What does savant syndrome mean?
Savant syndrome is a rare, but extraordinary, condition in which persons with serious mental disabilities, including autistic disorder, have some ‘island of genius’ which stands in marked, incongruous contrast to overall handicap.
What are characteristics of a savant?
Savant abilities and/or splinter skills, may be exhibited in the following skill areas or domains: memory; hyperlexia (the exceptional ability to read, spell and write); art; music; mechanical or spatial skill; calendar calculation; mathematical calculation; sensory sensitivity; athletic performance; and computer …
What is the most powerful explanation of savant syndrome?
The best explanation of what happens in the brain of a savant (whether congenital or acquired) is this. Damage occurs to the left side of the brain, with higher-level memory circuits also sustaining damage. Parts of the brain that are undamaged are recruited to compensate, as are lower-level memory capacities.
Can I become a savant?
Brain Gain: A Person Can Instantly Blossom into a Savant–and No One Knows Why. Some people suddenly become accomplished artists or musicians with no previous interest or training. Is it possible innate genius lies dormant within everyone? Savant syndrome comes in different forms.
What are the signs and symptoms of Williams syndrome?
Williams syndrome is a genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. Signs and symptoms include mild to moderate intellectual disability ; unique personality traits; distinctive facial features; and heart and blood vessel problems. [1]
How is Williams syndrome related to the seventh chromosome?
Williams Syndrome is a genetic disorder that is caused by a micro-deletion on the seventh chromosome. The are no obvious brain deformations associated with Williams Syndrome (although Bellugi, Jernigan, and others have made some recent claims that there are), so it is hard to trace the behavioral patterns to a specific location in the brain.
What makes a person with savant syndrome Savant?
People with savant syndrome are characterized by their remarkable talent in one or more domains (e.g. music, memory) but also by the presence of some form of developmental condition such as autism spectrum disorder 1).
Is there a cure or treatment for Williams syndrome?
Although there is no cure for Williams syndrome, it is important to identify and treat the different medical problems that can occur with this disorder. Treatments and interventions must be based on the unique needs of each individual. Individuals with Williams syndrome should have a formal evaluation by a cardiologist.