Here's 10 Positive Traits for having Asperger Syndrome

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

I know that when it comes to mental handicaps, most times people focus more on their weaknesses instead of their strengths. Well here's a list of at least 10 good traits that Aspie people have . Here they are in no particular order. I cut and copied this info. from a website.


“Tired of hearing media talk of all the supposed ‘difficulties’ associated with Asperger’s (Autism)? Just like everyone else, Aspies (Autistics) have their faults and fluencies, so let’s not hold back in celebrating some of the many wonderful Aspie traits that even others find so refreshing.

1. Aspies Lie Less
Ever noticed how much more often others tell little white lies (and some biggies) than the more plain-speaking people with Asperger’s? For Aspies, the truth tends to be just that – the truth, unvarnished. A kind word or compliment from an Aspie should hold greater value simply because it is so often profoundly meant.

2. Aspies Live in the Moment
How often do typical folk fail to notice what’s in front of their eyes because they’re distracted by social cues or random chit-chat? Aspies are more truly available to the sensory inputs that surround them. So many have achieved the ideal of always being mindful of their environment.

3. Aspies Seldom Judge Others
Who’s fatter? Richer? Smarter? For Aspies, such distinctions hold much less importance than they do for typical people. In fact, Aspies often ‘see through’ such surface appearances to discover the real person.

4. Aspies are Passionate
Of course, not all Aspies are alike, but many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many ‘typical people can proudly say the same? We may think they are not listening sometimes… so where exactly did they learn all they know? Makes you wonder? Just how deeply are they reading your book or watching the documentary you made?

5. Aspies are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you’ve ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for Aspies, social expectations can be honestly… irrelevant. What matters is what they really like, what really interests them, and the passion they associate with those pursuits — not keeping up with the Joneses.

6. Aspies have Good Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colours, names, and other details? Aspies are often much more ‘attuned’ to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kinds of often critical details.

7. Aspies are Less Materialistic
Of course – this is not universally true — but in general Aspies are not only less concerned about outward appearances than their typical peers, but as a result worry so much less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than the bulk of the populace might.

8. Aspies Play Fewer Head Games
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I told you I didn’t mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most Aspies don’t play games like these – even assuming wrongly that you don’t or won’t either! It’s a refreshing and wonderful change from the emotional roller-coaster that can harm many typical relationships.

9. Aspies have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if an Aspie tells you what he/she wants – they are telling you what they want. Period. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you’re reading between the lines! They do have their agenda, but it tends not to be hidden anywhere near as much as most others, certainly seldom as well hidden if anything else.

10. Aspies Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some non-Aspies (‘neurotypicals’ or NT’s), having an Aspie in our lives has had a profoundly positive impact on the breadth and quality of our perceptions, our beliefs, our hopes and expectations. For instance, the ability to focus for a time on what concretely “is” rather than constantly musing on what “should” or “could be”.


This list of positives was shared by a member in group that I belong too. I loved it so much I thought it was well worth sharing it with the world. Thank you J.G.

So, if anyone ever thinks about how Apies are different, here are SOME POSITIVE TRAITS about having this condition.

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

Even with all the great traits above plus others, Aspies like myself, still struggle with relationships with non-Apsie people. My therapist said that even with all my education, there are some jobs that I won't be able to to do, for example being a manager or assistant manager. The reason is because I still struggle with reading body language for the most part and for me it's like learning a foreign language to me. That leads me to think that being able to read body language well most of the time is one of the most important things in the world.

 

[C.A.B.]

I have yet to meet a, so-called, "neurotypical."

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

Well they're out there & hope I get more replies.

 

[Tickleslave83]

I have never been formally diagnosed or anything but I have long suspected that I have Asperger's and it is definitely true that all of those traits are true for me, although it is true that socially I am completely ignorant.

 

[Barbershopman]

Aspies are also very bright.

