Bennett,
E., & Heaton, P. (2012). Is Talent in Autism Spectrum Disorders Associated
with a Specific Cognitive and Behavioural Phenotype? Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 2739-2753.
doi:10.1007/s10803-012-1533-9
Is Talent in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Associated with a Specific
Cognitive and Behavioural Phenotype?
This article covers the topic of
talent in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and provides research
linked to a case study focused on identifying differences between those that
are skilled and non-skilled in the areas of music, art, and math. The article
pointed out that the following specific traits did not predict the existence of
special skills: social-communicative impairments, repetitive behaviors,
obsessionality, and sensory abnormality. However, skilled individuals did
demonstrate a domain-general capacity for highly focused attention. The study
also found that individuals with special skills possess outstanding general
memory skills, with some limitations on working memory. I think the article did
a great job in outlining specific traits of different individuals with ASD and
narrowing them down to what may or may not be connected to having talents in
math, art, and music. I find this article interesting because the textbook
teaches that ASD refers to developmental disabilities that affect communication
and socialization, but also points out that a rare few with the disability have
unusual talents in music or art, which may have a connection to the fact that
individuals with ASD demonstrate repetitive, stereotypical, and ritualistic
behaviors.
Music and Art are both areas that
people usually improve in through regular practice, which can often become
ritualistic, so I can see why individuals with Autism can excel in those areas.
Last semester, I had a student with Autism in my art classroom and he happened
to be amazing at drawing with such a strong attention to detail. I’ve noticed
that a lot of students I’ve had with learning disabilities happen to be the
best artists in the class.
