Wisconsin Medical Journal
108 #3
108 #3
What's New
Access the Archive of Past "What's New?" Items
Update—June 10, 2009
Extraordinary People published in Vietnamese Edition
Extraordinary People: Understanding Savant Syndrome was published by the Women Publishing House in Hanoi, Vietnam in May, 2009. That book is now available in English, Japanese, Swedish, Italian, Simple Chinese, Complex Chinese and Korean editions.
Update—June 9, 2009
Go, Kodi, Go
Kodi Lee, and his band—The Chillbodi's—performed marvelously and energetically at the Fifth Annual Friendship Circle Recognition Dinner at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 7, 2009. The Friendship Circle's team of volunteers lends a helping hand to adults and families with children with special needs by involving them in a full range of social and Judaic experiences. This banquet honored those volunteers.
Kodi and his band were received enthusiastically and were given a well deserved standing ovation at the end of their performance. Kodi plays keyboard and sings, accompanied by his friends—five very talented high school students from his community in Utah. A favorite piece of the audience was Kodi's rendition of "If I were a rich man" from Fiddler on the Roof. Kodi had heard that lengthy song for the first time on a CD on the plane ride to Milwaukee. He memorized it in its entirety and sang it masterfully the next day at the concert.
Kodi also did some recording while in Milwaukee and was thrilled to receive a phone call from Stevie Wonder who wants to get together with Kodi soon for some time to play and sing together. Perhaps it will be possible to post some video from the banquet performance on this Web site. In the meantime, you can learn more about Kodi on his Web site at www.kodilee.com.
Update—June 8, 2009
Matt Savage: On to the Berklee College of Music
Matt Savage, another marvelous musician, continues his busy concert schedule in a number of different settings. Matt's mother, Diane, advises me that Matt has been accepted at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and will begin his studies in September. Berklee is the same school Tony DeBlois attended with very impressive results. Matt will also attend the Stanford Jazz Residency in California this summer. And Matt recently won Second Place in the International Songwriting Competition for his song "A 6/4 Song (That's also in 6/4)." He is also working on another new album at the present time.
Update—May 30, 2009
Wil Kerner has a new Web site
Wil Kerner, the Cutout Kid, has an all new fun Web site at www.wilspapercutouts.com dedicated "to all children who have not yet found their special niche." Wil speaks with colors and shapes formed with a scissors he holds in a very unique way. His cutouts are full of expression, color and joy. The new Web site provides more information about him and a gallery of his works, along with some other features. Wil smiles a lot and viewing his works brings forth smiles in return. Check it out.
Update—May 29, 2009
More recognition for Ping Lian's artwork
Ping Lian will have his permanent gallery in Malaysia beginning in July, 2009. It is a project of The Art Commune and is supported by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation in collaboration with the Association of British Women in Malaysia. Also, in May 2009, the University Medical Center at Princeton, New Jersey, hosted an international juried exhibition and sale of original art and fine crafts featuring artists with disabilities. Three pieces of Ping Lian's original art works were chosen for this exhibition, which will run from May 2 to June 17. Ping Lian received First Prize in this juried exhibition for his ink work Christ Church Malacca IV. Some of his pieces also were included in the Strokes of Genius: Extraordinary Savant Art Exhibit, which was at the United Nations Plaza beginning May 21, 2009. Ping Lian's Web site is www.pinglian.com.
Update—May 18, 2009
Amanda LaMunyon—A Middle Level School National Honoree
Each year, ten young Americans are selected for national recognition in the Prudential Spirit of Community and Scholarship Awards program based on their outstanding achievements in community service and school success. Five students are High School Honorees and five students are Middle Level School Honorees chosen in a national competition. For 2009 Amanda LaMunyon, age 14, from Enid Oklahoma was chosen as one of the five such outstanding students and volunteers representing Middle Level Schools. Amanda's profile is posted elsewhere on this site.
The bio on Amanda accompanying the award reads as follows:
Presently Amanda is in eighth grade at Oklahoma Bible Academy. She performs at charitable events, sells cards and prints of her paintings to raise money for sick children, and draws upon her experience with autism to educate others about the disorder. After Amanda was diagnosed at age 8 with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, her parents encouraged various activities to find something that will help her focus. "Thankfully I found that I could paint, and I learned to focus of something I loved," Amanda said. She discovered she had the ability to help others when she gave one of her paintings to a former teacher who had cancer and later learned that it had greatly lifted her spirits when she was dying. "I couldn't believe something I and done meant so much," she said. "This changed the entire direction of my life."
One of five outstanding Middle Level School students in America! What an honor.
