What Is Savant Syndrome?
Savant syndrome is a curious phenomenon that presents itself as a particular strength or talent in the affected individual. Unlike mental giftedness, which can present itself with high-functioning mental acumen in multiple areas, savant syndrome emerges as the demonstration of one particular strength or talent despite otherwise lower or incapacitated cognitive function. Savant syndrome is a rare phenomenon, and even medical professionals debate the causes from which it arises. Although the cause of savant syndrome remains contested, what can be pinpointed is savants typically display a superior memory and one specific talent within music, the arts, mathematics, or science.
Definition
By definition, savant syndrome is the demonstration of genius-level talent among an individual with otherwise ordinary or compromised mental facilities. Savant syndrome usually emerges from individuals with mental disabilities. It is a condition in which the individual demonstrates a superior talent or specific mental acumen despite otherwise low cognitive function. In most instances, savants will demonstrate superior memory skills, which overall contribute to strengths in spatial reasoning as well as the arts, mathematics, and music. Typically, individuals with savant syndrome demonstrate strength in one specific skill while the abilities to perform other functions remain quite low in comparison.
Savant syndrome is not a common occurrence. In fact, only an estimated one in a million individuals display characteristics that can classify them as savants. Higher frequencies of savant syndrome have been observed among individuals who have received an autism diagnosis. Because of the condition’s rarity, estimates project only around one hundred true savants are living in present-day society.
Signs And Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of savant syndrome can initially be challenging to pinpoint. Medical researchers believe the condition can either be congenital or acquired during an individual’s lifetime. Typically, throughout their development, savants will show a particular proclivity toward a specific talent or area of giftedness. This skill may seem uncharacteristic or even phenomenal considering the individual’s otherwise compromised cognitive function. In most cases, individuals with savant syndrome have an IQ under 70, and it can occur among people with mental retardation, autism, Asperger’s syndrome, hyperlexia, and other central nervous system disorders. The condition can also emerge after traumatic brain injury.
Despite the association of savant syndrome with low cognitive function, the condition is not limited to individuals with mental retardation. In some cases, IQ can be average or even high, but the strengths and talents of the savant are far superior to the level of skills typically observable at that particular intelligence level. Savant syndrome tends to occur more frequently among males than females. In fact, men with savant syndrome outnumber women six to one.
