Focus on Strengths
Rather than focusing on limitations, JoyDew’s positive strengths-based approach allows the organization to tap into the much greater growth potential for adults on the autism spectrum by identifying their unique strengths and building upon those in a way that helps them achieve fulfilling careers.
There are many innate interests, capabilities, and special skills or “superpowers” that people with autism possess, such as strong visual acuity, outstanding memory, enhanced logical or numerical thinking, hyperfocus, ability to recognize patterns, and ability to self-learn at exceptional speed, to name a few. Frequently they also have highly valued characteristics such as persistence, detail orientation, loyalty, appreciation of the job, and honesty.
Sensory
- Visual perception/acuity (detail, color, contrast, motion, depth)
- Auditory acuity (tone, pitch)
- Sense of Taste
- Touch
- Smell
Capabilities
- Exceptional memory
- Persistent / Sustained concentration
- Spatial ability
- Perfect pitch
- Pattern recognition
- Absorb knowledge quickly
- Self-learn quickly
Traits
- Detailed-oriented
- Concrete / Honest
- Loyal
- Conscientious
- Dependable / Reliable
- Imaginative / Creative
- Logical
- Observant
- Trustworthy
By focusing on, and developing these strengths, JoyDew is able to help its members to find high-value employment, as well as to significantly improve their confidence and feelings of self-worth.