Asked by Zachary, Portsmouth, Rhode Island
I'm a 14-year-old boy and I was told that I have Asperger's syndrome. The doctors told us that I have the IQ of a borderline genius. On average what are the chances of that happening?
Living Well Expert
Dr. Jennifer Shu
Pediatrician,
Children's Medical Group
Thanks for your question. In general, there is a small chance of being considered a borderline genius or better, maybe about 5% or so. But let's first talk a little about your diagnosis and then we will put that into perspective with the IQ (intelligence quotient).
As you probably learned, Asperger's syndrome or disorder is considered to be part of the spectrum of autistic disorders but by definition does not include intellectual disabilities.
Since language and social delays are often not noticeable before about age 3, Asperger's disorder is typically diagnosed later than autism -- on average around 11 years according to one study, although other reports show that the diagnosis usually occurs by age 6 -- so your diagnosis at 14 years old is not out of the ordinary.
It is unclear how common Asperger's disorder is, but estimates range anywhere from 1 in 250 to 1 in 10,000 children. It is diagnosed roughly five times more often in boys than in girls, and it's quite likely that many people in America have Asperger's syndrome without having a diagnosis.
There are many different ways to test a person's intelligence, as well as different scales for interpreting the scores. People who test in the top 2% to 3% may be considered high scorers and possibly labeled as a genius.
For example, one scale uses a score of 100 as average and follows a bell-shaped curve so that 95% of the population would test between 70 and 130 points. Some scales state that scores in the 130 to 140 range might be considered gifted or near genius or other such labels while scores above 140 might be considered genius, but these tests and scales vary greatly.
Depending on how your doctors determined your IQ status, you likely scored in one of the higher intelligence ranges, which has a relatively small chance of happening, but since people with Asperger's are, by definition, at least of average intelligence, your score is a little less of a surprise.
Previous question:
Is it OK to fly after a head injury?« Back to Living Well
Next question:
My ear is clogged. Should I get antibiotics?
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
The information contained on this page does not and is not intended to convey medical advice. CNN is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented here. Please consult a physician or medical professional for personal medical advice or treatment.