Nothing is what it seems on this journey of autism.  We are constantly learning and figuring out how to embrace the uniqueness of our own children.  In society, there can be a tendency to focus on the challenges and limitations that come with autism, but what if we shift our perspectives and celebrate the unconventional strengths that our autistic children possess?  Here are some of these extraordinary qualities I have come across and reframing them in a positive light to empower us as parent to see the brilliance of your child.

Hyperfocus:  Many children exhibit intense focus on specific interest or activities.  Instead of viewing this as a limitation, recognize it as a remarkable strength.  The ability to immerse themselves fully in a topic can lead to expertise and innovation in areas that others may overlook.  Max, my son, loves dinosaurs and we probably have almost all the dinosaur books and have read many of them.  While there is no way I can pronounce half of the dinosaur names, I do take the time to spell them for him (he is a whizz at spelling) and find the right pronunciation.

Encourage and support these passions that your child has, as they may hold the key to their future success and fulfillment.

Keen attention to detail: Autistic children often have a remarkable eye for detail, noticing things that others might miss.  This attention to detail can be a valuable asset in various fields, including art, science and technology.  Max has watched us make pancake batter on numerous occasions and will always help us get the ingredients together and knows exactly in which order they are all put together.  Food motivated, of course, and fun learning.  Encourage your child to explore activities that allow them to hone this skill, this also gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment in their meticulous observations.

Unique perspectives:  They way autistic children perceive the world can offer fresh and insightful perspectives.  Embrace the unique way your child sees things, as it can lead to creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.  Keep open communication and they will open up the way you see things too.

Embracing Unconventional Strengths

Honesty and authenticity:  They often communicate with a refreshing honesty and authenticity.  While this trait may sometimes be misconstrued as bluntness, it is rooted in a genuine desire for clarity and sincerity.  We can then also assume that when they do something “naughty” it is not because they are vindictive or malicious, often it is just mischievous and funny.  Embrace your child’s honesty as a virtue, teaching them how to navigate social interactions with kindness and empathy while staying true to themselves.  Max thinks it is super funny when someone trips, for example and not because he wishes anyone ill, it is just really funny to him.  This is also sometimes a lesson to us to not take ourselves so seriously.

Routine and predictability:  Many autistic children thrive in environments with structure and routine.  While flexibility is important, recognize the comfort and security that predictability provides for your child.  It is also important to maintain a lot of calm in the home, parents who are constantly fighting or that have a lot of drama cause a lot of anxiety within your child.

Establishing consistent routines can help reduce anxiety and empower your child to go out into the world with confidence.

Sensory sensitivity: These are a common characteristic of autism, but they also offer valuable insights into the richness of sensory experiences.  Help your child explore what they prefer, sensory wise and provide accommodations so that you can create a comfortable environment.  Max used to freak out when someone used a hand dryer in a public bathroom and would often hang onto both my hands when done so that I could not use the hand dryer.  Now he is exploring the hand dryer for himself, which means he has mostly desensitized himself.

Incredible memory:  Autistic children often possess remarkable memory capabilities, retaining vast amounts of information on subjects of interest.  A friend of my son loves everything about planes and even the history of planes and can recite the most interesting facts about them.  You can encourage their memory skills through activities like memorization games, storytelling or exploring topics they are passionate about.

Empathy and compassion: Contrary to popular belief, autistic children are capable of deep empathy and compassion.  While they may not show that they are experiencing empathy or they may express it differently, their sensitivity to the emotions of others is a powerful strength.  When I am upset and crying, Max will often come and sit with me and sometimes stroke my back.  Encourage empathy in your child by modeling kindness and understanding and help them to express their compassion in the own unique way.

Embracing Unconventional Strengths

Unwavering perseverance:  At the end of every school year, one of the traits that Max is always praised for and that is his perseverance.  Children often demonstrate remarkable perseverance in the face of challenges.  Celebrate their resilience and determination, acknowledging their efforts even in the smallest victories.  Encourage them to set goals and support them in achieving their aspirations, instilling a sense of confidence and self-belief.

Unbridles creativity: Finally they are full of creativity.  Whether through art, music, storytelling or imaginative play, encourage them to express themselves freely and without inhibition.  Celebrate their unique creative vision, recognizing it as a precious gift that enriches the world around them.

Look at your child with fresh eyes and reframe these seemingly “negative” qualities in a positive light.  As parents we can empower our children to thrive and succeed on their own terms.  Embrace the brilliance within your child, celebrate their uniqueness and watch as they shine brightly in a word that is enriched by their extraordinary gifts.

Till next week

A

Xxx

I am all about empowering you and your child and the thoughts we think about our children matter. It is why we treat them the way we do. It is why they act and react they way they do.  Thoughts matter and I can help you have phenomenal ones about your child.  Sign up for a consult and let’s work together. Click HERE

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