Our school district wanted to diagnose my son ADHD when he was in third grade and his mom (my ex) and I sought other opinions. We went to a behavioral specialist who met with him, listened to us and then came back to his mom and I with a piece of paper. On it was a list of 20 traits, 18 of which fit. His mom read it and said "this is him".

Since then, he graduated from high school, went to a specialized school in Florida for computer animation and graphics, and has two movie credits to his name including Hercules which came out in 2013 I believe.

The movie industry being like the stock market, he goes job to job when he can find it. But he sets up people's computer systems, troubleshoots tekkie stuff, and understands more about gadgetry than I will ever know.

Does he still have awkward moments where jokes, puns, and body language seems to fly over his head, yes. But no one can tell me my son is handicapped by his condition. His accomplishments say otherwise.

Barbershopman

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

I have never been formally diagnosed or anything but I have long suspected that I have Asperger's and it is definitely true that all of those traits are true for me, although it is true that socially I am completely ignorant.

Yes, I understand what you're saying & yet there are some people who'll still judge you harshly because of your ignorance of social skills. It's really a shame because I am sure you're a great person otherwise.

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

Aspies are also very bright.

Our school district wanted to diagnose my son ADHD when he was in third grade and his mom (my ex) and I sought other opinions. We went to a behavioral specialist who met with him, listened to us and then came back to his mom and I with a piece of paper. On it was a list of 20 traits, 18 of which fit. His mom read it and said "this is him".

Since then, he graduated from high school, went to a specialized school in Florida for computer animation and graphics, and has two movie credits to his name including Hercules which came out in 2013 I believe.

The movie industry being like the stock market, he goes job to job when he can find it. But he sets up people's computer systems, troubleshoots tekkie stuff, and understands more about gadgetry than I will ever know.

Does he still have awkward moments where jokes, puns, and body language seems to fly over his head, yes. But no one can tell me my son is handicapped by his condition. His accomplishments say otherwise.

Barbershopman

I just want to say that I give your son all lot of credit for being very smart and good at what he does. I would personally overlook his social awkwardness. However, there are some people who would judge him for that and I think that's unfair. I know that in most of my experiences, people have judged me for my social awkwardness even though I am a very smart person.

It's like the way Sheldon Cooper is on The Big Bang Theory. I mean the guys on there are all socially awkward but Sheldon stands out the most. I mean he's a genius but he's not socially smart, although he's getting better but he's got a ways to go. The fact of life is that people judge other people all the time, whether it's a date, interview or something along those lines. To make a long story short, I used to see an Occupational Therapist and she told me that when someone goes for an interview, they're looking for two things, if you're a good fit for the job and if you fit in socially which I don't think is fair if you're on the Autism Spectrum.

One other thing I'd like to mention is one time I put my Autism Awareness magnet on my car and my Mom got angry because she's told her friends in the neighborhood that I moved back in with them last year. She says most people know it's her daughter's car and she doesn't want me advertising that I on the Austim Spectrum. She didn't used the word embarrassed but apparently she is because she considers the neighborhood to be "her" neighborhood.

Even with my challenges, I still do the best I can in life. I still get rejected more times than not, I guess I should be used to it by now so it doesn't bother me as much as it used to.

 

[kopfhorer]

Yes, I understand what you're saying & yet there are some people who'll still judge you harshly because of your ignorance of social skills. It's really a shame because I am sure you're a great person otherwise.

My own social life, as an Aspie, has been a crazy-quilt of once-inexplicable (to me) failures with a few successes.

I think most people, in my part of America anyway, are too wedded to the idea of "normal". Anyone who doesn't appear to be "normal" (no such thing) is outcast, or worse.

 

[GirlWhoLikes2Laugh]

My own social life, as an Aspie, has been a crazy-quilt of once-inexplicable (to me) failures with a few successes.

I think most people, in my part of America anyway, are too wedded to the idea of "normal". Anyone who doesn't appear to be "normal" (no such thing) is outcast, or worse.

