Embracing the Benefits of the Autistic Brain: Unlocking Potential
In a world where neurodiversity is increasingly recognized and celebrated, Autism remains one of the conditions most misunderstood by the general public. Initially, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was believed only to affect white males. Then, scientists separated individuals on the spectrum with lower needs as having Aspergers. However, as scientists studied brain structures and the unique traits and talents caused by structural differences in the brain, ASD identification became more refined. ASD affects all genders, races, and countries. In addition, how this neuro-distinction presents and affects people is unique to each individual. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not a deficiency or a limitation; it is a variation of human cognition that offers a wealth of untapped potential. At Ignite Change Makers, we believe in rewriting narratives and reframing expectations, and part of that journey involves recognizing the unique benefits of the autistic brain.
Image for a blog on the Benefits of an Autistic Brain by Gail Suitor of Ignite Change Makers.
Misconceptions About Autism
Due to the misconceptions about this neuro-distinction, autistic people with lower needs who disclose their diagnosis hear some form of this sentiment, “Wow, are you sure? You don’t seem autistic.” This comment may seem neutral or possibly positive to a neurotypical person. However, for many people with ASD or other neuro-distinctions, it is a reminder of the shame and stigma surrounding brains that work differently.
Autistic Brain Structure
In 2015, neuroscientists Rebecca McKavanagh, Eleanor Buckley, and Steven A. Chance found wider minicolumns throughout the cortex in autistic brains. These minicolumns were the structural basis for altered processing and may be the reason for the enhanced discrimination seen in some individuals with ASD. In addition, some researchers believe this structural difference encourages a bottom-up learning style, where individuals prefer to start focusing on the details before constructing a broader understanding. This brain structure creates a microprocessing brain that may discern and collect more information than other structures.
If we apply this knowledge to how that affects the autistic individual’s experience in the world, it explains the sensory overload some autistic people experience. Imagine going through life with a super-powered microprocessor collecting all of the sensory information in the environment, such as the variation in the light patterns, the vibrant color hues, the unique touch of different fabrics, the frequency and tone of the sounds in the surroundings, and the individual micro flavors in food. It becomes understandable why autistic individuals can become overwhelmed by their environment. In a podcast by Ignite Change Makers called Neurodiversity Unleashed, a guest described sensory overload as feeling like the electricity in your brain is short-circuiting. Verbal Apraxia
Add to this that forty percent of autistic people are non-verbal due to a condition known as Verbal Apraxia. Verbal Apraxia (VA) causes difficulty initiating and performing the precise movements needed to make speech sounds despite having no weakness or impairment in the necessary muscles. Historically, many believed that autistic individuals with VA were not intellectually capable of communication. However, assistive communication technology proved that assumption to be incorrect, which means that this segment of the autistic population may be microprocessing the details in their environment while locked in their bodies because they cannot speak without a device.
My goal in sharing this information is to create a new level of understanding about how brave and resilient people need to be to navigate the world with this type of brain. In addition, when someone shares that they are autistic, it is not helpful to talk slowly, over-anunciate, or assume that they cannot understand because they are intellectually incapable. However, they may need you to describe the details before introducing the broader concept.
Understanding the Unique Strengths of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
While this brain structure presents unique challenges, let us spotlight the unique strengths and advantages of having an autistic brain. The Power of Pattern Recognition and Focus
One of the hallmark characteristics of autistic brains is their exceptional ability to recognize patterns and make connections that might elude neurotypical individuals. Research has shown that individuals with autism often excel in tasks that require attention to detail and the ability to identify patterns in complex data sets (Baron-Cohen, 2009). This heightened pattern recognition can be an invaluable asset in mathematics, engineering, computer science, and art, where the ability to discern intricate patterns is crucial for problem-solving and innovation.
Some autistic individuals demonstrate an intense focus and concentration on tasks that capture their interest. This intense focus allows them to delve deeply into a particular subject or activity, leading to a level of expertise surpassing that of their neurotypical peers (Grandin & Panek, 2013). This quality is especially advantageous in professions that require specialized knowledge or a high degree of precision, such as scientific research, programming, and artistic endeavors.Breaking Stereotypes: Creativity and Innovation in the Autistic Community
Contrary to popular stereotypes, the autistic brain lacks creativity; instead, it often possesses a unique form of creative thinking that diverges from conventional norms. Studies have shown that individuals with autism exhibit a higher prevalence of original thinking and unconventional problem-solving strategies (Happe & Frith, 2009). This propensity for thinking outside the box can lead to breakthroughs in fields ranging from technology and design to art and literature, driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of human potential.Passion and Purpose: Channeling Hyper-Focused Energy for Impact
Autistic individuals frequently develop intense passions and interests in specific subjects, pursuing them with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. This hyper-focused passion can fuel remarkable achievements and contributions in various domains, from scientific research and advocacy to entrepreneurship and activism (Grandin, 2010). By channeling their boundless energy and enthusiasm into their areas of interest, autistic individuals can profoundly impact and inspire positive change in their communities.
Authentic Communication: Building Meaningful Connections in an Inclusive World
Another characteristic of some autistic brains is their tendency toward honesty and authenticity in communication. Autistic individuals often eschew social niceties and superficiality, preferring instead to communicate with sincerity and directness (Murray et al., 2005). This honesty fosters genuine connections and fosters trust in interpersonal relationships, paving the way for meaningful collaboration and mutual understanding.Specifics Before Assumptions
Remember, while the autistic brain structure creates similar traits and characteristics, every individual with autism has unique talents, interests, and needs. So, it remains imperative not to generalize from the specific. Just as most autistic brains focus on micro details before generalizing their understanding to a concept, we need to be curious about people’s passions, interests, and needs and not assume we know how autism presents itself.
Conclusion
At Ignite Change Makers, we recognize the immense value that neurodiversity brings to our society, and we are committed to empowering individuals with autism to embrace their unique strengths, talents, and needs. By embracing the benefits of neurodiversity and tapping into the unique strengths of the autistic brain, we can ignite a revolution of inclusion and empowerment, creating a world where every individual is valued for their distinctive contributions and perspectives. Join us in celebrating the diverse tapestry of human experience and unlocking the full potential of every individual, regardless of neuro-distinctions. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.Discover Your Inner Change Maker
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References:
Baron-Cohen, S. (2009). Autism: the empathizing–systemizing (E-S) theory. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1156(1), 68-80.
Grandin, T. (2010). Developing talents: Careers for individuals with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company.
Grandin, T., & Panek, R. (2013). The autistic brain: Thinking across the spectrum. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Happe, F., & Frith, U. (2009). The beautiful otherness of the autistic mind. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1522), 1345-1350.
Murray, D., Lesser, M., & Lawson, W. (2005). Attention, monotropism and the diagnostic criteria for autism. Autism, 9(2), 139-156.
Rebecca McKavanagh, Eleanor Buckley, Steven A Chance. (2015). Wider minicolumns in autism: a neural basis for altered processing?, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25935724/
Hey There, I’m Gail Suitor
Living and working with a neurodivergent brain can be challenging. I know because I have one, raised three, and taught many over 25+ years.
I help learning disabled people break free from labels so that they can appreciate their unique brains, ignite their brilliance, follow their passions, and become the change makers they were born to be.
My Change Maker Accelerator Program uses Mastermind Pods to help participants learn the 7 strategies of highly effective neurodiverse people so that they can discover their superpowers, develop their Ultimate Change Maker Blueprint, and create the life they want.
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