It has been reported that there is a rise in the number of individuals being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Singapore along with evolving changes in public awareness, attitudes, and levels of financial support occurring in the field in recent years. As such, this column presents the current status and issues related to the identification, provision of early intervention services, education, and transition into youth/adults for individuals with ASD in Singapore. Additional needs and future recommendations are also included.
This paper examines the historical account of individuals with autism and their exceptional abilities (savant skills). It has been mentioned in some research journals regarding the exceptional abilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These occurrences transpire when individuals with intellectual disabilities, including ASD), may exhibit certain capacities of talent or genius that may differ from the adaptive living skills. One in ten persons with ASD has savant abilities in varying degrees. Academics and scholars used to believe that exceptional abilities or savant skills were irrelevant or insignificant. Nevertheless, savant syndrome has gained more interest in recent years. It is an area for further exploration in terms of research. Academics and scholars are currently trying to comprehend and appreciate the intricacies of the human mind. The savant syndrome is about describing individuals with intellectual difficulties (including ASD) who may also experience and possess astonishing aptitudes in arithmetic, reading, calendar calculations, music or art
KEYWORDS: exceptional abilities, autism, savant syndrome
Individuals with ASD who display savant skills are a paradox. How can individuals with ASD, who appear to be intellectually challenged in their general independence skills, display savant skills that are far more developed than those of individuals with higher intelligence? What is it about ASD that predisposes individuals with ASD to savant skills? This paper examines the lives of three famous individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and possess a diverse set of well-documented savant abilities. These individuals are Kim Peek, Leslie Lemke, and Matt Savage. Apart from Matt Savage, the other two individuals who display savant skills have low cognitive abilities and are unable to perform simple daily skills. Kim Peek, for example, was unable to perform general self-care tasks, such as combing his hair or dressing.
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