I have always known that those of us with Asperger’s see the world differently. Perhaps more intensely than others see it.
Sometimes our Asperger’s can provide a unique viewpoint, enabling us to see events from a more focused and vital perspective, and from this distinctive intellectual position, create avenues for provoking change.
Take, for instance, Greta Thunberg, who views environmental issues with great clarity. Thunberg was able to focus on her local environmental situation and with great determination, work to effect change in her community.
Greta’s single-minded conviction that action needed to be taken if the youth of today were to inherit a world in which the reduction of pollution and restoration of natural resources was of prime importance, stirred people to action around the world.
Because of her insistence that something be done, beginning in her home, then in her community, then in the larger, global community, Thunberg has effected tremendous change in the social and legal responsibilities of some nations toward environmental issues.
There is a rather astounding blog by Mark Hutton, My Asperger’s Child, in which he details a fifty positive traits which he associates with his child. (myaspergerschild.com)
Among these traits are the following:
Being conscientious, reliable and persistent.
Having a lot of passion when pursuing activities with which they engage.
Bringing a new, highly original perspective to problem solving.
Not recognizing hierarchies; evaluating people upon their intentions & actions, not their ‘positions’.
Displaying honesty
Possessing high integrity.
Having exceptional memories.
These characteristics are not only positive but are essential qualities when dealing with the complexities of international relations.
Consider how they have aided Thunberg in her goal of changing how the citizens of the world view the possibility of changing national and international attitudes toward environmental issues.
Not recognizing hierarchies is a plus if you are a teenager meeting people in power without being intimidated by their status.
Having an exceptional memory is important when you are quoting statistics, and bringing vital issues to the attention of international forums.
These positives are only a few Hutton names; for a complete list go to his blog or to https://aspergersvic.org.au/page-18136
Margaret Jean 