Cognitive
An Update on Neurocognitive Profiles in Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
J. A. Meyer and N.J. Minshew, Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Fall 2002, Pages 152 - 160.
This article provides an overview of the similarities and distinctions between individuals with autism and those with Asperger's Syndrome (AS). First, we review the cognitive and neurocognitive profile underlying deficits characteristic of autism spectrum disorders. Particular emphasis is placed on recent comparisons of high-function autism to AS on the basis of neuropsychological testing, and implications of neuropsychological profiles for the cognitive deficits and clinical presentations of AS.
Further Evidence of Preserved Priming and Impaired Recall in Adults with Asperger's Syndrome
John M. Gardiner, Dermot M. Bowler, and Sarah J. Grice, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Volume 33, No.3, June 2003.
Two experiments compared incidental (implicit) and intentional (explicit) memory performance in adults with Asperger's Syndrome and individually matched controls. Experiment 1 involved perceptual tests using word fragment cues, following study tasks in which the participants either generated the words from contextual cues or read the words alone, with no contextual cues. Experiment 2 involved conceptual tests using paired associate cues, following study tasks in which the paired associates were rated either for their relatedness or for their readability. Performance in both the incidental tests was similar for both groups. Performance in both the intentional tests was also familiar for both groups, with one exception. The adults with Asperger's Syndrome were more likely to falsely recall words that had not actually been studied. These findings further delimit the nature of memory impairments in adults with Asperger's Syndrome, which seem restricted to certain aspects of episodic memory that include the tendency to make more intrusion errors in recall.
Is the Cognitive Style of the persons with the Asperger's Syndrome also a “mathematical style”?
Letter to the Editor by Michael Fitzgerald, Dublin. Journal of Autism and developmental Disorders, 30, 2000, 175-176.
It is helpful to think of the cognitive style typical of mathematicians in trying to understand the cognitive style of persons with Asperger syndrome (Wing, 1981). Hadamard (1945) examined the thinking style of mathematicians and scientists as they worked and I believe that this is a style that can give us insight into the thinking of persons with Asperger syndrome. He noted how they avoided the use of mental words and instead tended to use vague images and visual images.
It is clear that patients with Asperger syndrome and indeed mathematicians use talents found in both hemispheres, rather than being restricted to the linguistic, analytic specialities of the left hemisphere.
It is important to be aware of the major assets some persons with Asperger syndrome have, in particular their ability to immerse themselves in subjects for long periods, a total involvement with a subject that is very difficult for many people without Asperger syndrome. The great strength of mathematic geniuses and persons with Asperger syndrome is their ability to focus and exclude unnecessary inputs. There is therefore value in not being able to shift attention easily.
Letters to the Editor - Asperger’s Disorder and Mathematicians of Genius
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, (2002), Vol 32, pages 59-60
There is evidence that mathematicians of genius and originality over the past 2300 years for whom there are adequate data not uncommonly met criteria for Asperger’s disorder. DSM-IV criteria are used here for Asperger’s disorder. Table I summarises the data on Ludwig Wittgenstein, Eamon de Valera, Paul Erdos, G.H Hardy, Archimedes, Lagrange, Cauchy, Riemann, Galois, Lobatchensky, and William Hamilton the last mentioned being the only member of the group who did not meet criteria for Asperger’s disorder.
Prof. Michael Fitzgerald
Henry Marsh Professor Child & Adolescent Psychiatry T.C.D.
It is important to be aware of the major assets some persons with Asperger syndrome have, in particular their ability to immerse themselves in subjects for long periods, a total involvement with a subject that is very difficult for many people without Asperger syndrome. The great strength of mathematic geniuses and persons with Asperger syndrome is their ability to focus and exclude unnecessary inputs. There is therefore value in not being able to shift attention easily.