Yes I still think that's true to a certain degree and that's a real shame because Apsies can be very interesting people if others can give us at least half a chance. I don't think there's anything wrong with being different or having a different kind of brain. I do think at least in the 21st century that we're currently in at the moment, that most people should get rid of their ignorant stigmas about people who don't appear to be "normal" to them. I guess the best way for people to become that way is through education, that's if they don't already have a family member who's on the Autism Spectrum or someone outside the family.

I do have one question though. What's worse than being an outcast? Just curious.

 

[kopfhorer]

...

I do have one question though. What's worse than being an outcast? Just curious.

If you're outcast, people mainly ignore you. Being aggressively attacked for being what you are, that's worse than being outcast.

 

[MrChippiesTMF]

Even with all the great traits above plus others, Aspies like myself, still struggle with relationships with non-Apsie people. My therapist said that even with all my education, there are some jobs that I won't be able to to do, for example being a manager or assistant manager. The reason is because I still struggle with reading body language for the most part and for me it's like learning a foreign language to me. That leads me to think that being able to read body language well most of the time is one of the most important things in the world.

I'd just like to chip in (or MrChippies in perhaps?) with my thoughts on this as an Aspie male so I dont really know if it equally applies to the female aspies out there...

I've been in mid to senior level management since I was 17 and have owned businesses in charge of 20 people so dont feel as though your therapist is the know all. I myself am married to a therapist and experience first hand how little actual training end education they have to go throug before being considered a qualified therapist. While I dont want to tar all therapists with the same brush as there are obviously just as many awesome ones out there who make a huge difference to peoples lives as the not so awesome ones, I dont think its anyone's place to tell someone else what they can or cant achieve or aspire to do.

If you want to be a manager just bloody do it. There are aspie traits that will work to your advantage in this field too.

 

[MrChippiesTMF]

I know that when it comes to mental handicaps, most times people focus more on their weaknesses instead of their strengths. Well here's a list of at least 10 good traits that Aspie people have . Here they are in no particular order. I cut and copied this info. from a website.


“Tired of hearing media talk of all the supposed ‘difficulties’ associated with Asperger’s (Autism)? Just like everyone else, Aspies (Autistics) have their faults and fluencies, so let’s not hold back in celebrating some of the many wonderful Aspie traits that even others find so refreshing.

1. Aspies Lie Less
Ever noticed how much more often others tell little white lies (and some biggies) than the more plain-speaking people with Asperger’s? For Aspies, the truth tends to be just that – the truth, unvarnished. A kind word or compliment from an Aspie should hold greater value simply because it is so often profoundly meant.

2. Aspies Live in the Moment
How often do typical folk fail to notice what’s in front of their eyes because they’re distracted by social cues or random chit-chat? Aspies are more truly available to the sensory inputs that surround them. So many have achieved the ideal of always being mindful of their environment.

3. Aspies Seldom Judge Others
Who’s fatter? Richer? Smarter? For Aspies, such distinctions hold much less importance than they do for typical people. In fact, Aspies often ‘see through’ such surface appearances to discover the real person.

4. Aspies are Passionate
Of course, not all Aspies are alike, but many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many ‘typical people can proudly say the same? We may think they are not listening sometimes… so where exactly did they learn all they know? Makes you wonder? Just how deeply are they reading your book or watching the documentary you made?

5. Aspies are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you’ve ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for Aspies, social expectations can be honestly… irrelevant. What matters is what they really like, what really interests them, and the passion they associate with those pursuits — not keeping up with the Joneses.

6. Aspies have Good Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colours, names, and other details? Aspies are often much more ‘attuned’ to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kinds of often critical details.

7. Aspies are Less Materialistic
Of course – this is not universally true — but in general Aspies are not only less concerned about outward appearances than their typical peers, but as a result worry so much less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than the bulk of the populace might.

8. Aspies Play Fewer Head Games
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I told you I didn’t mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most Aspies don’t play games like these – even assuming wrongly that you don’t or won’t either! It’s a refreshing and wonderful change from the emotional roller-coaster that can harm many typical relationships.

