Having autism does not necessarily mean that one will have mental retardation. Autism occurs at all IQ levels, from genius levels to the severely learning-disabled.

Furthermore, there is a distinction between autism and mental retardation. People with mental retardation generally show even skill development, whereas individuals with autism typically show uneven skill development. Individuals with autism may be very good at certain skills, such as music or mathematical calculation, yet perform poorly in other areas, especially social communication and social interaction.