What Is Savant Syndrome?

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.