Write your 3 positives about being on the spectrum

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It doesn't surprise me that attention to detail, observation skills, writing ability and commitment to honesty were repeatedly cited.

I was a bit surprised not to see creativity more cited more often, and also gifts for ...maths/science/computer science/pattern recognition.

However perhaps this is because I set the topic up as "write 3". It may be that many responders have far more than 3, but were being polite by staying on topic.

If you are one of those, feel very welcome to post three more.

1) I'm very gifted (intellectually, academically and artistically)

2) I am very genuine and honest; I have found the same with other people on the spectrum but with NTs it's hit and miss- some NTs are so manipulative, with their own hidden agendas, and the worst part is they make the assumption that I too have hidden agendas where I simply do not; however, as my main pursuit in life is TRUTH, I consider my genuine way of being a positive with regards to that goal (I don't get so caught up in utter lies and blatant BS)

3) The ability to get 100% consumed by one topic at a time. This ability was key to me achieving a huge sudden jump in my career status. Before I embraced my natural obsessional tendencies, I spent a lot of energy fighting them and trying to act like I saw other people acting. But I can't help it, I take things extremely seriously; and this leads to intellectual and artistic breakthroughs. (And is probably the main reason behind my giftedness which I mentioned in 1) )

Contrast this with his younger brother, who is already a master of playing one parent off against the other or being an absolute angel for his grandma and then turning utterly vile as soon as I turn up!

Imagine being the sort of parent to describe a 2-year-old as manipulative. The boy is obviously a quick learner and is already mimicking his parents (exactly how children learn to behave at that age). Has it ever occurred to you that he's an "angel" with his grandmother because she most likely treats him like an individual, instead of comparing him to his "pure" older brother and finding him wanting?

My previous post in this thread was deleted, so I don't know if you had time to see it or not. I could just PM you, but then I'd probably be accused of stalking/harrassment.

Can't find anything, even how hard that I look.

1). A nonjudgmentalness about others that goes beyond accepting people because they are "different". It extends to a willingness to talk to people from all walks of life, including the rejects of the rejects, with no defensive body language or willingness to communicate a sign that I think I'm better than that person. This is very hard to describe. I just think I understand many odd behaviors and the reasons why people do them.

2). An openmindedness that can make me calm and analytical in certain situations that would cause others to freak out (conversely, I freak out when others are calm! )

3). Complete apathy about physical appearance or image. (The older I get, the more I realize that people are very conscious of social image and will sacrifice their time and interests in order to uphold it)

Creativity:
I am very skilled at painting, with my own style using aquarell paint.
I just made 18 illustrations for a book, first time I did this.
At age 3.5 I could already draw in perspective (not real mathematically, but the sense of objects being smaller in the background and bigger in the front).

My greatest special interest was classical ballet (practicing).
I still practice for myself daily, it's all geomatrical patterns.
I sometimes make an own choreographical piece, in January I will dance 7 performances of "Pi" in a theater.
I attached one movement to every number from 0 - 9 and follow the first 1000 characters of Pi, saying them out and the numbers are live following me on a screen via pc.
In the program it's disclosed I am autistic.
Cannot hide it anyway.

I have an inner I-pod, ability to store a lot of music and making own (classical) compositions, but I cannot play an instrument, which is bad.

I can't think of three yet, but I agree with a lot of what has been said.

1. Not needing company as much as an NT (though I still need the company of other humans from time to time.) I can withstand loneliness by not getting as lonely.

2. I'm also very gifted intellectually (supposedly...)

3. I don't mind other oddballs.

1. Coming up with solutions that most won't
2. We are quiet neighbors
3. Don't change what is working well just for the sake of change.

My artistic eye: being able to capture or see things in my own way to create something original.

My ability to be honest and speak my mind.

My ability to problem solve, it has gotten me out of some sticky situations.

Wow! Such anger here. I am genuinly disturbed by the responses to my post. How did we get from 3 positive things about my sons autism to a diatribe on what a terrible parent I am?

The fact that these diatribes are based on misconceptions, misinterpretations, suppositions, wild conjecture and ignorance are more telling about the writers than me I think. I'm sorry life has treated you badly that you feel the need to take some simple observations about my wonderful son and turn it into something nasty and imply that I am some kind of NT hating monster. This is absurd as it is offensive. I think this, perhaps is indicative of some sort of psycologoical projection and thus illuminates some considerable inner termoil in the hearts and minds of the writers. That's all I can think of to explain what has happened here. I hope you find some peace someday.

Nobody could determine one's parenting style and ability based upon an internet presentation--that would be ridiculous.

I would attribute some of the criticism to the fact that many autistic people have parents who don't bother to understand autism too well. Please don't think it's a reflection on your parenting.

I believe the best approach is to offer advice and insights, rather than bold criticism.

Most of the responses, it seems to me, have merely been people offering the "positives" of having autism

Yes Kraftie that's how I see it too.

Lately on WP I have noticed that topics are continually getting hijacked, and there is more personal targeting of unwitting posters with no agenda but to express their own experience going on.

Good for you rethinking this, NCOT

You don't know how hard it was for me to even come up with those two things... :-/