Learn about Savant Syndrome in Some Persons with Autism
Printed on shirts, mugs, and other items sold to raise funds for autism awareness, the term for this condition was made into a mnemonic which stands for ‘Always Unique Totally Interesting Sometimes Mysterious’. Rightfully so, since plenty of patients going through it demonstrate distinctive traits such as resistance to change, absence of fear towards danger, and extreme physical under- or over-activity.
Other than learning basic information about the condition, here are interesting facts that you may want to know.
- Savant Syndrome
Despite the manifestation of certain mannerisms or characteristics, some of them have special talents. It is believed that savant syndrome is an unusual yet exceptional condition in which some individuals with severe mental impairment have an “island of genius”, a bizarre contrast to the entire predicament.
The said organisation has performed a study that shows less than 10% of people with autism are “savants”, wherein 19% of female and one-third of male patients exhibit extraordinary abilities. These outstanding skills typically emerge in four areas – memory, art, music, and math. Having exceptional talents may be the result of having access to specific sensory information before it is labelled or categorised by an experience or past knowledge. This means that specialists can typify such capabilities as natural or instinctual and there is no practise, skill –building, or training involved.
These savants fascinate our society nowadays such that many people consider or believe many prominent composers, artists, and scientists from the past had autism but just weren’t diagnosed with it. However, a common misconception is that with the development of autism also comes special skills, which is actually not true. While some persons with the disorder show adeptness in a specific area, they may not be savants. On the contrary, they may have just learned and trained to develop their capabilities. Take for instance several cases of children with autism who take up music, painting, or drawing lessons; they easily learn. On the other hand, some patients have great orientation with details and strong memory skills. Additionally, some special education teachers comment that many of their students show a natural liking for mathematics, especially in calculation. However, most of them have trouble in understanding simple stories or instructions.
If you are a parent of a child with autism, help realise exceptional abilities and nurture these by enrolling him or her in a school for special children. Generally, these institutions work upon an educational system developed specifically for gifted kids. What is more, their learning materials are usually mandated.
Now, if you just want to extend your support, especially during World Autism Awareness Day (which falls every 2nd of April), you can donate to charities or organisations advocating this cause. On the other hand, you can sponsor a child, especially one from a developing country or territory. With your aid, you are helping change structural inequalities.