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
• 1 Characteristics
• 2 Causes
• 3 Mechanism
• 4 Epidemiology
• 5 History
• 6 Society and
culture
• 7 Prodigious
savants
• 8 References
Characteristics
Causes
Mechanism
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]
Epidemiology
According to Treffert:[1]
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]
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]
Kim Peek was the basis for the 1988 fictional film Rain Man,[11][12] although
he is not autistic.[13]
Prodigious savants
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.
References