Leading with Autism - an update on my book

How experts on leadership led me to an exciting place

When I started work on my book on Leading with Autism, which I announced here a while back, my conception was to mainly help leaders with a high level of autistic traits (like me) understand the science behind the traits, learn the social science of autism and the stigma associated with it, figure out how to deal with the complications of getting or not getting a formal diagnosis, and hear from people who have navigated all of this to achieve more for themselves and their organizations.

But as I dug into talking to experts on leadership, including Tim Vogus, Ludmila Praslova, and Brené Brown, I found out that we don’t just need to help people with autistic traits who find themselves in positions of leadership do better, we actually need to get more autistic leaders in place, because the old ideas of leadership are breaking. The uncertainties of artificial intelligence, climate change, and political turmoil require detailed analysis, intense focus, task performance, and straight talk, not winging it, multitasking, vague instructions, and spin. Yet, we still emphasize in leadership literature and in our selections for leaders things like extroversion, “executive presence,” making people feel comfortable even when they shouldn’t be, and a popularized vision of emotional intelligence that is nothing like what its original proposers envisioned.

“What leaders with autistic traits have to offer… is what makes organizations work and will even have a more profound presence in the future.” - Brené Brown

Each of the leadership experts I talked to had a connection to autism: Praslova is autistic herself, Vogus has an autistic child with high support needs, and Brown has coached many leaders with autistic traits. Brené said it well when she told me: “What leaders with autistic traits have to offer… is what makes organizations work and will even have a more profound presence in the future.” Amen.

Brené Brown and I talking on zoom about how the world needs more autistic leaders.

What all of them said - and so did Peter Salovey, long-time Yale president and original proposer of emotional intelligence - is that we don’t need alpha dogs barking orders and selling a dream, we need careful thinkers who tell it like it is. So, a big part of the book will make that case. The original parts are there, too, so there is a lot of information, as you would expect from an autistic writer! The marketing copy that we’ll be using is below. Look for us coming from Harper Influence in 2027!

Leading with Autism: Harnessing the Natural Strength of Neurodivergent Minds

In this groundbreaking new playbook, the Editor-in-Chief of Science offers a radically different vision of what great leadership looks like today, revealing how autistic thinking—long misunderstood—can lead to stronger, more innovative leadership in our increasingly complex world.

We’ve heard it all before. Firm handshakes. Strong eye contact. Charisma. “Working the room.” For too long, these traits have been heralded as the hallmarks of a good leader. But in today’s rapidly changing world, checking the boxes no longer equals success. In Leading with Autism, Holden Thorp, the Editor-in-Chief of the Science journals, makes a bold new case: autistic thinking, long misunderstood and underestimated, can offer a powerful new framework for reimagining leadership in today’s world.

After receiving an unexpected autism diagnosis at the age of 53, Thorp began to see his mind and his career through an entirely new lens. As he set out to learn everything he could about his diagnosis and the concept of neurodiversity, he discovered that autistic traits so often labeled as “challenges”—like unshakable concentration, reliance on strict routines, or overly-direct communication—were not liabilities or deficits, but strategic, unique strengths he could leverage to sharpen his decision-making, clarify priorities, and build greater trust with colleagues.

Drawing on the latest cutting-edge scientific research, candid reflections from his own career, and interviews with experts across industries, including Brené Brown, Simon Baron-Cohen, Temple Grandin, Agnes Callard, Leland Vittert, and more, Thorp empowers readers to tap into the power of neurodivergent thinking.

In Leading with Autism, learn how:

• Your obsessions or fixated interests translate to an extraordinary ability to focus

• Your low tolerance for uncertainty means you’ll plan for every contingency before anyone else sees it coming

• Your tendency to “take everything literally” pushes you to provide clear and direct instructions people can actually follow

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, Leading with Autism shows how championing autistic thinking results in a new kind of leadership—one capable of taking us to new places, solving problems in bold new ways, and unlocking potential across every team, company, and community.

A New Leadership Playbook for Uncertain Times: Explains why traditional leadership models are failing and how autistic thinking offers a powerful, innovative framework for navigating change and complexity.

Reframing “Challenges” as Strategic Strengths: Learn how traits like intense focus, structured thinking, and direct communication can sharpen decision-making, build trust, and clarify priorities.

Backed by Science and Real-World Insight: Combines cutting-edge research with personal experience and interviews with leading voices like Temple Grandin and Agnes Callard.

Practical Tools for Everyday Leadership: Each chapter breaks down a key autistic trait, explains the science behind it, and provides actionable strategies for applying it in professional settings.

Unlock Focus, Innovation, and Purpose Across Teams: See how autistic leadership strengths—pattern recognition, clarity, and determination—can drive stronger collaboration and results.

For Leaders of All Thinking Styles: Gain fresh perspective and actionable ideas to lead with greater authenticity, effectiveness, and impact, whether or not you identify as autistic.