Why are people with autism usually intelligent, even geniuses?

You may be one of the many people who believe that people with autism are usually good at calculating, using logic, or creating magnificent works of art. Call it Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, and Mozart. They are historical figures who are believed to be geniuses.

However, did you know that all three have one thing in common, namely having autism? From many other examples, society finally builds the conclusion that people with autism are usually intelligent and very talented in a certain field.

What is the difference between the brain of a person with autism and other people?

Autism is a spectrum that describes various types of disorders in brain development. Because the coverage is very broad, everyone who has autism will show different symptoms.

However, in most cases, common symptoms that can be observed are difficulty communicating, interacting socially, expressing emotions and feelings, and understanding the state of the surrounding environment. Usually the symptoms of autism have appeared since childhood and until now there is no cure for autism completely.

People with autism experience disorders of the frontal lobes (part of the forebrain) and posterior (part of the back of the brain). These two parts of the brain should work in harmony. However, in the brain of people with autism, there are connection problems in certain parts so that the brain cannot work synchronously.

The mindset of people with autism

Due to connection problems in the parts of the brain, people with autism naturally have a unique way of thinking and processing information. Their memory is generally very good and clear. They can remember information or past events in great detail. However, they have difficulty relating these memories to certain emotions such as sadness, joy, or anger.

Emotions, feelings, behavior and personality are regulated by the frontal lobes of the brain. If this part is disturbed, of course its function will also decrease. People with autism will find it difficult to understand and control their own emotions, feelings, behaviors, and personalities and that of others.

This is what causes some people with autism to have difficulty interacting and building strong relationships with others. They will have a hard time deciphering whether the facial expression you make means that you are happy or disappointed. They themselves sometimes cannot express how they feel and what causes it. So, people with autism can suddenly sulk for some reason. They usually don't like changes and unpredictable things.

As for reading patterns, counting, and drawing logical conclusions, those on the autism spectrum are usually far more proficient than the average person. Not a few children with autism are fluent in reading at the age of 3 years. They are also able to absorb a lot of vocabulary and do math problems for elementary school students.

Thanks to their ability to understand patterns well, people with autism tend to be good at playing musical instruments. In addition, a sharp visual memory accompanied by imagination makes those with autism capable of being artists or painters.

Why are people with autism usually smart?

Maybe you are wondering, then what causes people with autism to be usually intelligent and experts in certain fields? So far, various studies are still being conducted to find out whether people with autism are sure to become a genius if given the opportunity to highlight their potential.

Researchers agree that the following factors are the reasons why many people with autism have such amazing levels of intelligence.

1. Very high concentration

Unlike most people, those on the autism spectrum are able to maintain a high level of focus and concentration on one particular thing. However, they do sometimes find it difficult to divide their concentration on many things at once.

Because of the amount of attention paid to one particular subject, people with autism are usually quick to master new material they are learning. Examples include when they are faced with Math or code problems in a computer program.

2. A sharp memory

People with autism are usually intelligent because they can easily remember things they have encountered. When they see their parents or teachers playing a musical instrument, they will record the incident properly in their memory.

So, when it's their turn to try the instrument for themselves, they will immediately play back the memory of when you played the instrument and imitate it exactly. Likewise with math formulas, physics, or grammar.

3. Attention to detail

One of the reasons those with autism have such a sharp memory is attention to detail. According to them, no detail was too small to observe. That's why when people with autism are faced with a problem, they can quickly get to the root of the problem and find the right solution.

4. Relies more on logic than emotion

A recent study conducted by King's College in the UK found that people on the autism spectrum tend to rely more on logic than emotion when making decisions.

At certain times, the ability to make objective decisions is very important. Rather than relying on fear, anger, or overwhelming feelings of happiness, people with autism prefer to consider logical and objective reasons for making important decisions.