Savant syndrome

Savant syndrome
Other namesAutistic savant, savant syndrome (historical)
Kim Peek, the savant who was the inspiration for the main character in the movie Rain Man
Medical specialtyPsychiatry, neurology
SymptomsGeneral intellectual disability with certain abilities far in excess of average
TypesCongenital, acquired
CausesNeurodevelopmental disorder such as autism spectrum disorder, brain injury
Frequency~1 in a million people

The savant syndrome is a rare condition in which people with neurodevelopmental disorders, notably autism spectrum disorders, and/or brain injuries, demonstrate profound and prodigious capacities and/or abilities far in excess of what would be considered normal.

In spite of the name syndrome, it is not recognized as a mental disorder, or as a part of mental disorder.

In simple terms, there are probably fewer than fifty holders of the condition, alive today.

Characteristics

These individuals in some cases may not be able to tie their shoes, however they may memorize an entire book in days.

Notable savants

The following are well-known people with savant syndrome, noted for their talent in their identified fields:

References

  1. 1 2 3
  2. ↑ Miller LK (January 1999). "The savant syndrome: intellectual impairment and exceptional skill". Psychological Bulletin. 125 (1): 31–46. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.125.1.31. PMID 9990844.
  3. ↑ Hughes JR (2012). "The Savant Syndrome and Its Possible Relationship to Epilepsy". Neurodegenerative Diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Vol. 724. pp. 332–43. doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-0653-2_25. ISBN 978-1-4614-0652-5. PMID 22411254.
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ Weber B (26 December 2009). "Kim Peek, inspiration for 'Rain Man,' dies at 58". The New York Times. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
  6. ↑ Treffert, Darold. "Alonzo Clemons – Genius Among Us". Wisconsin Medical Society. Archived from the original on 2007-12-13. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  7. ↑ Treffert, Darold. "Tony DeBlois – A Prodigious Musical Savant". Wisconsin Medical Society. Archived from the original on 2010-06-26. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  8. 1 2 Treffert, Darold A. and Gregory L. Wallace (2003). "Islands of Genius" (PDF). Scientific American, Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-04. Retrieved 2007-11-08.
  9. ↑ Jonathan Lerman:
  10. ↑ Treffert, Darold. "Thristan "Tum-Tum" Mendoza – A Child Prodigy Marimbist With Autism from the Philippines". Wisconsin Medical Society. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  11. ↑ Derek Paravicini:
  12. ↑ The Grand Rapids Press (26 November 2011). "'Anthony's Prayers': A simple book by Grand Rapids' Anthony Torrone, a grateful survivor". Mlive.com. Retrieved 2012-05-01.
  13. ↑ Island, Staten (7 January 2012). "'My Lord Savior God helped me survive'". silive.com.
  14. ↑ Moore, Charlotte (15 April 2006). "Autistic couple bound to each other - and their art". Guardian.
  15. ↑ James Henry Pullen:
  16. ↑ "Matt Savage: The Prodigy", People magazine June 17, 2002
  17. ↑ Treffert, Darold. "Matt Savage – A 14-Year-Old Marvelous Musician". Wisconsin Medical Society. Archived from the original on 2007-12-13. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  18. ↑ Treffert, Darold. "Henriett Seth F. – Rain Girl". Wisconsin Medical Society. Archived from the original on 2008-02-25. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  19. ↑ "Unlocking the brain's potential". BBC News. 2001-03-10. Retrieved 2007-11-08.
  20. ↑ Horwitz, et al., 1965
  21. ↑ Sacks, Oliver, 1985
  22. ↑ Tracey Eagan (2009-05-06). "Twin Savants Fixated on Dick Clark". Jezebel. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
  23. ↑ Federal Way Man Has Amazing Mathematical Drawing Ability, Following Brain Injury: – KCPQ Archived 2011-07-21 at the Wayback Machine. Q13fox.com (2010-08-26). Retrieved on 2011-12-18.
  24. ↑ "The Man Who Draws Pi.pdf". Google Docs.
  25. ↑ Lyall, Sarah (February 15, 2007). "Brainman, at Rest in His Oasis". New York Times.

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