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

Abstract

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.

Community Brief

Why is this topic important?

The focus on strengths-based approaches in autism literature and practice has often been limited to skills, talents, and interests of autistic individuals that support access to employment and education. Such a focus does not capture qualities that speak to an individual’s personhood and identity beyond skills and talents, such as “love”, “kindness”, and “humour” as reported by autistic individuals and their family members. Identifying strengths that reflect individual characteristics and personal values beyond skills and talents might guide an individual’s behaviours in a meaningful way that is beneficial to themselves and others.

What is the purpose of this article?

We highlight that Character Strengths framework has the unique ability to provide shared language when describing an individual’s strengths from different stakeholder perspectives and across contexts (school, employment, personal life). Character Strengths can be harnessed in clinical and coaching work to help autistic individuals develop a better sense of personal identity and good mental well-being.

What personal or professional perspectives do the authors bring to this topic?

J.L. is a clinical psychologist and autism researcher, currently completing a clinical research fellowship on strengths-based approaches in autism. J.L. led a virtual summit together with Dr. Ryan Niemiec (Chief Scientific Officer at Values in Action Institute on Character, USA) on Character Strengths in Autism and Intellectual Disability in 2024 that attracted over 200 professionals, researchers, and autistic individuals from 18 countries. A.S.N. is an accredited professional coach with a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from University of East London. A.S.N. found Character Strengths to be personally beneficial in understanding her own identity as a late-diagnosed autistic woman, and she now adopts this framework in her private autism coaching practice.

What is already known about this topic?

Character Strengths have been applied in research to support good mental health and well-being, although research on its use with autistic people is limited. Strengths-based approaches have been used in professional coaching in general, with growing interest and evidence of using Character Strengths to support autistic adults in exploring their personhood and identity by developing an awareness of their individual Character Strengths profiles.

What do the authors recommend?

We propose that clinicians working in mental health settings may adopt Character Strengths to complement their work, learning from the applications of this approach in coaching practices. We hope professionals working in mental health, coaching, and specialist mentoring can adopt Character Strengths language. Supporting autistic individuals to reflect on personal values in action can foster development of positive self-identity over time.

How will these recommendations help autistic adults now or in the future?

Through gaining an understanding of their Character Strengths, autistic individuals can develop a more coherent sense of who they are and what motivates them to act across contexts and to employ their strengths more flexibly in a way that is beneficial to themselves and others.