Fluid Intelligence / Abstract Reasoning

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Superior fluid intelligence (abstract reasoning ability) in children with Asperger’s disorder
•Mika Hayashia, Motoichiro Katoa, Kazue Igarashib, Haruo Kashimaa (published in Elsevier)

Abstract: I've read the entire paper.

Asperger’s disorder is one of autistic spectrum disorders; sharing clinical features with autism, but without developmental delay in language acquisition. There have been some studies of intellectual functioning in autism so far, but very few in Asperger’s disorder. In the present study, we investigated abstract reasoning ability, whose form of intelligence has been labeled fluid intelligence in the theory of Cattell [Cattell, R. B. (1963). Theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence: A critical experiment. Journal of Educational Psychology, 54, 1–22.], in children with Asperger’s disorder. A test of fluid intelligence, the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices Test, was administered to 17 children with Asperger’s disorder and 17 age-, gender-, and FIQ-matched normal children. The results showed that children with Asperger’s disorder outperformed on the test of fluid reasoning than typically developing children. We suggest that individuals with Asperger’s disorder have higher fluid reasoning ability than normal individuals, highlighting superior fluid intelligence.

Why are studies such as this not getting out into the media? The myth of dumb "black and white" thinking is everywhere and goes unchallenged!

abstract reasoning is for those who cant memorize dictonary.

idiotic savantism forever

I have no idea what your point is. Thank-you.

I remember coming across this article just after being diagnosed. I am surprised it isn’t discussed more.

By the way, my Fluid Reasoning scores (as measured by WAIS-IV) were significantly higher than all other categories (defined by CHC Theory). It was news to me.

I took an FI test long ago (a placement exam) - don't remember a score. I do remember dozens of "match the shapes" type tasks. I'm a strongly verbal - visual type with little math aptitude. I had to pass 3 Calculus courses and Calc. Physics to get my degree: I took Calc. Physics (and passed) before taking Calculus so I would know what it was all about and then passed all my Calculus courses.

Every physics test had a "give away 20 points" vector problem that I didn't even try to solve. (I know, the prof went nuts! over this.) There was something about the "hats" on top of -i j k- once my brain saw them as hats I couldn't get passed that! I'd just flip the page and go on.

It's as if verbal language is so primary for me that the two are "competing" and I can't switch between math/verbal very well. This has been a true frustration my entire life.

Any math pros care to comment?

I still think idiot savants RULE.