Why do autistic children....?

Question

Do so well in math?

Answer 1

Not all do.  

We have one student that is excellent at telling time and counting money, but he cannot add 2 + 2 without a calculator.

I have another one that simply cannot follow directions. He will change them every time. If the problem indicates addition he may decide to subtract instead just to see what the answer will be.

Answer 2

only some do-most have diffuculty

math is very concrete-involves a lot of memorizatioin-skills that some people with autism have

Answer 3

That is so easy to answer when you have your very own high functioning autistic child! The reason autistic children tend to do well in math, although by no means all of them, is because math usually has no variables. For example if you get 2+2 the answer is always going to be 4. My own daughter is a math genius at age 9 and is very far ahead of her class mates but, in English she is way behind. Math is usually quite routine and autistic children love routine. My daughter used to sit for hours when she was younger reciting her times tables. She liked it so much because the answer was all ways the same where as in other subjects the answer is often open to interpretation. Math is usually repetitive and routine and that is what these children thrive on. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Not all do.  There is quite a bit of variation in abilities.

Answer 5

cuz they want to

Answer 6

Math is a very exact thing.

2X2=4 not 6 not 8 but 4.

Hence why autistic kids are good on computers, learning first that a computer is all numbers and symbols first. Not what we see in these easy to use platform.

I read  (heard, whatever) somewhere that math is a universal language. It was brought to my attention my child could whip out any math question on the chalk board doing the math in his head, however when asked to write it down he could not.

Answer 7

They don't necessarily.  It depends on the accompanying degree of mental retardation (which occurs to varying degrees in about 6/10 autism cases).  There are many stereotypes of autistic "savants" who are really advanced in one area.  But, this is usually not this case.  Usually, they have "splinter skills", meaning they are performing below grade level in most areas but have average abilities in others. It really depends ont he individual child.  I do agree, however, with math's predictability being a reason SOME children excel, as opposed to English reading and writing which has many exceptions to the rule.

Answer 8

Most autistic children don't! - most have learning difficulties.  Don't believe the film 'rainman.'

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