Correlation between Giftedness and Autism: An Evolutionary and Neurodevelopmental Model

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15952125120510

• Palavras-chave: Giftedness, Autism, Neurodevelopment, Mesolimbic System, Prefrontal Cortex, Neural Plasticity.

• Keywords: Giftedness, Autism, Neurodevelopment, Mesolimbic System, Prefrontal Cortex, Neural Plasticity.

• Abstract:

  Giftedness and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have partially overlapping neurofunctional and structural characteristics, suggesting a common neuroevolutionary origin modulated by differences in brain development. This article proposes that both phenotypes represent gradients of a neurodivergent spectrum, defined by variations in the timing of maturation of the mesolimbic system and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The analysis integrates neuroanatomical, neurochemical and molecular data, with an emphasis on synaptic connectivity, neural plasticity and genetic polymorphisms identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Giftedness is characterized by greater functional integration between neural networks, while ASD presents local hyperconnectivity associated with specific talents. The redefinition of giftedness, focusing on integrative capacity rather than one-dimensional metrics such as intelligence quotient (IQ), is discussed on the basis of neuroscientific evidence.