Are we Missing Character in Strengths-Based Approaches to Coaching and Therapy for Autistic People?

The move toward a social model of disability in autism has generated more interest in “strengths-based” approaches in research and practice. Definitions of what constitutes as strengths vary, often conflating skills, talents, or interests that can be harnessed for functional purposes, such as boosting employment outcomes. While such strengths-based approaches have merits, we highlight that the limited focus on skills and talents may not be inclusive of all autistic individuals, and harnessing focused interests for functional outcomes may run the risk of turning everything an autistic individual enjoys into a therapeutic opportunity to reinforce behavior change. We propose that Character Strengths, stemming from Positive Psychology, (1) offer a shared language paradigm when communicating strengths across different stakeholder groups; (2) distinguish between an individual’s intrinsic values that motivate them to ac, and extrinsic motivations that may be more akin to social camouflaging and masking; and (3) provide a systematic way to identify and explore strengths profile within every individual. In this perspective piece, we first describe Character Strengths and the research to date in its application with autistic adults. We describe Character Strengths use in autism coaching and share practical interventions aimed at supporting autistic well-being and mental health. Finally, we propose how Character Strengths work may complement mental health treatment through reflecting on one’s personhood through strengths use, when woven into routine assessment, treatment formulation and delivery, and potential mechanisms of change.