Everyday Autistic Leadership

Usually when we think of leaders, we think of someone high up in the chain of command, someone with lots of power, fame, status, and wealth.  Fortune’s “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders” include people such as Angela Merkel, Moon Jae-in, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Serena Williams.  Among those with autism, we think of individuals who’ve made a name for themselves like Temple Grandin or perhaps the late Donna Williams, as well as leaders of the neurodiversity movement.

But there’s no one agreed-upon definition of leadership.  For instance, there are a variety of leadership styles and roles.  In his TEDx Talk, Drew Dudley addresses everyday leadership, the “everyday act of improving each other’s lives.”  These acts empower others, promote courage and growth, and model self-respect.  Furthermore, he states, they might be beneficial to an organization, a team, and/or oneself.

When I think of everyday leadership, I think of many people on the autism spectrum.  Take my son Jimmy.  He’s constantly pushing himself out of his comfort zone when he goes to work, takes a family vacation, or attends church.  Often, when I am hesitant to try something new that makes me uncomfortable, Jimmy’s everyday behaviors help me find the courage to do.

There there’s Rick, our neighbor across the street.  Rick is one busy, hard-working man.  He’s a valued employee, volunteer, and a member of his church choir; he also happens to be autistic.  Each Sunday he passionately sings of his love for the Lord.  Numerous members of the congregation have commented that Rick’s singing is both uplifting and inspiring.  For me, Rick is a constant reminder that we all have different gifts, according to the grace God has given us.

In her blog, “Everyday Asperger’s,” Samantha Craft writes, “I am a natural born leader; I have always been, despite my own qualms and misgivings…Overall, I tend to end up as a voice of some sort for the downcast or underdog.  And it’s not among my favorite of tasks—this speaking up for myself and others.  Indeed, it would be fair to say, I dread many moments beyond the comfort of my home.”

Lastly, Jeanette Purkis, an autistic author and advocate, talks about self- advocacy and mentoring as critically important types of leadership in the autism community.  She singles out a friend who “spends a lot of her spare time and money attending Autism events, sharing her experience online and talking to people and supporting them.  This woman, Purkis says, has a beautiful, generous character and uses her influence to change opinions about Autism.”

Please note: I am currently writing a book about my entire family and how we have grown over the years, in large part because of Jimmy.  My son Jimmy is a middle-aged adult on the autism spectrum.  The voices and perspectives of my son, my two daughters and wife as well as friends and professionals are included throughout.  It’s a real, uplifting, and remarkable story; one which I have wanted to share for a long time.  The book will be published later this month (Oct.).

Visit https://ajimmy.com/ for more about the soon-to-be released book.

Visit Dr. Bucher’s Facebook Page  to read current articles and view fascinating videos about autism today.

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