Hypercalculia is "a specific developmental condition in which the ability to perform mathematical calculations is significantly superior to general learning ability and to school attainment in maths." [1] A 2002 neuroimaging study of a child with hypercalculia suggested greater brain volume in the right temporal lobe. Serial SPECT scans revealed hyperperfusion over right parietal areas during performance of arithmetic tasks. [2]
Children at any age may be stronger in language or in mathematics, but very rarely in both. Autistic children are no different. A rare example of a child with multiple savant tendencies is a case study of a thirteen-year-old girl. Pacheva, Panoy, Gillberg, and Neville discovered this young woman has not only hypercalculia abilities, but also showcases hyperlexia, and hypermnesia capabilities. [3]
A study published in 2014 examined the reading and math achievement profiles and their changes over time within a sample of children between the ages 6–9 diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. What they found was that there are four distinct achievement profiles: higher-achieving (39%), hyperlexia (9%), hypercalculia (20%) and lower-achieving (32%). [4] A previous study conducted in 2009 estimated the rate of hypercalculia at 16.2% in ASD adolescents. [5] [6]
According to Wei, Christiano, Yu, Wagner, and Spiker, research of the ASD achievement profile, hypercalculia, is sometimes overlooked in academic settings. Sometimes this oversight is a result of more resources being spent on understanding the capabilities of children who exhibit hyperlexia. Children with an ASD have shown various results during testing for hypercalculia. Some of these varied results indicate: below average performance of mathematical and problem solving tasks, average proficiency, and high-achievers topping the 99th percentile on 'standardized math achievement measures.' [4]
There is an ongoing debate concerning the cause of hypercalculia along with other savant perceptions. Some researchers theorize that obsessive tendencies may trigger greater attention to certain areas of their lives. [2]
Individuals with autism will sometimes focus a lot of their time, energy, and attention on schedules or routines, calendar calculations, numbers or counting, and/or music. [7]
Other researchers speculate that people with savant tendencies may use different brain areas while they are processing subjects of their higher abilities. Among other debate arguments are hypotheses with regards to neural processes and working memory storage capabilities. [2]
Wallace sometimes refers to these individuals as "mathematical savants" or "arithmetic savants." In his experience, individuals with this ability tend to prefer a chunking or segmentation method of sorts. Their proclivities tend to push them towards breaking bigger things down to smaller things like numbers or equations. This data led Wallace to research, "prime number savants." Prime number savants can calculate which numbers are prime by breaking up the number over and over numerous times until they are at its lowest form.[ clarification needed ] The next step is figuring out if that number can be evenly divided. [8]
There are five different types of disorders that have been labeled on the autistic disorder spectrum. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the five different types of disorders on the autism spectrum are listed as: Autistic disorder, Asperger disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PPD-NOS). [9]
In a 2013 study, the behavior of children on the autism spectrum who exhibited intellectual abilities was observed. The behavior of these children was compared to children of normal intellectual status. Research shows that these children tended to internalize their problems. Further investigation proffers the suggestion that this internalization is due to social and language impairments. Many children on the autism spectrum with different savant perceptions such as hypercalculia, hyperlexia, and semantic hypermnesia tended to internalize their problems. These children were more likely to experience anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism and struggles in their social life. These social issues stem from withdrawal in social circumstances and an unwillingness to share. A lot of these children that were observed fell into two types of disorders on the spectrum, PPD and Asperger disorder. The results show that there is little difference in the behavior of children considered to be high-achieving in their intellectual abilities and those children not as intellectually gifted. [10]
Towards the end of the twentieth century, recognition of autistic children, including autistic children with savant abilities, has increased awareness in the educational system. [11]
There are just a few main names for savant children. The first category of savants was first discovered in London in 1887 by Dr. J. Langdon Down. Down coined the term 'idiot savant.' This term is given to individuals who have an IQ score below 25. These individuals show below average intelligence in most areas, but still show gifted expertise among such areas as music, arithmetic, reading, writing, or art to name a few. Idiot savant is no longer an acceptable name of categorization. It is not used very much anymore and was mainly discontinued after the first century of its discovery. Almost all individuals diagnosed with savant aptitudes test with an IQ of 40 or above. [12]
The second name often used for these children is 'autistic savant.' Just like Down's term, autistic savant is not always appropriate for all savant cases. Only half of individuals with savant syndrome are autistic. The other half of the savant population suffer from other central nervous system deficiencies caused by injuries or other disorders. [12]
