Por Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues & Angela Mágda Rodrigues Virgolim
The relationship between level 1 autism and intelligence is a complex field of study that involves multiple aspects of neurological and cognitive development. Studies show that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of autistic children presents atypical development, characterized by an increase in the number of neurons and accelerated growth compared to neurotypical children. This phenomenon is especially evident in the subregion of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), responsible for executive functions such as planning, organization, attention, working memory and cognitive flexibility. These roles are often challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum.
The accelerated development of the DLPFC in autistic children can be interpreted as a form of compensation for deficits in other brain regions. Autism is associated with atypical functional connectivity between different areas of the brain, including the DLPFC and other regions crucial for social and emotional cognition. The excessive growth of the DLPFC could be an attempt by the brain to mitigate these deficiencies by taking over some functions that would normally be performed by other areas. However, this compensation may not be completely effective, and the difficulties associated with autism may persist despite the accelerated development of this region.
The relationship between level 1 autism and intelligence, especially in terms of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and processing speed (IVP), is a field of study that deserves particular attention. PVI (as measured in the WISC test, for example) tends to decrease in individuals who are afraid of making mistakes, are perfectionists and worry about the judgment of others. However, autistic people often have reduced levels of empathy, which may result in less concern about the judgment of others, possibly not negatively affecting IVP.
This decrease in IVP is one of the main factors responsible for the lowering of general IQ (IQ(g)) in gifted individuals. To obtain a more reliable intelligence index, it is essential to calculate the General Ability Index (GAI). The GAI is a measure derived from IQ tests that excludes the influence of the processing speed and working memory subscales, providing a more accurate assessment of an individual’s intellectual capabilities, particularly when there are significant disparities in these areas.
IQ variation in autistic individuals may be greater than in neurotypical individuals due to the compensatory system of the autistic brain, which tends to evolve or reorganize itself to achieve better homeostasis. Given the unique neurological development profile in autistic people, it is crucial to conduct longitudinal studies with more autistic volunteers who have undergone IQ testing in childhood and adolescence. This will allow for a more detailed assessment of differences and variations throughout development, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between autism, intelligence and neurological compensations.
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.