7 Surprising Benefits of Autism

Our oldest son has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, and it makes life difficult.

However, just as with many trials, good things often come from it, that's been the case with this as well.

Yes, despite how hard this condition has been to deal with, there are some benefits of autism.

Asperger's isn't easy, and I am easily frustrated with it.

However, along the path of healing that we have been on, some days I think, “How would I really feel if I were to wake up and find that my son was completely healed?”

It's then that I realize that I there have been and are some benefits of autism–ways that we've experienced blessings from this condition.

Update: Our son is now in college and he's progressed a lot. Most of these good points have remained, but not with the same intensity.

This post originally was titled “Why I'm Thankful for Autism.”

The meaning of the post hasn't changed, but I wanted to make it clear that I am NOT thankful for autism. I'm just thankful for some of the aspects of autism (and Asperger's Syndrome) that have been a blessing to our family.

There are a lot of people saying that autism and Asperger's are just part of the neurodiversity of our world.

Yes, it's diversity. But it's not easy.

The parents of severely autistic children know just how hard it is.

Asperger's is hard, too, but in some different ways.

Asperger's is more of a silent disability. People with Asperger's aren't wearing diapers and wiping fecal matter on the walls, and they are verbal.

But the difficulties are still there, and depending on the situation, they can be very severe.

So, I changed the title of the post and now it's a much more accurate representation of my thinking.

7 Surprising Benefits of Autism

Honesty

When my son says something, he means it.  There really is no wondering with him.  Try to get that with any other kid (or person, for that matter.).

Loyalty

My son sticks close with a fierce loyalty to trustworthy people.  No matter how many times I (and my husband) blow it with him (lose patience, yell when we should hug, etc.), he still loves us.  He sees past our failings and sees our hearts and continues loving and forgiving us.  No matter what.

Intelligence & Memory Skills

No doubt about it, we have a sharp cookie.  And his memory is astounding.  He

• remembers the first and last names of people we've met only one time
• remembers physician's names
• recalls the exact dates of events (like the date we did something important because he remembers that it was on the same day that his favorite hockey team won a shut out)
• qualified twice for the national competition in the National Bible Bee, one year memorizing literally hundreds of passages in the Bible. 

When I can't remember something, our youngest will say, “Just ask him.  He remembers everything.” 

It's pretty much the truth.

Inquisitiveness

Like me, he wants to know about everything.  He asks questions ad nauseum and they can go on and on. 

I get frustrated regularly about the onslaught of questions, but truth be told, if he stopped asking, I would miss hearing what this inquisitive soul is pondering.

Better Family Health

This “crisis” of autism has helped me to see other health issues in our family and learn how to better deal with them. 

Figuring out how to better help our son has helped me to better help my entire family. I've read books and scoured the internet endlessly for health information that has helped me to help him.  And us. 

We've changed our diet to almost 100 percent whole foods while avoiding sugar and gluten.

We work on liver health, our vagus nerve, brain health, gut health, detox, and more. We've removed mold and artificial fragrances from our home.

And now, as I share the information we've learned on this site, hopefully our situation has helped you have better health as well.

Community

Because of autism, I have made many friends whom I never would have known otherwise, both locally and on the web; Autism groups, bloggers, and more. 

I'm so thankful for the inspiration and friendship of others who are on the same path as us.  A big hug to all of you from me.

Accepting Weakness

Because of autism, I realize just how powerless I am. 

My bent is to be an “I Can Get It Done” kind of gal. Mostly. Actually I alternate between feeling like Supermom and well, Losermom. Maybe you've been there? 

Anyway, facing something as rough as autism / Asperger's has made me realize that there is very little in my control.

I have to let go and let God be my strength daily.

I don't know how to help our son sometimes, but He does.

I don't know how to love in the midst of frustration, but He does.

When I am weak, He is strong.

So yes, I'm Thankful for Autism.

More on How Autism Has Touched Our Lives

Natural Autism Healing – Monster Included
Healing Our Son's Autism – the Best Therapy of All
Freedom on the Fourth (An Autism & Anxiety Story)
Special Needs Children – A Sign from God

Do you have a child with a disability? Have you been able to see blessings in the midst of that?