Self-reported strengths and talents of autistic adults

Abstract

Many adults express dissatisfaction with the autism diagnostic process, and concerns have been cited regarding the lack of neurodiversity-affirming assessment methods. In part, this is due to instruments framing behaviors as symptoms causing impairment, overlooking potential benefits. Systematically measuring strengths and talents during assessment may inform diagnosis and support planning in a more neurodiversity-affirming manner. Historically, research has relied on caregiver-reported strengths; more information on self-reported strengths is needed to inform self-report instrument development and assessment practices. Participants included 127 legally independent autistic adults recruited primarily through SPARK Research Match, who completed open-ended questions regarding strengths and talents. Qualitative content analysis identified themes of strengths, and associations between strengths and gender, age, age of diagnosis, and education level were examined. Autistic and nonautistic team members collaborated on qualitative coding, data interpretation, and manuscript writing. Themes emerging from the qualitative responses included Cognitive/Executive Functioning (61%), Character Strengths (55%), Creative/Artistic (52%), Academic (33%), and Interpersonal (30%). Overlap between strength domains and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) autism diagnostic criteria suggest that more nuance is needed in how we conceptualize autism, considering both strengths and challenges. Domains of strengths identified in this study can be used to inform measure development and strengths-based assessment and support planning.Lay AbstractAutism research and testing has had a heavy focus on difficulties, without much attention to the strengths of autistic people. Most surveys ask about challenges associated with autism, but do not consider the positive qualities and talents of autistic adults. Previous research on strengths in autistic individuals has mostly been based on what parents report, so we do not know as much about how autistic adults see their own strengths. We asked 127 autistic adults to tell us about their strengths and talents in an online survey. Both autistic and nonautistic team members worked together to group answers by similar themes or categories. We explained categories and compared how they were related to participants' characteristics. Autistic adults shared many different strengths, including skills in problem-solving, character, creativity, academics, and getting along with others. Some strengths were more likely to be mentioned by people of different ages, education levels, or genders. The results show that autistic adults have many different strengths. It is important for researchers, doctors, and the public to recognize both the strengths and challenges of autistic adults to create a more balanced view of autism. Thinking about these strengths when diagnosing autism and planning supports can improve the well-being of autistic adults, reduce stigma, and help people understand autism in a more balanced way.

Keywords: adults; assessment; autism; strengths; talent.