Conclusion
While every person is different, it is important to understand that strengths and weaknesses are often inextricably and paradoxically linked, and to leverage strengths to build developmental skills. Compared with A-NoSOD, the A-SOD group’s visual-spatial and perceptual reasoning strengths and processing speed, and enhanced pitch perception alongside auditory filtering, may contribute to speech delay. Yet these strengths may also empower development of control over their own vocal pitch and arm and eye movements, helping A-SOD develop language. Auditory strengths may contribute to speech delay through enhanced perception of the acoustics of speech that distract from the meaning of speech. Nevertheless, auditory strengths also help A-SOD catch up to A-NoSOD through improved filtering. Understanding A-SOD’s strengths may help to recognize how they make developmental gains in speech and language. Autistic people with speech delays or impairments are often underestimated. Applying lessons from evidence on their sensory and motor strengths can support recognition of their intelligence and communication.