Do Autistic people have certain things they are very good at, yet most things not good at?

Question

My two grand sons have been diagnosed with autism, yet one can put together any thing I take apart, whether in be an engine, electrical, or a computer. The other, is very good in math. Is this normal for autistic children?

Answer 1

Well, it is normal for children in general. We all have interests & strengths. However, most every single person with autism, especially kids, have "stims," which is short for Self Stimalatory behaviors. Some flap their hands randomly, or look really closely at things, like carpet, or do things they like repetitively, like taking things apart, then putting them back together. If your grandson is doing this over & over, it is not healthy. Stimming is healthy. We all do it, but most people know when to do it...when it is appropriate. Most people with Autism who have stims, need to be taught to do them at appropraite times. I do not believe in removing a stim, unless it is harmful, like head-banging, or obsessions with their own feces. The stims are merely to help them feel good, so I feel it is important to allow for that.

What is absolutely not true about Autism is that all people who have it are savants; like Rainman. Some people who have the diagnosis do have an almost magical ability to do something, like play the piano, or memorizing various things easily, etc., but not all people with autism have a special skill. In every single experirence I have had- I am a special ed teacher- with people who are autistic, I have seen they are basically more capable then most everyone thinks. With the right team approach, those labeled "non-verbal can learn to speak/communicate. Those labeled "severely retarded" almost always have far more ability when taught how to respond & show" what they know.

Answer 2

There is no "normal" for autism. Autism isn't just one disorder - it's a whole family of disorders (no pun intended). Recent research suggest that autism is related to miscommunication between different parts of the brain. However, the individual sections of the brain may each funtion quite well. I know some autistic people who cannot socialize or learn skills in any kind of meaningful way. I know other autistic people whom you'd never be able to tell were autistic (unless you were a behavioural therapist or something).
When it comes to autism, I think the best strategy is to abandon the concept of "normal" and go for what works for the individual. Your two grandsons may develop into very similar or very different individuals, like any two other boys. Watch them and learn from them how they react to the world, be patient with them. However, don't coddle them. Most of the people I know with developmental disabilities (such as autism) are a lot more capable than their parents give them credit for. More than once I've uttered the words "that kid's greatest disability is his parents." Give them the chance to surprise you, and they will. Good luck!

Answer 3

Less than 2% of people with autism have a savant skill, if that's what you mean. Autistics (that's how people with autism refer to themselves see www.autistics.org for more on how real autistic people think) are like other people, and it's a spectrum, meaning that there is no one way for them. Some are good at math, some are good at science, some are good at drawing, some at writing. My son loves acting, and he's really good because everything he does around people is acting.

My kids with autism are like any other kids, they are good at some things, not good at others, and are just about average in most. Some kids with autism are good at lots of things, and some are good at nothing except living a happy and fulfilled life. My dad and husband are both aspies, and are good at whatever they choose to do.

Just love them for who they are, not what their skills are!!

Answer 4

There is a wide range of autism, called the autism spectrum. there are some kids who can't even speak, and others who it's almost impossible to tell that they have any developmental problems. Every autistic shild I've met has something that they are good at, like really good at. Asbergers syndrome is a high functioning form of autism, people with asbergers usually are very smart, yet have limited social skills. It really differs from person to person, bill Gates, for example, has asbergers, and it is commonly accepted that albert einstein had it as well.

to answer your question, yes, that is fairly normal. Your grandsons sound like wonderful children, and I bet they will be able to lead a reletively normal life, given their unique skills.

God bless!

Answer 5

It sounds normal. I saw an excellent special on the Discovery Channel last week about an amazing autistic man in England who was an artist. He could glance at the massive london skyline just for a moment and then go home and draw the skyline in absolutely PERFECT detail. It blew my mind. He drew the buildings (all of the windows and cracks in the buildings), rivers, houses, boats, streets, etc. His memory was stellar! It had something to do with the fact that the right side of the brain of certain autistic individuals functions much better than the average human's right side of the brain.

Answer 6

Yes, this is normal for children with autism. There is usually one area that they shine in. Encourage it but still work with them on everything. Social skills are very important. Make everything a learning experience.Please refer to the children as children with autism and not autistic children. They have autism, autism does not define them.

Answer 7

Some yes, some no.
There is a kind of outdated term that's used to describe what your grandsons display.
It's what used to be calld an Idiot Savant. Someone, usually diagnosed with autism, who is extremely proficient, almost to perfection, in one specific field or skill yet, lacks the development in most other skills.

I've only known one child like this, he could not show emotions, sometimes even pain, he couldnt get close to anyone, had trouble in school but he could play the piano like a virtuoso.

He's 8.

Answer 8

Actually, I am not going to get into the actual answer, because I see that there are responses already, however; I do not want to seem critical, (just educational, because it is unfamiliar ground with many people) but when we speak of people who have disabilities, we always use "people first language". In other words, we are describing the person, not the disability. I.E. - A person with autism, an individual who is mentally retarded, a student who has a learning disability, etc. Most people do not realize they/we do this, but it is important to identify them as a person, not by their disability. Thanks

Answer 9

no longer precisely in spite of the undeniable fact that it relatively is on no account unusal for babies to no longer be speaking plenty at that age. My son is 22 months and in basic terms began to apply so plenty extra vocabulary. He replaced into closer to 18 months until now he incredibly began to communicate with pointing and such. And he did no longer walk until a sturdy thirteen months, the two. The wearing stuff around isn't so undesirable - as long because it relatively is no longer obsessive and all ingesting, i might say this is popular. My daughter who's 4 now, she consistently likes to have something to 'collect' or carry. it relatively is no longer an identical element. I undergo in concepts as a infant she'd like cups at some point, spoons the subsequent, plant life yet another day etc. Even now, while we circulate interior the vehicle or right into a save she likes to deliver something together with her. Shaking his palms might in basic terms be an expression of delight. he remains extra like somewhat one than a infant.

Answer 10

yes my cousin has autism and if she hears a song one time, she can hum it and she can tell you the lyrics perfectly it amazing. but she cant do other things, it depends on the child and the level of autism they have