9. Aspies have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if an Aspie tells you what he/she wants – they are telling you what they want. Period. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you’re reading between the lines! They do have their agenda, but it tends not to be hidden anywhere near as much as most others, certainly seldom as well hidden if anything else.

10. Aspies Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some non-Aspies (‘neurotypicals’ or NT’s), having an Aspie in our lives has had a profoundly positive impact on the breadth and quality of our perceptions, our beliefs, our hopes and expectations. For instance, the ability to focus for a time on what concretely “is” rather than constantly musing on what “should” or “could be”.


This list of positives was shared by a member in group that I belong too. I loved it so much I thought it was well worth sharing it with the world. Thank you J.G.

So, if anyone ever thinks about how Apies are different, here are SOME POSITIVE TRAITS about having this condition.

Also needs to be pointed out that Aspergers is no more a "mental handicap" than someone liking blue more than red. We process information, especially sensory information, in a completely different way to NT people. Neither way is right, wrong or retarded.

 

[crydun]

I know that when it comes to mental handicaps, most times people focus more on their weaknesses instead of their strengths. Well here's a list of at least 10 good traits that Aspie people have . Here they are in no particular order. I cut and copied this info. from a website.


“Tired of hearing media talk of all the supposed ‘difficulties’ associated with Asperger’s (Autism)? Just like everyone else, Aspies (Autistics) have their faults and fluencies, so let’s not hold back in celebrating some of the many wonderful Aspie traits that even others find so refreshing.

1. Aspies Lie Less
Ever noticed how much more often others tell little white lies (and some biggies) than the more plain-speaking people with Asperger’s? For Aspies, the truth tends to be just that – the truth, unvarnished. A kind word or compliment from an Aspie should hold greater value simply because it is so often profoundly meant.

2. Aspies Live in the Moment
How often do typical folk fail to notice what’s in front of their eyes because they’re distracted by social cues or random chit-chat? Aspies are more truly available to the sensory inputs that surround them. So many have achieved the ideal of always being mindful of their environment.

3. Aspies Seldom Judge Others
Who’s fatter? Richer? Smarter? For Aspies, such distinctions hold much less importance than they do for typical people. In fact, Aspies often ‘see through’ such surface appearances to discover the real person.

4. Aspies are Passionate
Of course, not all Aspies are alike, but many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many ‘typical people can proudly say the same? We may think they are not listening sometimes… so where exactly did they learn all they know? Makes you wonder? Just how deeply are they reading your book or watching the documentary you made?

5. Aspies are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you’ve ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for Aspies, social expectations can be honestly… irrelevant. What matters is what they really like, what really interests them, and the passion they associate with those pursuits — not keeping up with the Joneses.

6. Aspies have Good Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colours, names, and other details? Aspies are often much more ‘attuned’ to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kinds of often critical details.

7. Aspies are Less Materialistic
Of course – this is not universally true — but in general Aspies are not only less concerned about outward appearances than their typical peers, but as a result worry so much less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than the bulk of the populace might.

8. Aspies Play Fewer Head Games
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I told you I didn’t mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most Aspies don’t play games like these – even assuming wrongly that you don’t or won’t either! It’s a refreshing and wonderful change from the emotional roller-coaster that can harm many typical relationships.

9. Aspies have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if an Aspie tells you what he/she wants – they are telling you what they want. Period. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you’re reading between the lines! They do have their agenda, but it tends not to be hidden anywhere near as much as most others, certainly seldom as well hidden if anything else.

10. Aspies Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some non-Aspies (‘neurotypicals’ or NT’s), having an Aspie in our lives has had a profoundly positive impact on the breadth and quality of our perceptions, our beliefs, our hopes and expectations. For instance, the ability to focus for a time on what concretely “is” rather than constantly musing on what “should” or “could be”.


This list of positives was shared by a member in group that I belong too. I loved it so much I thought it was well worth sharing it with the world. Thank you J.G.

