Exceptional Abilities in Autism: Theories and Open Questions

Abstract

The vast majority of research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) focuses on characterizing and addressing the social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior that constitute the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Yet a small but significant portion of individuals diagnosed with ASD exhibit exceptional cognitive abilities in one or more domains. These twice-exceptional individuals often have unique skills that potentially enable them to make significant contributions to the workforce, but at the same time face unique challenges during the transition to independent living because of a lack of services and broad public misperceptions regarding their condition. Here I review the current literature on cognitive divergence in ASD, focusing on cognitive theories, neural substrates, and clinical and societal implications.