On Autism and Research

A spectrum kid is likely to be way out on either extreme when it comes to norms, so he would not be part of a study researching normal brain function. However, I've noticed that medical research (usually including brain scans and a fair amount of theory) flatly contradicts what is observable in an autistic child.

This morning, the Wall Street Journal featured a study regarding the ability for teens' intelligence to change over time. While its premise challenges the long-held tenet that intelligence is fixed, my interest is the function researchers have assigned to parts of the brain. In this case, they are associating the left motor cortex not only with speech, but also with what is tested and characterized as verbal ability. Standardized tests for verbal abilities includes reading, spelling and the ability to analyze language either for content or structure.

Here's where research does not seem to meet the ground of reality. I too assumed that Samuel would have difficulty with language arts. He had been rated as significantly deficient in all areas of communication -- the ability to express himself, respond to what others say, and use language in a socially-appropriate context.

However, Samuel has done exceptionally well in reading and is extremely observant about words. In reading if he hears a new word, he'll take a moment to examine it before we may continue. He'll remember not only its meaning and usage, but its spelling too. Yesterday he corrected my spelling! His reading continues to outpace his "normal" peers by several grade levels. Remember that reading evaluation includes the ability to comprehend, not just the ability to recognize words.

What I'm saying is that he has been definitely tested as having significant speech delays, but these challenges have not affected his verbal intelligence. It's likely that an autistic child's brain is "wired" differently, but that doesn't account for data that attaches capability to a brain part that cannot be verified in even a small subset of people.