Celebrating World Autism Month with strengths—not stereotypes. 

Hey there! I’m Savannah (aka the brain behind @colour_me_neurospicy), and I wanted to share something important to me as we celebrate World Autism Month. 

When we talk about autism, especially online, the focus tends to land on the stuff we find hard. The struggles. The symptoms. And look, I get it—there are challenges, don't get me wrong, but that’s not the whole picture. 

Autistic people also have some pretty incredible strengths—things we actually do better than most. But you don’t hear about those nearly as much. So, here’s my list of five things I have found many autistic folks totally excel at. 

1. We Hyperfocus Like Total Pros

If you’ve ever seen an autistic person dive deep into a special interest, you know the power of hyperfocus. It’s not just “liking something a lot.” It’s more like: I will now learn everything about this topic and forget to eat for six hours because my brain is locked in. And that kind of laser focus? It can lead to deep expertise, wild skill-building, and creativity that runs rings around the usual 'learning curve'. 

My very first deep-dive obsession? Interior design. I was that kid constantly rearranging my bedroom, building Lego mansions and re-designing my ‘dream home’ every other week. That passion led me to study it at uni, graduate, and open my very own interior design studio. A full, successful career grew from what some people might’ve brushed off as “too much.” Spoiler: it wasn’t too much. It was just the right amount. 

2. We Spot What Other People Miss

Autistic brains are wired for pattern recognition. We notice the weird thing in the room, the shift in someone’s tone, the typo in the menu, or that one little detail no one else picked up on. It’s not just a party trick—it helps us solve problems, find creative solutions, and connect dots that others don’t even see. 

It’s like having built-in radar for systems, inconsistencies, or hidden meaning. Yes, sometimes that means spiraling over a weird vibe from an email. But it also means we’re often one step ahead in noticing what needs to change or be improved. 

Talk about a hireable and desirable strength!! 

3. We Don’t Do Small Talk, But We Do Real Talk

Look, if you want someone to politely nod through a boring convo about the weather—I’m probably not your girl. But if you want someone who’ll be honest, thoughtful, and ask deep, meaningful questions 10 minutes into meeting you? That’s where I and many other autistic folks shine. 

We value truth, clarity, and authenticity. We say what we mean (sometimes too directly), and we care deeply about fairness and honesty. It can take people by surprise, but once you get used to it—it’s actually pretty refreshing. You will always know where we stand and there will never be any hidden meaning in anything we say. EVER. 

4. Our Ideas Are Anything But Average

We’re not always great at thinking inside the box. But that’s kind of the point. Autistic brains often approach problems, ideas, and even everyday stuff from a unique angle. It’s part of why so many autistic people become inventors, creatives, or change makers—we don’t default to “this is how it’s always been done.” 

We question everything. We imagine new ways of doing things. And often, those ideas are the ones that shake up a system for the better. 

Here are some of the biggest, most influential names of all time who have done just that—and who are autistic—just to further prove my point: 

• Albert Einstein – arguably the most influential physicist of the 20th century.
• Temple Grandin – trailblazing scientist and autism advocate who revolutionized the livestock industry and changed how the world views autism.
• Greta Thunberg – global climate activist who’s helped shift the world's attention toward environmental urgency, all while proudly embracing her autistic identity. 

5. We Love a Good System

Despite the stereotype, not all autistic people are rigid rule-followers. But a lot of us do love a system that works. Organizing, categorizing, streamlining—whether it’s a playlist, a calendar, or your entire Notion setup—we’ve got a talent for turning chaos into order. 

For me, building systems isn’t about control—it’s about reducing stress and creating predictability in a world that often feels way too unpredictable. And when we build those systems ourselves? They’re usually really good. Like I mean… REALLY GOOD. 

Final Thoughts 

So yeah—autistic people can struggle with a lot of things. But it's all about balance, and we also bring a lot to the table. During World Autism Month, I hope we can celebrate those strengths just as loudly as we do for all the hard stuff. 

We’re not broken. We’re not a burden. We’re not just a list of deficits. We’re thoughtful, creative, detailed, honest, and passionate. 

And that’s something worth recognizing. 

Sav xx 

About Me 

Hey! I’m Savannah—I won the neurodivergent lottery! Autistic and ADHD, and honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. After getting diagnosed in my mid-to-late 20s, I now spend my time creating digital resources, courses, and relatable content that helps others feel more understood (and less alone). 

I’m a big believer in the beauty of duality. Yes, neurodivergence can be a real pain in the butt—but it’s also one of the most powerful tools in our kit. Our brains are built differently, and that difference? It’s a weapon in our artillery. We can be absolute forces to be reckoned with. 

I wouldn’t change my brain for anything, and it’s my mission to help you feel the same. So let’s throw out the neurotypical handbook together and find strategies that work with your brain—not against it. 

I keep things real, relatable, and a little bit cheeky—because a neurodivergent diagnosis doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. It’s worth celebrating. So let’s celebrate together! 

Come hang out with me on Instagram: @colour_me_neurospicy.