Savant syndrome is the more overarching and accurate name to identify children with these higher-cognition skills. [12]
Awareness of savant syndrome has increased, but the limited number of affected individuals has complicated finding educational resources to meet their needs. Better diagnostic tools over the years has helped identify these children and their needs. For the benefit of the students, educators should keep in mind that although these children are skilled in certain areas and may even take courses for the gifted, they may come across as rude and perhaps disrespectful. These behaviors might be shown to classmates and teachers because these students will not always be adept at communication and social cues. [11]
Other concepts to consider in the educational system are the child's weaknesses and strengths. These will be unique to each child. In some examples of children with mathematical savant talents, individual children can be exhibit human calculator abilities, but be unable to use those skills in every day functions. There is sometimes a disconnection between their savant abilities and practical situations. [11]
Hypercalculia might not always be just for those with savant abilities. Using reverse artificial intelligence, theorists suggest a way to emulate computers in mathematical computations.[ clarification needed ] [13]
Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's syndrome, formerly described a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The syndrome has been merged with other disorders into autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is no longer considered a stand-alone diagnosis. It was considered milder than other diagnoses that were merged into ASD due to relatively unimpaired spoken language and intelligence.
Hyperlexia is a syndrome characterized by a child's precocious ability to read. It was initially identified by Norman E. Silberberg and Margaret C. Silberberg (1967), who defined it as the precocious ability to read words without prior training in learning to read, typically before the age of five. They indicated that children with hyperlexia have a significantly higher word-decoding ability than their reading comprehension levels. Children with hyperlexia also present with an intense fascination for written material at a very early age.
Savant syndrome is a phenomenon where someone demonstrates exceptional aptitude in one domain, such as art or mathematics, despite significant social or intellectual impairment.
Developmental disorders comprise a group of psychiatric conditions originating in childhood that involve serious impairment in different areas. There are several ways of using this term. The most narrow concept is used in the category "Specific Disorders of Psychological Development" in the ICD-10. These disorders comprise developmental language disorder, learning disorders, motor disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. In broader definitions ADHD is included, and the term used is neurodevelopmental disorders. Yet others include antisocial behavior and schizophrenia that begins in childhood and continues through life. However, these two latter conditions are not as stable as the other developmental disorders, and there is not the same evidence of a shared genetic liability.
Diagnoses of autism have become more frequent since the 1980s, which has led to various controversies about both the cause of autism and the nature of the diagnoses themselves. Whether autism has mainly a genetic or developmental cause, and the degree of coincidence between autism and intellectual disability, are all matters of current scientific controversy as well as inquiry. There is also more sociopolitical debate as to whether autism should be considered a disability on its own.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that begin in early childhood, persist throughout adulthood, and affect three crucial areas of development: communication, social interaction and restricted patterns of behavior. There are many conditions comorbid to autism spectrum disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy.
High-functioning autism (HFA) was historically an autism classification where a person exhibits no intellectual disability, but may experience difficulty in communication, emotion recognition, expression, and social interaction.
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to autism:
A reading disability is a condition in which a person displays difficulty reading. Examples of reading disabilities include: developmental dyslexia, And alexia,
Autism therapies include a wide variety of therapies that help people with autism, or their families. Such methods of therapy seek to aid autistic people in dealing with difficulties and increase their functional independence.
The epidemiology of autism is the study of the incidence and distribution of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A 2022 systematic review of global prevalence of autism spectrum disorders found a median prevalence of 1% in children in studies published from 2012 to 2021, with a trend of increasing prevalence over time. However, the study's 1% figure may reflect an underestimate of prevalence in low- and middle-income countries.
Social Stories were devised as a tool to help individuals with ASD better understand the nuances of interpersonal communication so that they could "interact in an effective and appropriate manner". Although the prescribed format was meant for high functioning people with basic communication skills, the format was adapted substantially to suit individuals with poor communication skills and low level functioning. The evidence shows that there has been minimal improvement in social interaction skills. However, it is difficult to assess whether the concept would have been successful if it had been carried out as designed.
