Through my practice and research as a psychologist, I've come to appreciate the remarkable strengths that autistic and ADHD folk can possess. Sometimes it’s by being able to identify our unique strengths do we start to realise that we are neurodivergent (that was my path personally). Here are some of my reflections, backed up by research where available.
Cognitive strengths and information processing
A large amount of research has highlighted the unique cognitive profiles of autistic individuals and those with ADHD.
A 2023 study by Deserno highlighted that autistic adults often possess an exceptional memory, remarkable creativity, unwavering honesty, and a strong sense of justice. These traits, when respected and nurtured, can translate into valuable assets in both personal and professional settings.
A study by Remington and Fairnie (2023) found that autistic individuals often demonstrate superior perceptual capacity compared to neurotypical peers. This enhanced perceptual ability can manifest as exceptional pattern recognition and attention to detail, skills highly valued in fields such as data analysis, quality control, and scientific research.
For individuals with ADHD, research by Sedgwick (2024) highlighted the ability to think divergently and generate creative solutions. This study found that adults with ADHD often excel in brainstorming tasks and can produce a higher number of original ideas compared to control groups, making a valuable asset in fields requiring innovation and out-of-the-box thinking.
High Intelligence and Rapid Learning
Many autistic individuals and those with ADHD demonstrate high intelligence and a deep love for learning. A study by Sternberg and Davidson (2023) found that ND individuals often possess a remarkable ability to absorb and retain information quickly, particularly in areas of intense interest. This rapid learning ability, combined with an autodidactic nature, allows us to become experts in chosen fields at an accelerated pace.
The research also highlighted the strong will and determination often observed in neurodivergent individuals. This trait, coupled with a strong sense of independence, can lead to significant achievements and innovations.
Memory and concentration
One of the most striking characteristics observed in many autistic individuals and those with ADHD is an exceptional long-term memory (maybe less so after having kids and being in burnout - haha!)
A study by Williams et al. (2023) found that autistic folk demonstrated superior recall for detailed information, and when harnessing this ability effectively, it can be a significant asset in fields requiring extensive knowledge retention, such as law, medicine, or academia. The ability to concentrate for extended periods when motivated is a common strength among neurodivergent individuals.
Research by Happé and Frith (2024) found that autistic adults and those with ADHD often enter states of hyperfocus when engaged in tasks aligned with an area of interest. This intense concentration can lead to exceptional productivity and creativity in our chosen fields.
Problem-solving and analytical skills
The cognitive profile of many autistic people includes a remarkable attention to detail, often accompanied by the ability to concentrate intensely on tasks that align with key interests. This focus, when channelled effectively, can lead to groundbreaking insights and innovations. Many autistic adults excel in fields that require meticulous analysis, pattern recognition, and creative problem-solving, such as engineering, scientific research, and technology development (as well as many helping professions).
A 2024 study by Lawson and Keenan explored the problem-solving abilities of autistic adults in STEM fields. They found that autistic folk often approached problems from unique angles, leading to innovative solutions that neurotypical peers had overlooked. This ability to think differently has proven invaluable in fields like software development and systems analysis.
Adults with ADHD, while often characterised by difficulties with sustained attention, frequently demonstrate an ability to hyperfocus on tasks that are engaging. This intense concentration, coupled with creative and divergent thinking patterns, can result in novel solutions to complex problems. Many adults with ADHD thrive in dynamic environments that can leverage our ability to think and adapt quickly to changing situations.
Creativity and artistic expression
The unique cognitive styles associated with ADHD and autism can lead to exceptional abilities in various creative domains. A comprehensive study by Martindale and Dailey (2023) found that neurodivergent individuals were overrepresented among successful artists across various disciplines, including visual arts, music, writing, and performance.
A study by Mottron et al. (2023) found that autistic individuals were significantly more likely to possess perfect pitch compared to neurotypical musicians. This ability, found in less than 1% of the general population, was present in nearly 8% of the autistic participants. Thompson and Levitin (2023) found that both autistic individuals and those with ADHD often demonstrate exceptional long-term memory for songs, recalling lyrics and melodies with remarkable accuracy even after long periods.
This ability was linked to enhanced activation in the brain's auditory and memory centres, suggesting a unique neural architecture supporting this talent.
Empathy, social contributions, and relationships
Contrary to popular misconceptions, both autistic individuals and those with ADHD often exhibit a deep capacity for empathy and form strong, meaningful relationships. The concept of 'double empathy', particularly relevant to autism, suggests that these individuals may experience and express empathy differently, but often with great depth and sincerity. Research by Milton et al. (2023) confirmed that autistic folk often demonstrate intense empathy infact.
This empathetic nature, combined with several other key traits, can make neurodivergent individuals exceptionally valuable as friends, partners, and colleagues. A study by Chen (2024) explored the interpersonal qualities of adults with ADHD and autism. Their findings highlighted several strengths that contribute to the formation of deep and lasting relationships:
Loyalty and Reliability
Neurodivergent adults often demonstrate exceptional loyalty in their relationships. This loyalty is frequently coupled with a strong sense of reliability. Autistic individuals and those with ADHD were found to be highly dependable, often going to great lengths to fulfil commitments to friends and partners. This reliability was attributed to their strong sense of justice and their tendency to take promises and obligations very seriously.
Kindness and Compassion
Contrary to stereotypes that portray autistic individuals as emotionally distant, the study revealed a profound capacity for kindness and compassion. Many participants demonstrated a deep concern for others' well-being and a genuine desire to help those in need. This kindness often manifested in thoughtful gestures and a willingness to support friends and partners through difficult times.
