If everyone thought in the same way, there would be no imagination in this world. Creativity involves taking a completely different approach to solving a problem or perceiving our reality. Neurodivergence, by its very definition, involves a deviation from a typical manner of thinking. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often associated with unique cognitive patterns that shape how individuals perceive, think, and create. At Monarch House we encourage every child to be themselves, and we facilitate self-expression through various arts and crafts projects. It’s fascinating to see how imagination and creativity manifest completely differently compared to neurotypical individuals. 

Below are ten differences in imagination and creativity among individuals with autism in Toronto.

1. Literal Thinking

When you picture an individual with autism, an image of intense focus and attention to detail may come to mind. This is because people with autism often excel in concrete and literal thinking. Sometimes this affects their ability to engage in abstract or symbolic play, which many interpret as creative thinking. However, it’s just different. It’s simply creativity manifested in a different way. For example, a child with autism might prefer to line up action figures in a row rather than imagining they are interacting. They might not know each figure’s name, but they could be precise in their order or organization (or start time if they are racing). This literal approach can limit traditional forms of imaginative play but encourages innovative problem-solving in areas requiring precision and clarity.

2. Focused Interests

Just because a child isn’t spellbound by a wide variety of interests doesn’t mean that they aren’t wondrous about the thing they’re currently playing with. A hallmark of autism is intense, focused interests. Pay close attention to what these fixations are and encourage them in their creative play. These passions often serve as imaginative outlets, enabling individuals to dive deeply into topics such as art, coding, or music. A child with autism’s ability to hyperfocus can lead to extraordinary expertise and original contributions within these fields. Just look at Bill Gates and Bob Dylan! 

3. Difficulty with Social Imagination

Children with autism can be excellent storytellers, just in their own way. It’s important to be flexible in how you see traditional structure. For instance, one traditional stumbling block might be social imagination. This is the ability to predict other people’s thoughts or actions, which is a big part of engaging with a group and guiding how a story is told. This challenge may affect their ability to write fictional stories or role-play scenarios that require an understanding of diverse perspectives. Although, it can also come at an advantage when it comes to expressing an idea from a unique, neurodivergent perspective. This barrier, however, does not hinder their ability to create imaginative works rooted in their experiences or logical frameworks.

4. Unique Perspective on the World

A big part of creative expression is seeing the world in a completely different way and expressing that to an audience. Just look at Monet, and the early impressionist painters, who painted what they saw, rather than what was actually there. Individuals with autism often view the world through a lens that differs from societal norms. This fresh perspective fosters creativity, allowing them to see patterns, connections, and solutions that others might overlook. Artists with autism, for instance, often produce work characterized by original colour schemes, symmetry, or intricate detail.

5. Challenges with Spontaneity

Improvisation, and being creative on the fly, is one form of creativity that is not traditionally associated with a neurodivergent manner of thinking. It’s just one type of imagination, however, and it doesn’t encompass the creative mindset as a whole. The reason for this is that spontaneous creativity, such as acting, interpretive dance, jazz, freestyling, or quick brainstorming, may be difficult for individuals with autism due to a preference for structure and predictability. Their strength, rather, is given time and preparation, they can produce highly innovative and meticulously crafted projects.

6. Restricted Play Styles

An autistic child’s unique way of playing and interacting with their environment can affect their artistic production. For instance, autistic children may engage in repetitive play patterns, which can appear mundane, and less imaginative to outsiders. They might repeatedly draw the same picture, or build the same structure. It’s all about refinement and precision for them, however. This repetition often reflects creativity in the form of perfecting designs or exploring variations within a controlled framework.

7. Exceptional Memory

Have you seen the artist who can paint a skyline after just seeing it one time? Many individuals with autism have remarkable memory skills. This can enhance their creative processes, as they draw upon a vast reservoir of stored knowledge to create detailed, accurate works of art, stories, or other projects.

8. Sensory Sensitivities

At Monarch House, we believe that having autism is a form of superpower. One of the ways that a perceived disability can become an extraordinary ability is through their sensory sensitivities.  Heightened sensory experiences often inspire unique creative expressions in people with autism. For instance, attention to visual details can result in stunning artwork, while sensitivity to sound might lead to composing beautiful music. (Did you know that Mozart had autism?)

9. Literal Storytelling Styles

Hemingway used a narrative style that was based on straightforward, factual details. This is similar to how children with autism describe how events unfold. When engaging in storytelling, individuals with autism might focus on the matter-of-fact components rather than imaginative embellishments. This is actually solid storytelling. While this approach might differ from other narrative styles, it offers a refreshing, grounded perspective that captivates audiences.

10. Resilience Through Creativity

Art can be soothing and good for the soul. For many individuals with autism, creativity serves as a coping mechanism. Art, music, acting, writing, and other creative outlets provide a safe space for processing emotions, communicating thoughts, and navigating a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

From painting, to writing, to sculpting with clay, there are many different kinds of artistic expression that can be influenced by neurodivergence. Expect something completely different. Autism in children does not limit creativity but instead reshapes it, resulting in unique forms of expression that challenge conventional definitions. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help children with autism best express themselves through art. By understanding and appreciating these differences, society can celebrate the remarkable contributions individuals with autism in Toronto bring to the world of imagination and creativity.