Reasons Why Some Individuals With Autism Have Smarter Brains

Autism is a brain development disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. In addition, Autism can also cause behavioral disorders.

Autism is currently referred to as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or, in English, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The designation describes the symptoms, and the severity varies in each individual. ASD includes Asperger's, pervasive developmental disorder (PPD-NOS), autistic disorder, and and childhood disintegrative disorder.

But behind all this, research finds that individuals with Autism have more intelligent brains. Intelligence is because individuals with Autism have very high concentration, and sharp memory, are thorough and careful in observing every detail, and rely more on logic than emotion or feelings. Several famous scientists are considered geniuses, such as Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, and the renowned composer Mozart. But they have Autism.

Also Read: The Important Role of Technology in Communicating With Individuals With Autism

Individuals with Autism experience disturbances in the frontal lobes (the forebrain) and posterior (the back of the brain). In a typical individual, these two brain parts will work in harmony. But for individuals with Autism, the two brains don't work in sync. As a result, individuals with Autism have unique ways of thinking and processing information.

Some individuals with Autism have terrific and explicit memories. Their ability to process information or past events is quite detailed. But they have difficulty connecting it to specific emotions, such as sadness, joy, or anger. That is why individuals with Autism also face challenges in understanding and controlling their own and other people's emotions, feelings, behaviors, and personalities.

In pattern reading, arithmetic, or drawing logical conclusions, some individuals with Autism are usually more intelligent than others. Thanks to the ability to understand patterns well, they also tend to be good at playing musical instruments. Sharp visual memory coupled with imagination also makes them skilled artists or painters.

So far, studies are still being conducted on why individuals with Autism can be more intelligent or whether they are geniuses. But researchers agree that the following factors could be reasons why some individuals with Autism have admirable intelligence:

Has high concentration ability

Individuals with Autism can focus and concentrate highly on one particular thing. However, they sometimes struggle to concentrate on many things at once.

Because of the amount of attention paid to one particular thing, individuals with autism usually quickly master a new thing they learn.

Sharp memory skills

Individuals with Autism are usually intelligent because they can easily remember things they have encountered. When they see their parents or teacher playing an instrument, they will remember the incident well.

So, when it's their turn to try the instrument for themselves, they will instantly play back the memory of when you played the instrument and played it just right. The same goes for math, physics, or grammar formulas.

They pay attention to details

For individuals with Autism, no detail is too small to observe. When individuals with Autism encounter a problem, they can quickly get to the root of the problem and find the right solution. For example, tidying up or stocking goods in a shop or in a supermarket, or wrapping a parcel. They will also be very thorough when cleaning things, which can be developed into a motorbike washing business, kilo laundry, or hotel housekeeping.

Logic plays more than emotion

Research conducted by King's College in England found that individuals with Autism can make very good objective decisions at the right time. Individuals with Autism are also able to consider logical and objective reasons every time they make a decision. They rely more on logic without any feeling of anger, fear, anxiety, worry or overflowing happiness.

Please note that this is part of the uniquely diverse Autism spectrum and there is a small percentage of those who are highly intelligent, but parents don't be discouraged. We can remain hopeful and explore their talents, regardless of their intelligence.