ABSTRACT
Despite demonstrating multiple strengths and reporting positive feedback by reputed companies and employers around the world regarding the significant contribution of autistic adults to the workforce, about 66 to 86 percent of autistic adults are unemployed or remain seriously underemployed. There is a growing body of literature evidencing that autistic people have abilities and, in many cases, even exceptional skills and many of such skills have a lot of potential for further manifestation if facilitated through an appropriate nurturing environment. The purpose of the study is to explore the perceived strengths and abilities of autistic people as noticed by parents and practitioners and capture certain perspectives. The qualitative study followed phenomenological inductive thematic methodology based on an in-depth one-to-one interview with 30 participants (16 parents and 14 practitioners); the two most important groups of people who spend the most significant period of growing up in close proximity. The broad themes extracted were strengths perceived, including certain crucial valuable insights, future road map deliberating on the under-explored strength focus aspect of autistic people. The study stresses the need to bridge the gap between the first subtle signs and early markers of strengths through proper interventions in the early years for successful employment opportunities and independent living. Furthermore, understanding the subtle markers of abilities and strengths as early as possible and their beliefs, acceptance, and consideration is essential for their proper nurturance through early identification, assessment, and function-based intervention mediated through a collective team effort with desired expertise and specialization.
