| Title: |
Self-Reported Strengths and Talents of Autistic Adults |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Linnea A. Lampinen (ORCID 0000-0003-4379-5782); Joseph Singer; Xinyue Wang; Benjamin VanHook; Ellen Wilkinson; Vanessa H. Bal (ORCID 0000-0003-0750-823X) |
| Source: |
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(1):37-48. |
| Availability: |
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
12 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Autism Spectrum Disorders; Adults; Gender Differences; Age Differences; Educational Attainment; Clinical Diagnosis; Symptoms (Individual Disorders); Ability; Talent; Self Concept; Executive Function; Cognitive Ability; Personality Traits; Creativity; Academic Ability; Interpersonal Competence; Individual Characteristics |
| DOI: |
10.1177/13623613251364361 |
| ISSN: |
1362-3613; 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: |
Many adults express dissatisfaction with the autism diagnostic process, and concerns have been cited regarding the lack of neurodiversity-affirming assessment methods. In part, this is due to instruments framing behaviors as symptoms causing impairment, overlooking potential benefits. Systematically measuring strengths and talents during assessment may inform diagnosis and support planning in a more neurodiversity-affirming manner. Historically, research has relied on caregiver-reported strengths; more information on self-reported strengths is needed to inform self-report instrument development and assessment practices. Participants included 127 legally independent autistic adults recruited primarily through SPARK Research Match, who completed open-ended questions regarding strengths and talents. Qualitative content analysis identified themes of strengths, and associations between strengths and gender, age, age of diagnosis, and education level were examined. Autistic and nonautistic team members collaborated on qualitative coding, data interpretation, and manuscript writing. Themes emerging from the qualitative responses included Cognitive/Executive Functioning (61%), Character Strengths (55%), Creative/Artistic (52%), Academic (33%), and Interpersonal (30%). Overlap between strength domains and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) autism diagnostic criteria suggest that more nuance is needed in how we conceptualize autism, considering both strengths and challenges. Domains of strengths identified in this study can be used to inform measure development and strengths-based assessment and support planning. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1493954 |
| Database: |
ERIC |