Is the Cognitive Style of the persons with the Asperger's Syndrome also a “mathematical style”?

Letter to the Editor by Michael Fitzgerald, Dublin. Journal of Autism and developmental Disorders,
30, 2000, 175-176.

It is helpful to think of the cognitive style typical of mathematicians in trying to understand the cognitive style of persons with Asperger syndrome (Wing, 1981). Hadamard (1945) examined the thinking style of mathematicians and scientists as they worked and I believe that this is a style that can give us insight into the thinking of persons with Asperger syndrome. He noted how they avoided the use of mental words and instead tended to use vague images and visual images.

It is clear that patients with Asperger syndrome and indeed mathematicians use talents found in both hemispheres, rather than being restricted to the linguistic, analytic specialities of the left hemisphere.

It is important to be aware of the major assets some persons with Asperger syndrome have, in particular their ability to immerse themselves in subjects for long periods, a total involvement with a subject that is very difficult for many people without Asperger syndrome. The great strength of mathematic geniuses and persons with Asperger syndrome is their ability to focus and exclude unnecessary inputs. There is therefore value in not being able to shift attention easily.