Some of the Gifts of Being Autistic (and It’s Not Knowing Everything About Trains)
At The Wren Centre, we believe and uplift that autism is a vital part of human diversity. Folks on the spectrum help society evolve by challenging norms and reshaping our understanding of what it means to thrive. While autism is often discussed through the lens of challenges, this blog focuses on how autism reveals pathways to a freer, more inclusive, and less fearful world.
Breaking Free from Cultural Norms
Autistic folks evaluate and navigate identity outside rigid societal constructs, and I’ve seen this beautifully in my therapy office many times. Their tendency to reject traditional hierarchies and social conventions supports their capacity to question societal norms.
A common misconception is that autistic individuals are more rigid in their thinking and behavior across all domains. While autism can increase rigidity in certain areas—those "islands of rigidity"—this doesn’t capture the whole picture. And honestly, who isn’t more rigid in certain domains?
What’s overlooked is where autistic individuals experience the world with fewer constraints. Because autistic brains process information from the bottom up (i.e., starting with sensory information rather than preconceived notions), they are often less influenced by social conventions.
For example, about 4.5% of the general population identifies as queer or LGBTQIA2+, but that number is 3-5 times higher among autistic adults across genders. Autistic individuals frequently approach constructs like gender and attraction with a freedom from cultural norms, which may explain the higher prevalence of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations from an early age.
Embracing Radical Honesty and Integrity
The parent of one autistic child I worked with in therapy once said, “Oh yes, we always get the truth from them!” Autistic folks’ inclination to speak truthfully is often misrepresented as “bluntness,” but it’s a communication style deeply rooted in integrity.
A profound sense of justice and fairness underpins many autistic individuals’ perspectives and behavior. Consider Greta Thunberg, who challenges the disingenuous speechifying of governments and corporations with unwavering logic and conviction.
This honesty fosters trust and authenticity in relationships, as well as innovation in workplaces and communities. However, it can also lead to challenges in relationships. One autistic woman shared, “My default setting is trust; I believe what you tell me.” Therapists often hear stories of hurt and disappointment where an autistic individual’s deep trust was taken advantage of. Therapy can help autistic folks navigate these experiences while preserving their commitment to honesty and fairness.
A Unique Kind of Empathy
As a therapist who works with autistic children and adults, I hope we can finally challenge the myth that autistic people lack empathy. Many autistic individuals experience intense, deeply felt empathy—especially for marginalized or misunderstood groups, animals, or nature.
This hyper-empathy can be both a strength and a challenge. As every therapist knows, empathy is a resource that requires replenishing. Without boundaries, it can quickly lead to burnout. Therapy often focuses on helping autistic individuals balance the enriching aspects of empathy with self-care, allowing them to sustain their compassion without becoming overwhelmed.
A New Perspective on Success
Autistic people often redefine traditional ideas of success, prioritizing meaningful, personalized goals over societal benchmarks like wealth or status. They are frequently driven by values and invested in excellence, challenging outdated definitions of achievement.
Actors like Anthony Hopkins and Daryl Hannah have openly credited their autistic brains for helping them achieve the kind of work they wanted to do and guiding where to invest their energies. Their success is rooted not in conforming to neurotypical standards but in following their unique paths.
Building a Richer, Freer World
Autistic advocacy reshapes societal norms, pushing us toward greater inclusivity and systemic change. Autistic-led efforts challenge entrenched ideas about communication, relationships, and accessibility, offering alternative perspectives that foster broader cultural shifts.
These shifts benefit everyone. The world becomes a richer, freer, and more inclusive place when we embrace the amazing contributions of autistic individuals. As therapists, we experience the joy of being in relationships with autistic folks, and maybe you do, too.
At The Wren Centre, we offer therapy for autistic children and adults that isn’t about fixing or overcoming—it’s about understanding, reframing, and supporting. We consider it an extraordinary privilege to witness the gifts and contributions of our autistic clients, and we invite you to celebrate them as well.
- Kathryn Anne Flynn
If you would like to book a consultation to explore therapy for your child on the autism spectrum or to discover if our approach to therapy with autistic clients is right for you, please reach out below or directly book a consultation.
