The Myth of 'High Functioning Autism': An Exploration of Unique Abilities
In the past, the term 'high functioning autism' was used to describe individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who appeared to have typical or near-typical cognitive abilities. However, this term is being phased out in favor of more accurate descriptors. The current diagnostic manuals use levels of support (1, 2, or 3) to indicate the amount of assistance or support needed on a daily basis. This article explores the unique abilities of individuals with autism, focusing on high intelligence and specific expertise like math, through personal anecdotes and scientific findings.
Common Misconceptions About Autism and Intelligence
It is a common misconception that being exceptionally intelligent is widespread in autism. In reality, about 57% of autistic individuals have intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning. However, 40% of autistic individuals have an IQ ranging from 85 to 115, and only 3% have an IQ above 115. These statistics challenge the notion that high-functioning autism is synonymous with exceptional intelligence.
Meeting Autistic Individuals with Exceptional Abilities
In the broader community, you are more likely to encounter autistic individuals with higher IQs. This is because more severely affected individuals often live in more supportive situations, such as residential facilities, which may limit the visibility of these individuals in everyday settings. It is important to remember that many high-ability autistic individuals exist, even if they are less visible due to their living situations.
Changes in Autism Diagnoses
A significant change in the diagnosis criteria has occurred in recent years, allowing many more mildly affected individuals to qualify for a diagnosis. This shift is reflected in updated statistical trends and the recognition that many individuals who might have previously been underdiagnosed now fall within the autism spectrum. As a result, the percentages noted in autism statistics are likely to change due to the inclusion of a larger number of mildly affected individuals.
Lived Experiences of High-Functioning Autistic Individuals
Despite the challenges associated with autism, many individuals exhibit unique abilities and exceptional expertise in specific subjects. Here are several examples that illustrate these capabilities:
Grandfather's Journey
My grandfather, who was diagnosed with Aspergers (now known as autism spectrum disorder, AS), was exceptionally gifted in mathematics. He graduated from high school at the age of 14, earned a B.S. in Engineering from Tulane University at 17, and completed his commission as a damage control engineer in the U.S. Navy by the age of 18.5. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, German, Japanese, Italian, and French, he was well-prepared to serve during World War II. His diverse skill set and language abilities demonstrated the broad range of talents often found in individuals with autism.
Father's Triumphs
My father, also diagnosed with ASD, shared similar academic gifts as his brother. He was valedictorian of St. Thomas High School in Houston, Texas, at the age of 17 and won the world championship in piano concert performance in the same year. He received a full scholarship to The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with a double major in Classics and Linguistics at the age of 19. By the age of 22, he had completed a fellowship and earned his Ph.D. in Linguistics, showcasing his exceptional intelligence and expertise in language arts.
Sister's Brilliance
My sister, diagnosed with ASD level 1.5, did not begin to speak until the age of 4. However, she demonstrated genius-level giftedness in colors and visual arts, graduating magna cum laude in Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin. While her artistic talents were exceptional, she also pursued a second career as a Registered Nurse (RN) due to the economic challenges associated with artistic pursuits.
Son's Father's Tale
My son's father, another example of high-functioning autism, shares similar academic gifts to his brother. He is a mathematical and computer genius with exceptional acting, movement, and dance skills. Recognized as a national hero, he is also an extremely gifted martial artist who completed incredible and classified missions for the U.S. Navy Intelligence. Despite these heroics, his contributions often go unrecognized due to the sensitive nature of his work.
Conclusion
While autism spectrum disorder can present various challenges, it is undeniable that many individuals exhibit unique abilities, including high intelligence and expertise in specific subjects such as mathematics. Through personal anecdotes and data, this article aims to challenge existing misconceptions about autism. It is important to recognize and celebrate the diverse range of talents that can be found within the autism spectrum, as these contributions enrich society in countless ways.