People have always viewed intelligence as a fixed inherent trait. You’re born smart, or average, or you’re doomed to a failed life. Not only that but we use it as a measurable trait to be compared with others. Intelligence is often used in conjunction with academic ability. But is thinking this way making our kids less motivated and more apt to fail? Science, over the past decade, has shown the fixed intelligence mindset model to be not only inaccurate, but it shows that it can decrease motivation in kids and adults and can contribute to racial, gender, economic, and ableist gaps in society.
One challenge many autistic kids face in education is cognitive processing delays. Standardized testing requires comprehension of written and verbal language at a fixed speed. Executive functioning divergence which includes working memory impairments makes it more difficult to learn and remember things like memorizing formulas, numbers, and concepts in standard ways. When grades start slipping or test scores are lower than other kids in the class it can affect kids' and teachers' perceptions of their intelligence or make it appear that they are not trying hard enough.
I stumbled across Carol Dweck’s, “Growth Mindset Theory” in a podcast and decided to do a deep dive into her work. Her theory is based on the brain’s neuroplasticity, or the ability to form new connections and learn throughout the lifespan. In other words, intelligence is not fixed, not something we are born with, but we develop our intellectual abilities over time. Some people might be better at certain subjects, or even test better than others, but it doesn’t necessarily make them better or smarter than anyone else who isn’t proficient in that skill…yet. And “yet” is the key word to take away from the growth mindset. Instead of saying, “I failed that math test. I guess I’m bad at math.” This mindset encourages you to say, “I haven’t gotten proficient at this yet. But I’ll learn.”
Related to the idea of a growth mindset is Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences which explains how people can be intelligent in different areas and everyone can claim the title of “intelligent” in areas where they excel. Most IQ tests and typical educational systems focus on logical-mathematical intelligence. Gardner’s theory asserts that there are at least 8 types of intelligence:
Linguistic intelligence refers to people who have a gift for picking up languages. Career choices for this type of intelligence include editor, politician, journalist, teacher, actor/actress, and writer.
Spatial intelligence refers to people who work with crafts and can spatially navigate small projects. This also refers to navigators and pilots, who have to spatially navigate larger areas. Job options for these types of intelligence are artists, designers, engineers, surveyors, and architects.
Logical-mathematical intelligence refers to people who have a natural ability to reason and carry out mathematical operations. This fits the traditional view of intelligence and the career options for this intelligence are accountant, computer analyst, computer technician/or programmer, engineer, pharmacist, and researcher.
Musical intelligence refers to people who are gifted with musical capabilities. Some possible career options for this intelligence include music teacher, sound editor, speech pathologist, music therapist, record producer, and choir director.
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence refers to people who play sports, dance or have another physical skill. Possible job options for these people include athlete, dancer, actor/actress, carpenter/builder, firefighter, mechanic, and park ranger.
Intrapersonal intelligence refers to people who have strong self-awareness and introspectiveness. Possible careers for these types of people include psychologist, writer, counselor, consultant, and criminologist.
Interpersonal intelligence refers to socially gifted people who can connect easily and successfully with others. Possible career options for this intelligence include manager, politician, sales, child care, social worker, receptionist, influencer, and social media jobs.
Naturalistic intelligent people have a “green thumb.” They can keep things other than cactuses alive, which I still manage to kill. They can identify flora and fauna in their environment. Some possible career options for this intelligence include botanist, gardener, geologist, biologist, forest ranger, and ecologist.
This theory of multiple intelligences allows for even more self-compassion, by allowing people the grace and acceptance to follow what they enjoy and gain intelligence more easily. It is especially forgiving for autistics because it allows for the growth of their special interests and can help bridge the unemployment and drop-out rates. The good news is that there are so many career paths autistic kids can join when they are allowed to follow their special interests and do what they enjoy. The joy you get when your intelligence is respected in a field where you have put in time and effort to learn is the most rewarding and fulfilling purpose anyone can get in life.
Popular therapies aimed at autistic kids teach and reward them to repress their traits and not talk about their passions so much. The goal is to try to get them to fit into neurotypical conventions. According to Forbes unemployment percentage for autistic adults is 85 percent. We should nurture their passions and careers will follow. There’s a need for all types of intelligence out there, and doing something you love and getting paid for it is the most fulfilling experience in a career. Part of what we can do for our kids is help them transition their hobby into a living.
There’s a need for all types of intelligence out there, and when you care about what you are doing it is just a bonus that you get paid for it. I was told I wouldn’t find money in my love for psychology and that stopped me from pursuing it for many years. However, since embracing myself and my special interest so many doors of opportunity have opened for me. Adapting this mindset has allowed me to appreciate how intelligent I am and admire how far I have come.