“[Autism] is not a Google search, it’s searching for and learning from autistic people themselves”~ Invisible I: Autism Advocate

When you think of autism what do you picture?

Is the image in your mind flattering?

I would imagine it is, because of the quality of people who take the time to read the PurposeFairy blog. But even some of the most archaic and brutal people to have lived regarded autistic people as leaders, influencers and stewards of powerful ideas.

Despite some of the other things those ancient societies believed, I agree with their view of autism. By the end of this article, I hope you will too. 

While studying the link between autism and influence, I learned some amazingly positive traits autistic people naturally have from verywell.com. But I also learned exactly how those traits influenced our society today, from as far back as the 16th century. I would say that most of us wish we had these characteristics.

5 Powerful Traits to Learn from Autistic People

Here are just 5 of the many life-changing traits you too can learn from autistic people, traits that come so naturally to them.

1. Autistic People are Passionate

The most influential people on the planet are nothing if they aren’t passionate. Nothing spreads on the wings of mediocrity. It takes the obsessed to push an idea, product or change out to the rest of the world.

Passion fuels influence and if you have ever been around those on the spectrum, you know they can be passionate about certain things. This natural passion is what people such as Ivan the Terrible respected when it came to people with autism. 

“One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy.”~Milton Hershey

2. They Rarely Judge Others.

We have all fallen under the judgment of someone else. It hurts. When we feel we are being judged by someone we naturally shut down. This isn’t hyperbole, it’s psychology. The law of reciprocity explains why. Non-judgmental people are easier to listen to, and more influential than average people. And people on the spectrum rarely judge others. 

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”~Isaac Newton

3. Autistic People Play Fewer Mind Games.

It’s hard to trust someone when you aren’t sure what they are really thinking. When someone plays mind games with us it automatically shuts down our mind to be receptive. But those on the spectrum rarely have a hidden agenda. Being genuine is one of the most endearing things an influencer can do and people with ASD are very often genuine. 

“Genuine and true love is so rare that when you encounter it in any form, it’s a wonderful thing, to be utterly cherished in whatever form it takes.”~Gwendoline Christie

4. Autistic People Are Not Tied To Social Expectations.

The majority of people are afraid of public speaking. It is not the speech or the microphone that is scary. It is the fear of what people will think about their talk. Most people care so much about what society thinks or might think that it limits their ability to be genuine (the trait from above.) Those on the spectrum care so little about social expectations they can be themselves, which is so influential. This comes from the way they process oxytocin. 

“The biggest challenge after success is shutting up about it.”~Criss Jami 

5. They Live In The Moment.

Have you ever bought anything from someone who was pre-occupied with their phone? Me either. When someone is unable to focus on the right now it’s very hard to take them seriously. People on the spectrum are so present they naturally bring neurotypicals along, but only if we are willing. 

“People arrive at what is attractive.”~ Blaise Pasquale

The world is not in sync. The majority of us are influenced by a tiny minority of people. Most of us watch the same few movies, read the same few books and eat the same few things. This is because we take our cues from a small handful of influencers. Those with autism have been showing us a new way to think for centuries. 

Some societies have listened. 

I look forward to the day we can see the amazing examples and the incredible influence those on the spectrum have. We are so much better off because autistic people have lived. They are the gift of a different and often better perspective.

Comments