Can common strengths be identified in autistic young people? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and method: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the empirical literature on common strengths of autistic young people relative to their typically developing peers. Results: Forty-eight articles met inclusion criteria and were included. Of these, sixteen studies reported sufficient data for inclusion in a series of 13 meta-analyses. Only a small number of mean effect sizes were significant, with possible common strengths including auditory processing strengths (Hedges’ g = 0.54–1.22) and metaphor generation (Hedges’ g = 0.64). Conclusions: This review highlights the need for a systematic approach to identifying strengths shared by autistic young people that could inform intervention approaches, and are important to autistic young people and their families.