By: Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues
When we project a child’s IQ based on the parents’ scores, we are using a logical and statistically based model. For example, considering a father with an IQ of 130 and a mother with an IQ of 115, the expected average for the son or daughter is around 120. This projection is supported by the heritability of IQ, which studies indicate is between 60% and 80% in adulthood, with polygenic influence, that is, determined by hundreds of genetic variants with a small added effect.
However, when we introduce the variable of autism, even at functional levels, this equation needs a more refined reading. In the case of a level 1 autistic child, whose functionality is preserved and there is the presence of atypical but organized cognitive patterns, the IQ may exceed the estimated average and reach close to or even exceed 130 points. In contrast, an individual at level 2 of the spectrum may express the same genetic inheritance but perform in the range of 100, due to neurodevelopmental factors that directly affect communication, adaptation, and cognitive flexibility.
This difference is explained by the way the autistic brain expresses the inherited genetic potential. The same combination of favorable alleles can result in different cognitive trajectories, depending on the interaction with the environment, epigenetics, and the way the central nervous system organizes its connections. The development curve, in this case, does not follow a homogeneous pattern. There are amplifications in certain areas and restrictions in others, which alters the practical manifestation of intelligence.
The title of this article refers to the idea of “generalization” precisely because, although we cannot state with absolute precision the IQ of an autistic child based solely on the parents, especially taking into account neuroplasticity and the compensatory system in the brain, the average pattern still has predictive value. It is common for children of parents with high IQs to also present high scores, even within the spectrum. But it is important to consider that autism introduces specific variables of brain organization that can modulate this expression.
Therefore, generalizing IQ is possible when we base ourselves on genetic and statistical tendencies. However, when dealing with the autistic spectrum, recognizing the exceptions to the rule is a demonstration of logical precision, not contradiction.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.