[Medical Q&A] Are all people with autism "idiot geniuses"?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Wang Hua, Chief Physician, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University

Influenced by many movies and TV shows, many people believe that people with autism have some extraordinary abilities, such as super memory or artistic talent. But in fact, only a few types of autistic people show special talents, and most patients have the same cognitive abilities and behavioral performance as ordinary people, and may even have intellectual disabilities.

High-functioning autistic patients usually retain good mathematical abilities. Some patients have extraordinary abilities in calendar, mathematics, music, and art, and are called "idiot savants". The specific manifestations are: ① Special mechanical memory ability, such as some patients can remember a large number of complex dates or historical events; ② Special calculation ability, which can quickly complete difficult mathematical operations; ③ Special skills, such as some people can study complex musical repertoires with almost no training. However, because they are usually unable to enrich and develop their talents through learning, and cannot communicate with others, these manifestations usually decline to varying degrees or even disappear after 2 to 3 years. Studies have found that "idiot savants" only appear in a very small number of autistic patients, accounting for about 10%, and the vast majority of autistic patients do not have these special talents.

People with autism are not born "geniuses", but each of them has a unique personality and potential. It is important that we give them more understanding and support to help them play their advantages in the field that suits them and overcome the difficulties in life.