It's a common misconception that people on the autism spectrum must have learning disabilities or impaired mental functioning. Probably half or more have unaffected levels of intelligence, and some even classify as geniuses based on IQ and other intelligence-measuring tests. Others are extremely gifted in one area and have learning deficiencies in another.
For example, I went undiagnosed (HFA/Asperger's) all through grade school, high school, and college and made very good grades. When evaluated for learning disabilities, I scored in the "Exceptional" range (post-doctorate level) for reading/english abilities and tested on a 5th grade level in math. (This was in the 10th grade.) I had memorized lengthy books verbatum at the age of 2 and could play songs on my plastic saxophone, as well as having a very, very advanced vocabulary as a toddler. But when it came to understanding so-called innate social cues, I was simply clueless. I can't do math beyond long division. I have phobias about things I rationally know to be harmless. I get confused about day-to-day activities and have to write out telephone conversations word-for-word before calling someone, even a friend.
Intelligence comes in many forms.
my son, even at 4 and a half is exceptionally bright. He can read at the 3rd
We have been told our oldest son is "extremely bright" and "scary smart" since he was very little. My youngest son has a severe language delay, so he does need more help at school. However, the teachers and therapists who work with him have indicated he is bright and a quick learner. He did the exact same academic work as his peers this past year in Kindergarten and he was successful.
He may very well have what is called Asperger's Syndrome. There is info on this board about it in the "Info for Newbies" section (it's worded a bit different.
My ds does not seem to have learning issues at this time and I know lots of people on this board have the same experience. A lot of what autism is about is social impairment. Please do some research and find out more. Thanks for coming to the board!
My son has mild PDD-NOS and is very bright. At five years old he was reading at a grade 5 level. He does not have Aspergers due to the fact he had a severe language delay - no major delay now.
He doesn't have huge troubles with social impairments, but sometimes doesn't communicate effectively (ecolalia, sp?)
I have a very good friend that has a son that is 10 years old soon to be 11 years old and he has been diagnois with autism but he does realy good in school and gets all good grades and has no learning problems but he does have a social impairment wow I thought this seemed kind of odd because because most autism children have learning problems or other issues . But again he does not mingle with anyone