Asperger syndrome (AS) was formerly a separate diagnosis under autism spectrum disorder. Under the DSM-5 and ICD-11, patients formerly diagnosable with Asperger syndrome are diagnosable with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The term is considered offensive by some autistic individuals. It was named after Hans Asperger (1906–80), who was an Austrian psychiatrist and pediatrician. An English psychiatrist, Lorna Wing, popularized the term "Asperger's syndrome" in a 1981 publication; the first book in English on Asperger syndrome was written by Uta Frith in 1991 and the condition was subsequently recognized in formal diagnostic manuals later in the 1990s.
Classic autism, also known as childhood autism, autistic disorder, (early) infantile autism, infantile psychosis, Kanner's autism,Kanner's syndrome, or (formerly) just autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition first described by Leo Kanner in 1943. It is characterized by atypical and impaired development in social interaction and communication as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests. These symptoms first appear in early childhood and persist throughout life.
Autism, formally called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by deficits in reciprocal social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Other common signs include difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, along with perseverative interests, stereotypic body movements, rigid routines, and hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input. Autism is clinically regarded as a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can manifest very differently in each person. For example, some are nonspeaking, while others have proficient spoken language. Because of this, there is wide variation in the support needs of people across the autism spectrum.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a variety of conditions typically identified by challenges with social skills, communication, speech, and repetitive sensory-motor behaviors. The 11th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), released in January 2021, characterizes ASD by the associated deficits in the ability to initiate and sustain two-way social communication and restricted or repetitive behavior unusual for the individual's age or situation. Although linked with early childhood, the symptoms can appear later as well. Symptoms can be detected before the age of two and experienced practitioners can give a reliable diagnosis by that age. However, official diagnosis may not occur until much older, even well into adulthood. There is a large degree of variation in how much support a person with ASD needs in day-to-day life. This can be classified by a further diagnosis of ASD level 1, level 2, or level 3. Of these, ASD level 3 describes people requiring very substantial support and who experience more severe symptoms. ASD-related deficits in nonverbal and verbal social skills can result in impediments in personal, family, social, educational, and occupational situations. This disorder tends to have a strong correlation with genetics along with other factors. More research is identifying ways in which epigenetics is linked to autism. Epigenetics generally refers to the ways in which chromatin structure is altered to affect gene expression. Mechanisms such as cytosine regulation and post-translational modifications of histones. Of the 215 genes contributing, to some extent in ASD, 42 have been found to be involved in epigenetic modification of gene expression. Some examples of ASD signs are specific or repeated behaviors, enhanced sensitivity to materials, being upset by changes in routine, appearing to show reduced interest in others, avoiding eye contact and limitations in social situations, as well as verbal communication. When social interaction becomes more important, some whose condition might have been overlooked suffer social and other exclusion and are more likely to have coexisting mental and physical conditions. Long-term problems include difficulties in daily living such as managing schedules, hypersensitivities, initiating and sustaining relationships, and maintaining jobs.
This relationship between autism and memory, specifically memory functions in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), has been an ongoing topic of research. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by social communication and interaction impairments, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. In this article, the word autism is used to refer to the whole range of conditions on the autism spectrum, which are not uncommon.
Sex and gender differences in autism exist regarding prevalence, presentation, and diagnosis.
Social (pragmatic) communication disorder (SPCD), also known as pragmatic language impairment (PLI), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in the social use of verbal and nonverbal communication. Individuals with SPCD struggle to effectively engage in social interactions, interpret social cues, and use language appropriately in social contexts. This disorder can have a profound impact on an individual's ability to establish and maintain relationships, navigate social situations, and participate in academic and professional settings. Although SPCD shares similarities with other communication disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is recognized as a distinct diagnostic category with its own set of diagnostic criteria and features.
The diagnosis of autism is based on a person's reported and directly observed behavior. There are no known biomarkers for autism spectrum conditions that allow for a conclusive diagnosis.
 | This article needs additional or more specific categories .(August 2023) |