An Expert Discussion on Strengths-Based Approaches in Autism

Urbanowicz, A., Nicolaidis, C., Houting, J. d., Shore, S. M., Gaudion, K., Girdler, S., & Savarese, R. J. (2019). An Expert Discussion on Strengths-Based Approaches in Autism. Autism in Adulthood, 1(2), 82-89. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2019.29002.aju

Publication date: 13 Apr 2019 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
7
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 7 (14.3%)

Abstract

Historically autism research and practice has been deficit focused. Only in recent years have we seen a shift away from deficit-based approaches toward strengths-based approaches. Current literature now includes work exploring and using strengths-based approaches in autism in a variety of clinical and research contexts. For example, clinical guidance for autism diagnostic assessments recommends using a strengths-focused approach to ensure that the strengths, skills, and interests of the individual are recognized.1 Research has explored the use of strength-based language by multidisciplinary clinicians in autism diagnostic reports,2 the use of strengths-based interventions to support young autistic adults prepare for leaving school,3 and called for new strength-based models for aging well on the autism spectrum.4

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:30.

Cited references
11
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
2 / 11 (18.2%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
5 / 38 (13.2%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 5 / 16 (31.2%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 4 / 36 (11.1%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
16 / 38 (42.1%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 14 / 36 (38.9%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
11 / 16 (68.8%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 11 / 38 (28.9%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 10 / 14 (71.4%).
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  2. Megan Hatfield , Marita Falkmer , Torbjörn Falkmer , Marina Ciccarelli (2018). Process Evaluation of the BOOST-A™ Transition Planning Program for Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Strengths-Based Approach . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48(2), 377-388. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  3. Amy L. Donaldson , Karen Krejcha , Andy McMillin (2017). A Strengths-Based Approach to Autism: Neurodiversity and Partnering With the Autism Community . Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 2(1), 56-68. American Speech Language Hearing Association.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  4. Matthew J. Braun , Winnie Dunn , Scott D. Tomchek (2017). A Pilot Study on Professional Documentation: Do We Write From a Strengths Perspective? American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 26(3), 972-981. American Speech Language Hearing Association.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  5. Christina Nicolaidis , Dora M Raymaker *Autistic author. Learn more… (2015). Community-based participatory research with communities defined by race, ethnicity, and disability: Translating theory to practice . In The SAGE Handbook of Action Research (pp. 167). SAGE Publications Ltd.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
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    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  7. Ye In Hwang , Kitty‐Rose Foley , Julian N Trollor (2020). Aging Well on the Autism Spectrum: An Examination of the Dominant Model of Successful Aging . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(7), 2326-2335. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  8. Gaudion K (2015). A Designer's Approach: Exploring How Autistic Adults with Additional Learning Abilities Experience Their Home Environment . A Designer's Approach: Exploring How Autistic Adults with Additional Learning Abilities Experience Their Home Environment.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  9. Ralph James Savarese (2018). See It Feelingly . Duke University Press.
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  10. Jones M (2018). Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre: A Strengths-Based Program for Adolescents with Autism . Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre: A Strengths-Based Program for Adolescents with Autism.
    Type: Other
    Crossref