Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intelligence are often misunderstood. While autism itself is not defined by IQ, there is a connection to how cognitive abilities are present in autistic individuals.
Some people with autism have average or above-average IQs, and research shows that certain autistic traits, like strong attention to detail, memory skills, or pattern recognition, can contribute to exceptional performance in specific areas. This is sometimes seen in individuals referred to as having “high-functioning autism.”
However, autism is a spectrum. Many individuals may have typical or lower IQ scores, while others excel in areas such as math, science, art, or technology. A high IQ does not cause autism, but in some cases, the unique way autistic brains process information may enhance particular intellectual strengths.
It’s also important to remember that IQ alone does not define a person’s abilities. Social communication, daily living skills, and emotional regulation play an equally important role in overall development and independence.
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SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4927579/
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/ioppn/records/2018/march/high-iq-autistic-people-learn-social-skills-at-a-price
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/is-autism-associated-with-higher-intelligence/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856719302710
https://embrace-autism.com/autism-and-high-intelligence/
