Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which
individuals with developmental disorders, including
autism spectrum disorders, have one or more areas of
expertise, ability, or brilliance - "islands of genius"
- that exist in contrast with their overall limitations.
In this fascinating book, Dr. Darold Treffert looks at
what we know about this remarkable condition, and at new
discoveries that raise interesting questions about the
hidden brain potential within us all. Dr. Treffert
explores the phenomena of genetic memory - instances in
which individuals somehow "know" things they never
learned - and sudden genius or "acquired savantism" -
where a neuro-typical person unexpectedly and
spectacularly develops savant-like abilities following a
head injury or stroke. Showing that these phenomena
point convincingly towards a reservoir of untapped
potential - an inner savant capacity - within us all, he
looks both at how savant skills can be nurtured, and how
they can help the person who has them, particularly if
that person is on the autism spectrum. A central colour
section contains the extraordinary artwork of some of
the savants who are mentioned in the book. Islands of
Genius will intrigue anyone who has ever wondered what
makes the mind of a savant tick, as well as clinicians,
parents, teachers, therapists, and others who care for,
and about, individuals with savant syndrome
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