Under the American Disabilities Act, people with ADHD are only “disabled” if their symptoms impede some major functioning of life. Using this same approach, a person with Asperger Syndrome (AS) may have very unique characteristics but does not have to be “disabled”. In fact, many of the attributes that can cause the AS person difficulties in school and social settings can actually be utilized profitably in work settings.
The Asperger Advantage listed by Kristina Elaine of New Mexico on her website:
www.coachingasperger.com
delineates 8 advantages that AS persons actually may have. Please feel free to link to her site for more information. Appreciation is extended to Kristina for permission to utilize her list in emphasizing these attributes.
Following are just some of the types of attributes that AS adults have which can make them uniquely qualified for some employment and entrepreneurial settings.
1. Focus and attention
Your ability to focus on and attend to one objective, idea, concept, or project over long periods of time without becoming distracted allows you to accomplish complex and challenging tasks. This was viewed in school as a “distraction” since it prevented you from focusing on what your teacher wanted you to focus on, but you were internally able to accomplish great things in your mind with the focus of your attention! You were happy but your teachers were not! This same focus/attention can be channeled into productive activities.
2. Global insights that are unique and creative
Your ability to find novel connections among facts and ideas from a multitude of areas allows you to put together unique and different perceptions and products unforeseen by others.
3. Independent thinking
Your willingness and ability to consider unusual and even unpopular possibilities creates new and unique perceptions, options and opportunities and can lead the way for others.
4. Internal motivation
You motive yourself and usually are not highly motivated by the encouragement, direction, or insistence of others. You are not swayed by social convention nor social pressure or fear of failure. Both positive and negative reinforcers are not effective with you unless you have initially selected them. You encourage yourself from within not from external approval.
5. Attention To Detail
You not only focus but you can remember and process minute detail without being distracted from other stimuli or overwhelmed by the complexity of a problem.
6. Multi-Dimensional Thinking
You are able to perceive and mentally process on many levels and dimensions presenting you with a unique perspective when seeking, designing and creating solutions to complex problems.
7. Perception of Truth
You see things and then can articulate them with honesty without fear of social reactions and this can be vital for the success and completion of a project. When younger and in school, this probably got you into a lot of trouble. But as an adult in the working world, this trait along with some improved diplomacy and tact can make you a leader!
8. Logical Decision Making
Your ability to make logical and rational decisions without the interference of impulse or emotion and to persevere on a project permits you to work through difficult problems and situations without losing focus or purpose. Others will rely on your steadfastness, your logical problem solving, and your perseverance to accomplish a group task. Many of these traits caused the person with AS difficulties and possibly even non-acceptance from others while they were growing up. Yet in the adult world these same traits can make this person a leader and desired participant in projects, programs, and companies looking for uniqueness, creativity, and honesty!
To the AS adult: be proud of whom you are, and let’s maximize your strengths!
Please feel free to email me your comments and contributions to these ideas.
Edward G. Daniels, Psychologist
