Disability or Super Ability?

I have read so many discussions about the issues we have as Autistic Syndrome Disorder people but hardly ever celebrations of the achievements. Not that they haven’t been mentioned but often the discussion is about problems at work, having friends, misunderstanding NTs, relationships etc. All these things are very important but so is our uniqueness. We have so much to offer whether we are recognised for our abilities or not. During my school years (which I hated and was bullied) I came joint first in my year in Technical Drawing 98% but was ridiculed  by my peers. I got distinctions and 2.1 Hons degree but was considered nerdy or not cool.

I would like to hear and promote some of the good skills and achievements by people who have often been ignored while helping, supporting and benefitting others. At work my skill was used for others to get promotions, rewards etc. I thought these people were genuine friends only to find out I was being used. Understanding computerised systems and programs that others took praise for. I didn’t know I was autistic until later in my life. I would like to just say I am a good problem solver, be it computerised systems, processes or achieving tasks sometimes thought impossible.

Please write some of the things you have done and achieved even if to support and encourage other talented ASD people.

  • I went on to win a professional award

    I know many others have already thanked you but I also want to share my appreciation of you and for all who have had labels assigned without recognition of our successes. Congrats and again I hope many others share their positive skills even if no-one else has said well done because we all need a little recognition to keep us going. I always thought I was stupid and had nothing to offer, low self-esteem made me not able to even appreciate myself but now being diagnosed I have the chance to explore the positive things about myself. Thank you NAS50301 for sharing.

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    When the role I was working in was initially becoming established in HE institutions across the UK my dedication, problem-solving skills and experiences as someone who society labels as disabled-led me to setting up a national professional network. This enabled me and my wider colleagues to solve common problems together and to avoid duplication of work. I went on to win a professional award for this, plus a leading disability charity named me as one of the top 100 disabled people in the UK.

  • Thank you for sharing Original Prankster, I was a Data Analyst so understand where you're coming from.

  • There was a similar thread on Twitter the other day along the lines of positive traits of ASD.

    My contribution was:

    • Hyperfocus
    • ability to consider a situation without being 'blinded' by emotional considerations
    • not being afraid to call out that 'the Emperor isn't wearing any clothes'
    • lightening-fast processing of inputs
    • ability to abstract the component parts of a problem to find a solution
    • ability to abstract the component parts of a solution to enable it to handle change or be reused in another context
    • ability to stay calm and focused in a crisis

    I'm very, very good at my job (Business Analyst) because of all of the above and those same attributes are what has led to me being referred to as 'their rock' by close friends and family when I've been the one 'keeping it together' through various crises.