me what i need to know to do my job, let me know what specifically i did wrong or confirm that i did something right. But i don't need a cookie every time. Unless it's a big thing, then i like having my name in the credits, but i don't need to be up on a stage accepting an award.

[@johnrice1943]

Ik more about nutrition than the majority of the humans on Earth, including the science and reality. Not just what the mainstream says, which is mostly wrong.

[@houki8636]

Funny thing is I was into enneagram a couple of years ago. I am indeed a 5w4.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Love this! I was reading somewhere that 5 is a very popular number among people on the spectrum!

[@BlondeJedi]

SUPER POWERS! Would you trade your super powers for being NT? Not me.

[@azcactusflower1]

Woah 12 of 12 ...soon to be 59

[@pierocastrololi483]

Very clear and interesting information. Thank you. Is it possible for you to make a video about comorbidity or relationship between eating disorders and autism? I think that autism is very underdiagnosed in people with ED. Do you have some information about this? Thanks again.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I have definitely read that the two are often comorbid. I will keep this in mind as I continue finding information about it and hopefully one day can put out a video with more info! In the meantime, if you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Our brains get the best of us some times and it's nothing to beat yourself up for. Here's a free eating disorder helpline you can share with anyone who may need it: (888)-375-7767

[@thecreativemastermin]

Early in the video and I was hoping you'd come to the point much more quickly

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Haha yes sometimes I can be long-winded! That's why I put the time markers int he description. You can browse the topics I cover there and then click on any section to jump straight to it in the video. Thanks for watching!

[@ellen_3]

🩷

[@catherinemartina6469]

I really enjoy your videos, however a quote from Thomas Edison is a trigger for me, because I look at him as a murder any man who could take a living creature like the elephant and electrocute it to death is sick. Having said that I know you can’t filter everything out for everyone in the universe and it’s not a reflection on you. You are wonderful.

[@passaggioalivello]

I'm a living stereotype: 12 on 12.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Do you find yourself relating to any particular one more than others?

[@passaggioalivello]

@@MomontheSpectrum Maybe the ability to observe and retain facts.