References:
Bolton, Patrick, Baron-Cohen, Simon (1993). "Autism: The Facts". New York:
Oxford University Press Inc. Pages 52-59.
(Contains a rather substantial chapter on the various kinds of special skills
which autistic individuals possess)
Selfe, L. (1977). "Nadia: A Case of Extraordinary Drawing Ability in an Autistic
Child". London: Academic Press.
(The drawings of a young child with autism and a discussion of the nature of
her special skill)
Treffert, D. A. (1989). "Extraordinary People". London: Bantam Press.
(Case histories and discussions of people with remarkable special skills in
music, art, calendar calculation, etc.)
Wiltshire, Stephen (1989). "Cities". London: Dent.
(The detailed architectural drawings of a boy with autism.)
- from the reading list of "The Autistic Spectrum: A Guide for Parents and
Professionals" by Lorna Wing (1996).
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There are children with ASD who love to listen to music, and sometimes can
sing long passages very accurately. Some childen may have special musical talents,
such as the ability to play instruments they have never
been formally taught, the ability to produce
complex melodies on these instruments after hearing it just once,
the ability to identify any tone or note
they hear (perfect or absolute pitch). This is almost certainly more than a
case of remarkable imitation, because these children have shown sensitivity
towards the structure and themes of musical phrases, as well as being able to
reproduce them in different keys.