autism and genius - how 'neurotypicals' can benefit

Its not often you find an article espousing the virtues of having aspects of autism- and furthermore suggesting an understanding of autism might be utilized to release 'flashes of genius' in those of us who are 'neurotypical'. Yet that is exactly what I discovered while reading the latest edition of The Economist (April, 18 -24th) in the article "Genius Locus". In a study published last week by Dr. Patricia Howlin in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Dr. Howlin addresses this idea. Because one of the characteristics of people with autism is their restricted, repetitive interests and activities, they can have savant-like skills in certain areas. Dr. Howlin suggests that these obsessional interests and repetitive behaviors allow them to practice excessively the particular skill of their interest, thus sometimes attaining  superior ability. So, to follow that logic, if one practiced  mathematical puzzles or a musical instrument for hours each day, one could conceivably achieve expertise such as might be seen in an individual with autism. There is much more to the article than genius and savants and well worth exploring further. Check it out!