Understanding Autistic Intelligence and Asperger Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Isabelle Soulières, Michelle Dawson, Morton Ann Gernsbacher, Laure Mottron
Primary Institution: Centre d'Excellence en Troubles Envahissants du Développement de l'Université de Montréal
Hypothesis
Do individuals with Asperger syndrome show the same advantages in Raven's Progressive Matrices as those with autism?
Conclusion
Asperger individuals demonstrate significant advantages in Raven's Progressive Matrices compared to their Wechsler scores, indicating a common cognitive mechanism across the autistic spectrum.
Supporting Evidence
- Asperger adults scored significantly higher on Raven's Progressive Matrices than on Wechsler Full-Scale IQ.
- Asperger children also showed an RPM advantage over Wechsler Performance scores.
- Both Asperger adults and children had RPM scores reflecting their Wechsler peaks of ability.
Takeaway
This study found that people with Asperger syndrome can be really good at solving certain puzzles, showing that they have unique strengths in thinking.
Methodology
Participants completed Raven's Progressive Matrices and Wechsler scales to assess their intelligence.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in participant selection and diagnostic criteria may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Limitations
The study's sample size was relatively small and may not represent the entire population of individuals with Asperger syndrome.
Participant Demographics
32 Asperger adults (ages 16-49) and 25 Asperger children (ages 7-15) were included in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website