n their chairs, spin an object repeatedly, or twirl themselves or their arms. Think of the components of autism- social phobia, compulsive behavior, trouble communicating- as the colors on a childs paint palette. Different mixes of red, blue, and yellow produce a rainbow of hues. Similarly, different combinations of autisms components produce the array of conditions known by the umbrella term autism (Springen). Autism is often referred to as a spectrum disorder because it ranges in severity across a wide range of conditions. Every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals, has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Therefore, there is no standard type or typical person with autism. Parents may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, such as: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled.. There are great differences among people with autism. Children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree or severity. The range of intelligence extends from mentally challenged to highly gifted and sometimes includes savant abilities (Cash,23). About 5% of people with autism are autistic savants, with unusual abilities that involve rote memory or visual skills. Maybe youve heard of the autistic savant that can play a Beethoven sonata after hearing it just once, or can do complex mathematical equations, or tell you whether December 3,1956, fell on a Tuesday or Wednesday (Riccio). Child psychiatrist Fred Volkmar of Yale knows one autistic boy who has an IQ of about 60 but can recite the daily lottery numbers for the past several years. Some people with autism have amazing abilities and are indeed very bright. Others may actually be mentally retarded. According to Dr. Pratt, what these savants have in common is a very strong, specific talent. Even though parts of thei...
