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Which Autism Makes You Smart?

A lot of research has been done in recent years on the connection between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intelligence. While there are still plenty of unanswered questions, much has been learned as well.

Some studies have actually suggested that a positive correlation exists genetically between a risk for developing autism and a person’s mental ability. This would mean that the genes that are most associated with ASD could overlap with genes most associated with being highly intelligent.

These same studies have suggested that some of ASD’s core components could, as a result, involved enhanced intelligence elements that are imbalanced.

While these studies haven’t been accepted as pure medical fact at this point, it is interesting to note the correlation between intelligence and autism.

At the same time, autism is a very diverse and complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects every individual differently. How one person behaves or how intelligent they are could be dramatically different from that of another person.

This leaves many people questioning which autism makes you smart. Below, we discuss three of the most common types of ASD and how the relation between them and intelligence.

Key Takeaways

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects individuals in widely diverse ways, including intellectual ability.
  • Some forms of autism, like Asperger’s Syndrome, are associated with above-average intelligence in specific areas.
  • Intellectual strengths often manifest in unique forms, such as deep subject knowledge, strong memory, or visual learning.
  • Even within a diagnosis, intellectual capabilities can vary significantly from person to person.
  • ABA therapy can help children on the spectrum build on their strengths while addressing developmental challenges.

Table Of Contents

Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is typically considered to be one of the mildest forms of ASD. Sometimes, it’s even referred to as high-functioning autism.

Individuals who are diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome usually have intelligence levels that are above average. Some are very intelligent and excel in verbal skills. They might know a lot about specific topics or interests and be able to recite facts about them.

At the same time, individuals on this end of the autism spectrum typically face social communication challenges. They may have trouble understanding social norms, body language and other non-verbal communication cues — all of which stand as barriers to them associating with peers.

Learn more about the symptom’s of Asperger’s

Since individuals with Asperger’s syndrome typically handle life’s daily tasks quite well, they are sometimes misdiagnosed or even have an ASD diagnosis missed altogether.

ASD Type Intellectual Characteristics
Asperger’s Syndrome (High-Functioning Autism) Often above-average intelligence, especially in verbal skills and deep subject knowledge; struggles with social cues and communication norms.
Autistic Disorder (Kanner’s Syndrome) Wide range of intellectual abilities; may exhibit deep knowledge in narrow interests but show delays in broader areas.
PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) Intellectual capabilities vary widely; may show above-average intelligence like Asperger’s or more moderate delays similar to Autistic Disorder.

Autistic Disorder

On the other end of the spectrum is Autistic Disorder, which is sometimes referred to as classic autistic disorder or Kanner’s Syndrome. It’s typically considered to be a more severe level of ASD compared to the other types.

Those who have Autistic Disorder can be very intelligent, though individuals with it can range significantly in their intellectual abilities. Like other forms of ASD, individuals with Autistic Disorder may display an intense interest in a limited amount of subjects, and know a lot about those subjects.

At the same time, they may lack typical knowledge or intellect about subjects that fall outside of their interests.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, more commonly referred to as PDD-NOS, falls in the middle range of the autism spectrum. Children who are diagnosed with it are typically considered to have a more severe form than those with Asperger’s syndrome but less severe than those with Autistic Disorder.

Because of this, children diagnosed with PDD-NOS can display a wide range of behaviors and intellectual abilities. Some who fall on the lower end of the range might display above-average intelligence akin to that of children with Asperger’s syndrome, while others might not.

How Does Intelligence Manifest Itself in Children with ASD?

Another important aspect of intelligence in children with ASD is how it manifests itself. Because of the unique ways in which autism affects children, their intelligence also might look different than it does in neurotypical children.

As such, they might display intelligence in the following ways …

Blue Gems ABA Helps Children on the Autism Spectrum Develop Skills

All children on the autism spectrum are intelligent. Some even display exceptional intellectual ability, especially in certain topics or subjects.

Just like all other aspects of autism, intellectual abilities can vary greatly from one individual to the next. That’s why it’s so important to treat every child as a unique individual and help support them in the best way possible.

At Blue Gems ABA, we administer applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy, to children on the autism spectrum. Our experienced BCBAs create a customized treatment plan to each child, helping them to build the communication, social and daily life skills they need — based on their own individual challenges and strengths.

To learn more, please contact us today.

FAQs

  • Q: Is there a type of autism that makes someone smarter?
    A: No specific type “makes you smarter,” but individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism may demonstrate advanced skills in certain areas.
  • Q: Can people with autism have high IQs?
    A: Yes, many individuals with ASD have high IQs, especially in areas of focus or interest.
  • Q: How does intelligence appear in autistic children?
    A: It may appear as strong memory, intense focus on specific topics, or visual/spatial learning strengths.
  • Q: Is Asperger’s still a diagnosis?
    A: Technically, it is now part of the broader ASD diagnosis under DSM-5, though the term is still commonly used informally.
  • Q: Can ABA therapy help smart autistic children?
    A: Yes. ABA therapy supports all individuals on the spectrum by developing essential life, social, and communication skills.