So, if anyone ever thinks about how Apies are different, here are SOME POSITIVE TRAITS about having this condition.

thanks for posting this. I'm an aspie myself and I find most of this to be true about myself. I enjoyed reading this and may copy and paste it in my asperger's group for women on fb. have a great evening.

 

[Inkasep]

As someone with Asperger's who goes out of his way to step over the weaknesses, this is actually nice to read. And to a large extent to me personally, accurate. I admittedly do love head games.~ Not the kind shown in the example, but I find the human mind fascinating, and I love games. Who wouldn't want to play around when they find a shiny new button to push?

As far as lying? That one may be linked to my autism for all I know. I suck at lying. I really do. And so instead of trying harder to lie better, I just run with the truth on instinct. Admittedly, I've learned I might have gone farther in life had I lied here or omitted there, but I still suck at it, so I don't worry about it for very long.

As far as judging others... I don't think I judge people. But I do believe labels exist for a reason. They're words. They help us define things we happen to be curious about. Not necessarily to hurt people or to help us figure out why we dislike a person, but just because that's how language works. And it's how people learn. Not to mention many people like to feel different in their own way. I may not think what I do is judging, but I do like to note all the differences in several people, and try to learn what makes them want to be different and why that form of difference. Again, I love learning how the mind works.

My mother subscribes to the rule that Aspies are bad with empathy. That is utter bullshit. In terms of passion, we feel things. We feel things strongly. And me, I crave feeling those things. I see horror movies to feel anxious. I see dramas to want to well up. I see comedies to laugh. I listen to certain types of music to get really revved up. And to those I let into my 'inner circle' as some people have put it, I am unbelievably empathetic to all of their points in their lives that I learn about. Did they have a family member die? I will mourn with them and it will feel like my own dad died. Did they get a new guy/girl? I probably won't have much to do with it, but I'll practically want to perform the wedding ceremony, and hope it gets to that point. The reason she doesn't believe we're good at empathy is because sometimes, not all times, we don't express our emotions in the ways one might normally expect to see them.

As far as social expectations, anyone who's interacted with me knows I'm far from normal~ In that regard, I embrace the freaky to an obscene amount. I love frightening you. Disturbing you. Amazing you. Making you laugh at my randomness or my quirks. I do not love annoying you. That's just an unfortunate side effect. Unless your name is Karen.~

My memory is pretty fucked up, to be honest. I don't fit this trait well at all. I will remember everything, and I retain quite a bit, but I always, and I mean always struggle to figure out if what I'm remembering happened 5 minutes ago or 5 years ago. It's an odd feeling. But hey, I'm an odd person~

As far as materialistic traits go, I'm kinda yes, kinda no. I can't live without my frequent caffeine intake, I become a true grumpy, irritable, easily aggravated asshole that nobody, even me wants to be around. Now I don't have a lot of physical possessions, but what I do have is my computer. I need it. I can't survive mentally without it. It is my connection to my people. I am looked on with confusion and suspicion because of my quirks in the real world. Sad fact of life, but I worked around it by discovering the interwebs. If that makes me materialistic, so be it.

Hidden agendas, for me, fall into the honesty category. I firmly believe we all have things we want, personal goals we want to achieve when we sign up for a task. Me, I again suck at lying and being secretive, so it's generally out in the open when I get there. I may as well be waving my agenda on a flag.

As for number ten, I can proudly say I have amazed a small number of people and changed an even smaller number of minds to make them change their viewpoint because of the way my mind works. My father says Autistics have their own type of logic. It's not the wrong type of logic, we just naturally find a different way to get from A to B. I've found that to be, for the most part, kind of true. Where one person goes 'Well we should go with X to get to Z.' Just on instinct, I'm like. 'Well why don't we do Y?' Y isn't always the best answer, but the times it is, I like that feeling of being, well. Useful. Solely based on the fact my odd way of thinking actually helped someone.