Is Giftedness Part of Autism or a Separate Trait?

Defining giftedness and autism – two very different starting points

Let’s be clear right off the bat: giftedness is not the same as autism, and it isn’t technically part of autism. But the overlap? Oh yeah, it’s real — and confusing as hell sometimes.

Giftedness usually refers to individuals who score high on IQ tests (typically above 130), show advanced reasoning, or exhibit exceptional skills in a specific area (math, music, language — you name it). Meanwhile, autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, marked by challenges in social interaction, sensory processing, and flexible thinking.

So no, giftedness isn’t "a form of autism." But here’s where it gets messy: some autistic people are also gifted, and some gifted people present traits that look kind of... autistic. That’s what makes this question tricky.

What is “twice exceptional” or 2e?

The combo that makes educators scratch their heads

Someone who is both gifted and has a diagnosis like autism is often called 2e, or twice exceptional. These folks can be wildly talented — think advanced language at age 4, solving puzzles like a champ — but also struggle with social cues, transitions, or loud sounds.

In school settings, 2e kids are often misunderstood. One minute they’re breezing through algebra, the next minute they melt down over a loud bell or sudden change. Teachers (and sometimes even parents) don’t know whether to treat them as gifted or neurodivergent — and the truth is, they’re both.

I knew a 2e student who could write complex computer code at 10 but couldn’t handle eye contact or group projects. Genius? Absolutely. Struggles? Definitely.

Overlapping traits: why things get blurry

Intense focus and niche interests

Both autistic and gifted individuals often show intense focus — what’s called hyperfocus. Whether it’s dinosaurs, black holes, or Rubik’s cubes, they can dive deep. But in autism, that intense interest may be a diagnostic trait (called “restricted interests”), while in giftedness it’s usually seen as curiosity-driven.

Social differences and communication style

Many gifted individuals are introverted or struggle socially, especially with peers. Autistic individuals may also find socializing confusing or exhausting — but usually for different reasons. Autism affects how social communication is processed neurologically, while gifted kids might just be bored or out of sync with age peers.

Still, to the outsider? A gifted, socially awkward kid and an autistic kid might look very similar in a classroom.

Neurological differences: what the research says

Neuroscience is still figuring this out, honestly. But there’s evidence suggesting that gifted brains and autistic brains process information in unusual but efficient ways — just differently.

Some studies show that both groups tend to have more activity in areas related to pattern recognition and sensory processing. But autism often involves underconnectivity between brain regions, while giftedness might involve hyperconnectivity or just plain faster processing in certain areas.

Yeah, it’s complicated.

Can giftedness mask autism (or vice versa)?

Absolutely — and it happens a lot

Gifted children, especially those who are verbal and "well-behaved," can have their autism overlooked for years. Because they’re “doing fine” academically, their social or sensory struggles are dismissed.

On the flip side, autistic kids who are exceptionally bright can be misdiagnosed — either just labeled as “gifted” or given incorrect diagnoses like ADHD or anxiety. Happens all the time.

A psychologist once told me, “It’s like trying to read two books printed on top of each other — giftedness and autism can blur each other out.” That stuck with me.

Final thoughts: different paths, sometimes parallel

So, is giftedness part of autism? No — but the two can overlap in fascinating and challenging ways. They can co-exist, mimic each other, or complicate diagnosis and support. Understanding the difference — and the intersection — is key to helping 2e individuals thrive.

Whether someone is autistic, gifted, or both, the real takeaway is this: they need support that matches who they are, not just how they score on a test.

Because at the end of the day, labels are just tools. What matters most? Actually seeing the person behind them.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.