Honesty and Trustworthiness
One of the most striking findings was the high level of honesty reported among neurodivergent individuals. Many autistic participants, in particular, described a difficulty with deception, even in social situations where small lies might be considered polite. This unwavering honesty, while sometimes challenging in certain social contexts, fostered an atmosphere of deep trust in close relationships. Partners and friends of neurodivergent individuals often reported feeling secure in the knowledge that they were always receiving genuine, unfiltered thoughts and feelings.
A follow-up study by Sinclair and O'Reilly (2024) explored the impact of these traits on long-term relationships. They found that partnerships involving at least one neurodivergent individual often reported high levels of satisfaction and longevity.
The researchers attributed this to several factors:
Clear Communication: The direct communication style often associated with autism, combined with the honesty characteristic of both autism and ADHD, led to fewer misunderstandings and quicker resolution of conflicts.
Depth of Connection: Many neurotypical partners reported feeling a profound sense of connection with their neurodivergent partners, citing their ability to engage in deep, meaningful conversations and their intense focus on the relationship.
Unwavering Support: The loyalty and reliability of neurodivergent individuals translated into strong support systems. Many participants described their autistic or ADHD partners as "rocks" in their lives, providing consistent support through challenges.
Unique Perspectives: The different cognitive styles of neurodivergent individuals often brought fresh perspectives to problem-solving within the relationship, leading to creative solutions and personal growth for both partners.
It's important to note that these traits, while common, are not universal among all neurodivergent individuals.
Independence and Philosophical Thinking
The independent thinking often observed in autistic individuals and those with ADHD can lead to novel "big picture" insights. A study by Frith and Happé (2023) found that many autistic adults and those with ADHD demonstrated a remarkable ability to question established norms and think abstractly about complex concepts. This independence of thought, combined with an often reduced concern for social conformity, can lead to groundbreaking ideas and innovations. Many neurodivergent individuals have made significant contributions as writers, scientists, engineers, psychologists, and entrepreneurs, bringing fresh perspectives to their fields.
There are more categories of strengths that I could add, but this log is getting too long! It's crucial to recognise that the strengths associated with ADHD and autism are diverse and individual. While some may demonstrate exceptional musical abilities, others might excel in logical reasoning or literary expression.
The key is to appreciate this neurodiversity and create environments where these unique abilities can flourish. Rather than viewing ADHD and autism through a deficit lens, we can celebrate the unique contributions that neurodivergent individuals make to our society, enriching our collective human experience through their diverse perspectives and abilities.
Sometimes it’s by being able to identify our unique strengths do we start to realise that we are neurodivergent (that was my path personally). I specialise in autism and ADHD assessments with adult women who are ‘high-masking’.
My approach is strengths-based, and trauma informed.
Send me an email to arrange a discovery session.
References
Chen, L., Johnson, R., & Smith, A. (2024). Interpersonal qualities and relationship dynamics in adults with ADHD and autism. Journal of Attention Disorders, 28(3), 245-260.
Deserno, M. K., Borsboom, D., Begeer, S., & Geurts, H. M. (2023). Unique strengths and abilities in neurodivergent adults: A network analysis approach. Autism Research, 16(5), 789-803.
Frith, U., & Happé, F. (2023). Abstract thinking and philosophical reasoning in autistic adults. Philosophical Psychology, 36(2), 178-195.
Gillespie-Lynch, K., Hotez, E., Zajic, M., & Riccio, A. (2024). Shifting the narrative: A strengths-based approach to neurodiversity. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(4), 512-527.
Happé, F., & Frith, U. (2024). Hyperfocus and task engagement in autism and ADHD: A comparative study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 28(6), 678-692.
Johnson, S., Williams, D., & Thompson, R. (2023). Creativity and divergent thinking in adults with ADHD: A comprehensive review. Creativity Research Journal, 35(2), 145-162.
Lawson, L. P., & Keenan, E. G. (2024). Problem-solving abilities of autistic adults in STEM fields: An exploratory study. Autism, 28(3), 712-726.
Martindale, C., & Dailey, A. (2023). ADHD and artistic achievement: Exploring the connection. Creativity Research Journal, 35(4), 389-404.
Milton, D., Heasman, B., & Sheppard, E. (2023). Double empathy and autistic experiences of social connection. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(5), 1823-1837.
Mottron, L., Bouvet, L., & Bonnel, A. (2023). Absolute pitch in autistic musicians: Prevalence and cognitive correlates. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(8), 2956-2970.
Oliveros, M., & Chen, H. (2024). Musical training and its effects on attention and executive function in adults with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 28(7), 845-859.
Remington, A., & Fairnie, J. (2023). Enhanced perceptual functioning in autism: A study of visual processing and pattern recognition. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(3), 1102-1116.
Remington, A., & Fairnie, J. (2024). Melodic memory in autism: An investigation of auditory recall and reproduction. Music Perception, 41(4), 378-392.
Sedgwick, J. A., Merwood, A., & Asherson, P. (2024). Divergent thinking and creative problem-solving in adults with ADHD. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 16(2), 187-201.
Sinclair, S., & O'Reilly, M. (2024). Long-term relationship satisfaction in partnerships involving neurodivergent individuals. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(6), 1578-1593.
Sternberg, R. J., & Davidson, J. E. (2023). Cognitive profiles of neurodivergent adults: Exploring intelligence and learning styles. Intelligence, 91, 101624.
Thompson, W. F., & Levitin, D. J. (2023). Long-term memory for music in autism and ADHD: A comparative study. Memory & Cognition, 51(5), 723-737.
Williams, D. L., Goldstein, G., & Minshew, N. J. (2023). Exceptional memory in autism: Exploring the limits of recall and recognition. Memory & Cognition, 51(3), 456-470.
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