Cognitive strengths in neurodevelopmental disorders, conditions and differences: A critical review.

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
Read More Add to Saved list
  • Author(s): Maw KJ;Maw KJ; Beattie G; Beattie G; Burns EJ; Burns EJ
  • Source:
    Neuropsychologia [Neuropsychologia] 2024 May 03; Vol. 197, pp. 108850. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Mar 10.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article; Review
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Pergamon Press Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0020713 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1873-3514 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00283932 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Neuropsychologia Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: Oxford : Pergamon Press
      Original Publication: Oxford.
    • Subject Terms:
      Dyslexia* ; Neurodevelopmental Disorders* ; Autism Spectrum Disorder*/psychology; Humans ; Visual Perception ; Cognition
    • Abstract:
      Neurodevelopmental disorders are traditionally characterised by a range of associated cognitive impairments in, for example, sensory processing, facial recognition, visual imagery, attention, and coordination. In this critical review, we propose a major reframing, highlighting the variety of unique cognitive strengths that people with neurodevelopmental differences can exhibit. These include enhanced visual perception, strong spatial, auditory, and semantic memory, superior empathy and theory of mind, along with higher levels of divergent thinking. Whilst we acknowledge the heterogeneity of cognitive profiles in neurodevelopmental conditions, we present a more encouraging and affirmative perspective of these groups, contrasting with the predominant, deficit-based position prevalent throughout both cognitive and neuropsychological research. In addition, we provide a theoretical basis and rationale for these cognitive strengths, arguing for the critical role of hereditability, behavioural adaptation, neuronal-recycling, and we draw on psychopharmacological and social explanations. We present a table of potential strengths across conditions and invite researchers to systematically investigate these in their future work. This should help reduce the stigma around neurodiversity, instead promoting greater social inclusion and significant societal benefits.
      (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)
    • Contributed Indexing:
      Keywords: ADHD; Aphantasia; Autism; DCD; Dyslexia; Neurodevelopmental conditions; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Strengths; Superior skills; Talents; Visual perception; Williams syndrome
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20240311 Date Completed: 20240329 Latest Revision: 20240329
    • Publication Date:
      20240329
    • Accession Number:
      10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2024.108850
    • Accession Number:
      38467371