Is It Possible for a Person with Cerebral Palsy to Have a High IQ Like 148?

While cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition affecting movement and balance due to damage or abnormal development of brain areas, many individuals with CP can have normal intellectual function. In fact, some individuals with CP can have exceptionally high IQs, such as an IQ of 148, which is a rarity even for the general population.

Understanding Cerebral Palsy and Intellectual Function

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage or abnormal development of the brain areas that control movement and balance. Despite this, about one-third of people with CP may also have problems with thinking and reasoning. Most people with CP have normal intellectual function, and some could have an IQ as high as 150, with only about 0.034 percent of the population achieving such a high score.

High Achievement Despite CP

Entities like cerebral palsy have not hindered some individuals from achieving remarkable academic success. For instance, the author, who never knew their IQ, earned a PhD in Biochemistry and held the position of a university professor for 34 years, indicating that CP can be mild and does not inherently limit intellectual capabilities. The author utilizes a walker in recent years due to increased issues with strength and endurance.

High Achievers with CP

Further evidence of this is the case of a woman in Sweden with CP who is currently working as a physician. This showcases that CP does not necessarily correlate with intellectual disability and underscores the fallacy of the common prejudice that individuals with CP are inherently dumb. In any case, while such achievements by individuals with CP are rare, they are possible.

IQ Distribution Among Individuals with CP

Typically, it's highly unusual for any person to have an IQ of 148 or above, as this is found in only about one in several thousand people in the general population. For individuals with CP, the scenario changes slightly; approximately half may have an intellectual disability. However, the possibility of a person with CP having an IQ of 148 is still very rare, but it is not impossible.

Conclusion

In summary, while cerebral palsy can impact movement and balance, it does not universally affect intellectual function. Some individuals with CP can achieve high IQ scores, such as 148, despite the challenges they may face. This article highlights the discrepancies between common prejudices and the lived experiences of individuals with CP, emphasizing their potential for high intellectual achievements.