Autism IS linked to higher intelligence: People with genes related to the condition 'scored better in mental ability tests'
The genes linked with autism are thought to promote higher intelligence, scientists believe.
- People carrying autism genes scored better on intelligent tests
- Genetic factors in autism associated with heightened mental ability
- But experts warn relationship between autism and intelligence is 'not clear'
Genetic factors, thought to play a role in autism, are associated with heightened mental ability in people who do not have the developmental condition, a new study has revealed.
Almost 10,000 people living in Scotland had their DNA analysed, as part of the research.
They were then put through a series of intelligence tests.
Those carrying genetic variants linked to autism had slightly better test scores on average than those who did not carry the autism genes.
In addition, further evidence of the association emerged when the same tests were carried out on 921 teenagers, who were taking part in an Australian twin study.
The nature of the relationship between autism and intelligence is not clear, said the researchers.
Although up to 70 per cent of people with autism have a mental disability, some individuals with the disorder can exhibit higher than average non-verbal intelligence.
This form of intelligence allows complex problems to be solved using reasoning skills requiring little or no use of language, which is impaired in people with autism.
Dr Toni-Kim Clarke, of the University of Edinburgh's Division of Psychiatry, who led the study, said: 'Our findings show that genetic variation which increases risk for autism is associated with better cognitive ability in non-autistic individuals.
'As we begin to understand how genetic variants associated with autism impact brain function, we may begin to further understand the nature of autistic intelligence.'
Co-author Professor Nick Martin, from the Queensland Institute for Medical Research, said: 'Links between autism and better cognitive function have been suspected and are widely implied by the well-known Silicon Valley syndrome and films such as Rain Man as well as in popular literature.
'This study suggests genes for autism may actually confer, on average, a small intellectual advantage in those who carry them, provided they are not affected by autism.'
The findings appear in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Source: People with genes related to autism 'scored better in mental ability tests' | Daily Mail Online
Despite the reputation the Daily mail has (or so I've gathered) I guess it can't hurt to post a link to the actual study (even if it's paid content) to point out it's not something the Daily mail just made up http://www.nature.com/mp/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/mp201512a.html