A new study shows that autistic people and others with learning disabilities show higher levels of creativity. Researchers discovered that people with the developmental condition autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can create unique answers to problem-solving puzzles even though they have personal traits that can make social functioning and landing a job difficult.
The study was conducted by the University of Stirling in Scotland. It was published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Participants in the study included 75 people with an autism diagnosis, and 237 people without it. All volunteers answered survey questions. Those with autistic traits had the ability to see multiple images in obscure figures that had the simultaneous appearance of two objects, according to News Max.
Dr. Catherine Best was the co-author. She said that even though the study examined just one facet of the creative process, it showed a connection between autistic people's traits and original ideas.
The hypothesis of Best's research team is that they have a unique approach to the problem. Although society often perceives the condition as a disability, in particular areas they have better creative talents.
Some celebrities such as actress Darryl Hannah have talked about their autism. They often promote being perceived as people first, and receiving support in the workplace so their voice can be heard.
Statistics show that around 1 percent of the world's total population has ASD. It alters how people communicate and interact with the world, and differs greatly between various people. ASD is also a lifelong disorder.
Jolanta Lasota is the CEO of the charity Ambitious about Autism. She explained that the new study refutes the myth that people with the disorder lack creativity, according to The Guardian.
Lasota explained that seeing the world in a unique way can be an asset for people with ASD. They can be creative in areas such as music, art, and photography.
Recent figures reveal that just 15 percent of autistic people are working in full-time paid jobs. However, almost 80 percent of those who are not employed wish to be, according to The Telegraph.
This video give a basic explanation of autism: