Savant syndrome

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Savant syndrome, sometimes abbreviated as savantism, is not a

recognized medical diagnosis, but researcher Darold Treffert describes it
as a rare condition in which persons with developmental disorders
(including autism spectrum disorders) have one or more areas of
expertise, ability or brilliance that are in contrast with the individual's
overall limitations. Treffert says the condition can be genetic, but can also
be acquired.[1]

According to Treffert, about half of persons with savant syndrome have

autistic disorder, while the other half have another developmental
disability, mental retardation, brain injury or disease. He says, "... not all
autistic persons have savant syndrome and not all persons with savant
syndrome have autistic disorder".[1] Other researchers state that autistic
traits and savant skills may be linked,[2] or have challenged some earlier
conclusions about savant syndrome as "hearsay, uncorroborated by
independent scrutiny".[3]

Though it is even more rare than the savant condition itself, some savants
have no apparent abnormalities other than their unique abilities. This
does not mean that these abilities weren't triggered by a brain
dysfunction of some sort but does temper the theory that all savants are
disabled and that some sort of trade-off is required.[4] (see Prodigious
Savants below)

Contents

[hide]
 • 1 Characteristics
• 2 Causes
• 3 Mechanism
• 4 Epidemiology
• 5 History
• 6 Society and
culture
• 7 Prodigious
savants

• 8 References

[edit] Characteristics

According to Treffert, something that almost all savants have in common

is a prodigious memory of a special type, a memory that he describes as
"very deep, but exceedingly narrow". Narrow in the sense that they can
recall but have a hard time putting it to use (for more on this see section
on Savants in Advanced Memory).[1]

[edit] Causes

Savant-like skills may be latent in everyone and have been simulated in

neurotypical people by directing low-frequency magnetic pulses into the
brain's left fronto-temporal lobe, which is thought to inactivate the region
and allow for more-direct processing of a savant-like task involving rapid
counting[5]

[edit] Mechanism

Savant syndrome is poorly understood. No widely accepted cognitive

theory explains the combination of talent and deficit found in savants.[6] It
has been suggested that autistic individuals are biased towards detail-
focused processing and that this cognitive style predisposes both autistic
and nonautistic individuals to savant talents.[7] Another hypothesis is that
hyper-systemizing predisposes people to show talent, where hyper-
systemizing is an extreme state in the empathizing–systemizing theory
that classifies people based on their skills in empathizing with others
versus systemizing facts about the external world,[8] and that the attention
to detail shown by many savants is a consequence of enhanced
perception or sensory hypersensitivity in autistic individuals.[8][9] It has also
been suggested that savants operate by directly accessing low-level, less-
processed information that exists in all human brains but is normally not
available to conscious awareness.[5]

Savant syndrome is six times more frequent in males than females, and
this difference is not entirely explained by the preponderance of males in
the autistic population. This has led to suggestions that the Geschwind–
Galaburda hypothesis applies to savant syndrome where both the brain
injury and savantism appear to be congenital.[1]

[edit] Epidemiology

According to Treffert:[1]

• One in ten autistic persons has savant skills.

• 50% of savants are autistic; the other 50% often have different
disabilities, mental retardation, brain injuries, or brain diseases.
• Male savants outnumber female savants by about six times.

A 2009 British study of 137 autistic individuals found that 28% met criteria
for a savant skill, that is, a skill or power "at a level that would be unusual
even for normal people"; the study suggested that the number is likely to
be an underestimate, with the true value being at least a third of
individuals with autism.[10]

[edit] History
According to Treffert, the term idiot savant was first used to describe the
condition in 1887 by John Langdon Down, who is known for his description
of Down Syndrome. During the late-19th and early-20th century, "Idiot"
was a scientifically acceptable term to refer to a person whose IQ was less
than 20. The term idiot savant was later described as a misnomer because
almost all reported cases since that time occur in persons with IQ more
than 40. The term autistic savant was also used during this time period as
a diagnosis for this disorder. Like idiot savant, the term autistic savant
also became looked at as a misnomer because only one-half of those who
were diagnosed at the time with savant syndrome were autistic. Upon
realisation of the need for accuracy within the diagnosis and dignity
towards the individual, the term savant syndrome became widely
accepted terminology.[1]

[edit] Society and culture

Kim Peek was the basis for the 1988 fictional film Rain Man,[11][12] although
he is not autistic.[13]

[edit] Prodigious savants

See also: People speculated to have been autistic

A prodigious savant is someone whose skill level would qualify him or her
as a prodigy, or exceptional talent, even in the absence of a cognitive
disability. Prodigious savants are those individuals whose abilities would
be considered phenomenal or genius even in a person without any
limitations or special diagnosis of impairment. The most common trait of
these prodigious savants is their seemingly limitless mnemonic skills, with
many having eidetic or photographic memories. Indeed, prodigious
savants are extremely rare, with fewer than one hundred noted in more
than a century of literature on the subject. Treffert, the leading researcher
in the study of savant syndrome, estimates that fewer than fifty or so such
individuals are believed to be alive in the world today. The website of the
Wisconsin Medical Society lists 29 savant profiles.[14] Darold Treffert is
past-president of the society.

The following are not autistic but are in the spectrum:

• Kim Peek, speed reader and calculator

The following are autistic artists of above-average talent in their fields:

• Daniel Tammet, British high-functioning autistic savant

(mathematical synesthaesia, language absorption, and memory)[4][15]
• Alonzo Clemons, American clay sculptor[16]
• Tony DeBlois, blind American musician[17]
• Leslie Lemke, blind American musician[11]
• Jonathan Lerman, American artist[18]
• Thristan Mendoza, Filipino marimba prodigy[19]
• Derek Paravicini, blind British musician[20]
• Gilles Tréhin, artist, author
• James Henry Pullen, gifted British carpenter[21]
• Matt Savage, U.S. autistic jazz prodigy[22][23]
• Henriett Seth-F., Hungarian autistic savant, poet, writer and artist[24]
• Stephen Wiltshire, British architectural artist[25]
• Richard Wawro, British artist[11]
• Robbie Newton, Scottish playwright with Asperger's syndrome.
• George and Charles, calendar calculator twins[26][27]
• Flo and Kay, calendar calculator twins. Featured in a documentary
produced by TV network TLC entitled "Twin Savants: Flo & Kay" [28]

[edit] References

1. ^ a b c d e f
Treffert DA (2009). "The savant syndrome: an
extraordinary condition. A synopsis: past, present, future". Philos
Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 364 (1522): 1351–7.
doi:10.1098/rstb.2008.0326. PMID 19528017.
 http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/system/files/savant_article.
pdf. Lay summary – Wisconsin Medical Society.
2. ^ Heaton P, Wallace GL (July 2004). "Annotation: the savant
syndrome". J Child Psychol Psychiatry 45 (5): 899–911.
doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2004.t01-1-00284.x. PMID 15225334.
"CONCLUSIONS: We thus conclude that autism (or autistic traits)
and savant skills are inextricably linked and we should therefore
look to autism in our quest to solve the puzzle of the savant
syndrome.".
3. ^ McMullen T (December 1991). "The savant syndrome and
extrasensory perception". Psychol Rep 69 (3 Pt 1): 1004–6.
doi:10.2466/PR0.69.7.1004-1006. PMID 1784646. "D.A. Treffert,
following B. Rimland, cited examples which he states show ESP to
be occurring in certain autistic savant children. The evidence is
questioned on the ground that it is hearsay, uncorroborated by
independent scrutiny.".
4. ^ a b
"The Boy With The Incredible Brain".
http://video.google.com/videoplay?
docid=4913196365903075662&hl=en&fs=true. Retrieved 2009-03-
31.
5. ^ a b
Snyder A (2009). "Explaining and inducing savant skills:
privileged access to lower level, less-processed information". Philos
Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 364 (1522): 1399–405.
doi:10.1098/rstb.2008.0290. PMID 19528023.
http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/364/1522/1399.full.
Lay summary – The Economist (2009-04-16).
6. ^ Pring L (2005). "Savant talent". Dev Med Child Neurol 47 (7): 500–
3. doi:10.1017/S0012162205000976. PMID 15991873.
7. ^ Happé F, Vital P (2009). "What aspects of autism predispose to
talent?". Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 364 (1522): 1369–75.
doi:10.1098/rstb.2008.0332. PMID 19528019. Lay summary – The
Economist (2009-04-16).
8. ^ a b
Baron-Cohen S, Ashwin E, Ashwin C, Tavassoli T, Chakrabarti B
(2009). "Talent in autism: hyper-systemizing, hyper-attention to
detail and sensory hypersensitivity" (PDF). Philos Trans R Soc Lond
B Biol Sci 364 (1522): 1377–83. doi:10.1098/rstb.2008.0337. PMID
19528020.
http://autismresearchcentre.com/docs/papers/2009_BC_etal_Talent_
RoyalSoc.pdf. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
9. ^ Mottron L, Dawson M, Soulières I (2009). "Enhanced perception in
savant syndrome: patterns, structure and creativity". Philos Trans R
Soc Lond B Biol Sci 364 (1522): 1385–91.
doi:10.1098/rstb.2008.0333. PMID 19528021.
10. ^ Howlin P, Goode S, Hutton J, Rutter M (2009). "Savant skills in
autism: psychometric approaches and parental reports". Philos
Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 364 (1522): 1359–67.
doi:10.1098/rstb.2008.0328. PMID 19528018. Lay summary – The
Economist (2009-04-16).
11. ^ a b c
Treffert, Darold A. and Gregory L. Wallace (2003). "Islands of
Genius" (PDF). Scientific American, Inc.
http://www.gordonresearch.com/articles_autism/SciAm-
Islands_of_Genius.pdf. Retrieved 2007-11-08.
12. ^ "NASA Studying 'Rain Man's' Brain". Space.com. November 8,
2004.
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/nasa_peek_041108.html.
Retrieved 2007-09-14.
13. ^ Wulff, Jane (November 2006). "Kim Peek and Fran Peek: 'I am
important to know you'" (PDF). Multnomah Education Service
District. http://w3.mesd.k12.or.us/pa/Interaction11-6-06.pdf.
Retrieved 2007-09-18.
14. ^ unknown. "Savant profiles". Wisconsin Medical Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_pr
ofiles. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
15. ^ Johnson, Richard (February 12, 2005). "A genius explains". The
Guardian.
 http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,1409903,00.html.
Retrieved 2007-11-08.
16. ^ Treffert, Darold. "Alonzo Clemons - Genius Among Us". Wisconsin
Medical Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_pr
ofiles/alonzo_clemons. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
17. ^ Treffert, Darold. "Tony DeBlois - A Prodigious Musical Savant".
Wisconsin Medical Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_pr
ofiles/tony_deblois. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
18. ^ Jonathan Lerman:
o Treffert, Darold. "Jonathan Lerman - An Extraordinary Artist".
Wisconsin Medical Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/sav
ant_profiles/jonathan_lerman. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
o Blumenthal, Ralph (2002-01-16). "Success at 14, Despite
Autism; His Drawings Go for Up to $1,200 and Win High
Praise". The New York Times.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?
res=9907E7DA1238F935A25752C0A9649C8B63. Retrieved
2007-11-05.
19. ^ Treffert, Darold. "Thristan "Tum-Tum" Mendoza - A Child Prodigy
Marimbist With Autism from the Philippines". Wisconsin Medical
Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_pr
ofiles/thristan_mendoza. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
20. ^ Derek Paravicini:
o Treffert, Darold. "Derek Paravicini - A Talent and Love for
Music". Wisconsin Medical Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/sav
ant_profiles/derek_paravicini. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
o "Meet Musical Savant Rex: Lesley Stahl Checks In On A Boy
With An Extraordinary Musical Talent". CBS, 60 Minutes.
 October 23, 2005.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/20/60minutes/main9
57718_page3.shtml. Retrieved 2007-11-08.
21. ^ James Henry Pullen:
o Ward, O. Conor. "The Childhood and the Life of James Henry
Pullen, the Victorian Idiot Savant (1832–1916)", Abstract of
article cited at adc.bmjjournals.com Retrieved on 14 June
2006.
o Treffert, Darold. "James Henry Pullen - Genius of Earlswood
Asylum". Wisconsin Medical Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/sav
ant_profiles/james_pullen. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
22. ^ "Matt Savage: The Prodigy", People magazine June 17, 2002
23. ^ Treffert, Darold. "Matt Savage - A 14-Year-Old Marvelous
Musician". Wisconsin Medical Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_pr
ofiles/matt_savage. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
24. ^ Treffert, Darold. "Henriett Seth F. - Rain Girl". Wisconsin Medical
Society.
http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome/savant_pr
ofiles/henriett_seth. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
25. ^ "Unlocking the brain's potential". BBC News. 10 March 2001.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1211299.stm. Retrieved 2007-11-
08.
26. ^ Horwitz, et al., 1965
27. ^ Sacks, Oliver, 1985
28. ^ Tracey Eagan (May 6, 2009). "Twin Savants Fixated on Dick
Clark". Jezebel. http://jezebel.com/5243027/twin-savants-fixated-on-
dick-clark. Retrieved 2009-07-19.