The relationship between autism and high intelligence quotient (IQ) has been the subject of curiosity and debate. The study by Rodrigues et al. (2024) investigated the prevalence of autistic traits in individuals with high IQ, particularly in societies that require scores above the 98th percentile for admission. The survey included interviews with representatives of high IQ societies and a survey of members of gifted “groups”.
The results revealed that although autistic individuals are a minority in these societies, they are remarkably active on social media platforms.The significant presence of autistic people with high IQs can be attributed to the active search for autism diagnoses, which often include IQ tests, and the search for inclusion in high IQ societies as a form of socialization and integration.
The study also identified that many individuals with the potential for high IQ choose not to perform tests, either because of the absence of perceived need or because of the cost of the tests. In addition, the research highlights the need for more trained professionals to perform comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and suggests that high IQ societies adopt more rigorous practices to encourage thorough assessments, such as implementing DWRI-like tests, that could provide more accurate diagnoses.
The survey also revealed an underrepresentation of women in these societies, indicating gender barriers in conducting IQ tests. Additionally, the overlap between brain regions involved in the skills measured in IQ tests and areas that present neural compensation in autistic individuals was discussed, emphasizing that conventional IQ tests do not cover aspects such as emotional, social and creative intelligence.
In short, the study by Rodrigues et al. (2024) offers valuable insight into the complex relationship between autism and high IQ, challenging stereotypes and encouraging more informed dialogue and inclusive practices in high IQ societies.
Reference:
RODRIGUES, F. A. A; BIRTH, F. H. S; SILVA, G.; ZAPPALA, L. O.; KAMIMURA, H. Analysis of Autism Incidence in High IQ Societies. Latin Science Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal, v. 8, 3, pp. 87-101, 2024.
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