Exceptional Abilities and Individuals With Autism. A Historical Account

Abstract

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