Autism Awareness Day

Top 10 Terrific Traits of Autistic People

By Lisa Jo Rudy, About.com Guide

If you're sick of hearing about all the "deficits"

challenging people on the

autism spectrum, join the club.

But for every down side to autism,

there seems to be a positive --

an unusual trait that rarely appears among the

"typical" community, but shines out among autistic folk. These pluses are well worth celebrating.

1. Autistic People Rarely Lie

We all claim to value the truth,

but almost all of us tell little white lies.

All, that is, except people on the autism spectrum.

To them, truth is truth --

and a good word from a person on the spectrum

is the real deal.

2. People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment

How often do typical people fail to notice

what's in front of their eyes because

they're distracted by social cues or random chitchat?

People on the autism spectrum truly attend

to the sensory input that surrounds them.

Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.

3. People with Autism Rarely Judge Others

Who's fatter? Richer? Smarter?

For people on the autism spectrum, these

distinctions hold much less importance than for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see

through such surface appearances to discover the real person.

4. Autistic People are Passionate

Of course, not all autistic people are alike.

But many are truly passionate

about the things, ideas and people in their lives.

How many "typical" people can say the same?

5. People with Autism 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 people with autism, social

expectations can be honestly irrelevant.

What matters is true liking, interest

and passion -- not keeping up with the Joneses.

6. People with Autism Have Terrific Memories

How often do typical people forget directions,

or fail to take note of colors,

names, and other details?

People on the autism spectrum are often much more

tuned in to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kinds of critical details.

7. Autistic People Are Less Materialistic

Of course, this is not universally true --

but in general, people with autism

are far less concerned with outward appearance

than their typical peers.

As a result, they worry less about brand names,

hairstyles and other expensive but

unimportant externals than most people do.

8. Autistic People 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 autistic people don't

play games like these -- and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing and wonderful change

from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster

that mars too many typical relationships!

9. Autistic People Have Fewer Hidden Agendas

Most of the time, if a person on the autism spectrum

tells you what he wants --

he is telling you what he wants.

No need to beat around the bush, second guess,

and hope you're reading between the lines!

10. People with Autism Open New Doors for Neurotypicals

For some of us neurotypicals, having an autistic person

in our lives has had a

profound positive impact on our perceptions,

beliefs and expectations.

For me, being the mom of a son on the autism spectrum has released me from a

lifetime of "should" -- and offered me a new world of "is."