Language delay, introversion and high intelligence are characteristics that, when combined, may indicate complex neurodivergence. Studies suggest that Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) may be a consequence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in some cases. ASD impacts communication and social interaction, impairing language development in some children (Hobson, 2020). Giftedness, on the other hand, can function as a protective factor, allowing the child to develop compensatory strategies to deal with the difficulties associated with SLI and ASD. Above-average intelligence can provide alternative means of communication and social interaction, even in the face of adversities imposed by disorders (Jarrold & Brock, 2004).
This combination of ASD, SLI and giftedness can result in a milder manifestation of the symptoms of each condition, allowing for a more adaptive development of the child. However, this same combination can generate behaviors similar to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including attention difficulties, impulsivity and hyperactivity (Silverman, 2013). It is crucial to emphasize that this is just one of the possible explanations for the relationship between these conditions. The complexity of human development and the interplay between genetic, neurological, and environmental factors make determining definitive causal relationships challenging (Woods et al., 2015).
References :
– Hobson, R.P. (2020). The coherence of autism. Autism, 24(1), 3-6. doi:10.1177/1362361319888384
– Jarrold, C., & Brock, J. (2004). To match or not to match? Methodological issues in autism-related research. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34(1), 81-86. doi:10.1023/B:JADD.0000018073.30028.59
– Silverman, L. K. (2013). Giftedness 101 . Springer Publishing Company.
– Woods, R., Mahdavi, L., & Ryan, S. (2015). Autism and developmental language disorders: The importance of differential diagnosis. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(1), 18-23. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12345
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.