And Amanda continues to be a very busy girl. She will be competing this month in the America's National Teenager event. If selected for that honor, Amanda intends to bring more visibility to concerns about autism overall, but more specifically to overcoming its challenges on an individual basis. She feels that as a spokesperson for such a cause "I can make a difference." She would. Stay tuned.
Update—May 17, 2009
Flo and Kay: The Rain Man Twins
Flo and Kay are the only identical twin female savants known to-date. Recently The Learning Channel and Discovery Channel have been playing an hour long documentary about the twins in the U.S. and the program has been re-aired in the U.K. Judging from the many e-mails received after each broadcast, the story of these two remarkable sisters touches many.
All of their lives the twins have had remarkable memories. They can tell you the day of the week, and the weather on any particular day in the past. They also know the name, date and recording artist from any song written in the 1960's, 70's or 80's. They have been particularly obsessed with the T.V. program The $100,000 Pyramid, and its host, Dick Clark. They remember the questions and answers from those many programs, and have kept documentation of every every outfit Dick Clark wore on that program from its first to final episode.
Dave Wagner, a news anchor who aired the first program about the twins, became a good friend of theirs and it was he who arranged for Flo and Kay to meet personally with Dick Clark on two occasions. Mr. Clark has also befriended the twins, and they keep in touch with him on a regular basis. In addition to their astounding factual memory for television shows and music, their autobiographical memory for daily events in their lives is equally astonishing.
Flo and Kay visited Fond du Lac and met with Dr. Treffert for the filming of The Rain Man Twins. They are a delightful, joyful duo with truly extraordinary memory and calendar calculating skills. Their closeness shows up with one finishing the others sentences at some times, or both answering questions together as if in a single voice at other times. Their lives have not been easy ones, but they remain optimistic and certainly are endearing.
A clip of the documentary can be accessed at http://splicetv.com/work/clients/flo_and_kay_twin_savants.html.
Update—April 20, 2009
Derek Paravicini - 2009 Tour with the Emerald Ensemble
TV's 'musical genius' Derek Paravicini, the world famous musical savant, performs in his first tour with the Emerald Ensemble Chamber Orchestra playing classical, blues and jazz standards as well as sensational improvisations based on audience requests. Although severely learning-impaired and blind, Derek has a unique musical mind that moves and astonishes all those who hear him play.
Wednesday June 3 at 7:45 p.m.
St George's Bristol
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk | 0845 40 24 001
Monday June 8 at 7:30 p.m.
LONDON DEBUT CONCERT
Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall
www.southbankcentre.co.uk | 0871 663 2500
Sunday June 14 at 3 p.m.
Christchurch, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire Box office
0117 924 3159
Update—April 19, 2009
A Savant Art Exhibit at the United Nations
There will be a special art exhibit called "Strokes of Genius:Extraordinary Savant Art Exhibition" at the United Nations Plaza in New York beginning May 21, 2009, with a reception to meet some of the artists. Artwork of Stephen Wiltshire, Ping Lian Yeak, Temple Grandin, Donna Williams, Jonathan Lerman and many more will be featured. The exhibit has been arranged by Dr. Rosa C. Martinez of New York City. More information about the event, including a slide show of the exhibition, can be obtained from Dr. Martinez at RCMPHD1@verizon.net. She can provide information about invitations and exact times and location.
Update—April 10, 2009
Perfect Pitch and Teaching the Musical Savant
I get many "I've got a son or daughter who..." e-mails from parents wanting some information about savant syndrome and special skills. Most often those describe precocious musical ability as the special skill. Many of these children have perfect pitch. Susan Rancer, registered music therapist, has written a booklet with information about perfect pitch and the special type of musical instruction appropriate to the auditory learning persons with perfect pitch require. I regularly refer interested parents to this booklet which is available from Ms. Rancer at susanrmt@comcast.net The booklet costs $10 plus $1 for shipping. Proceeds go to Familial Dysautonomia Hope. Directions for ordering the booklet can be found at www.susanrancer.com. Also, there is additional information about perfect pitch in the article sections of this Web site.
Update—April 7, 2009
A Bridge to Genius
Rex Lewis-Clack is a musical savant who has been featured on 60 Minutes on three occasions. An article by Kim Lamb Gregory titled "A Bridge to Genius" appeared in the April 5, 2009 newspaper Ventura County Star. It can be accessed on line at http://venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/05/a-bridge-to-genius/. As part of that on-line posting there is a video clip of Rex as well. The article is very well done in an informative and sensitive manner.
Update—March 23, 2009
Taylor Crowe's Lecture: Autism From the Inside
Taylor Crowe and his father invited me to attend a presentation Taylor was giving in Wisconsin to over 500 speech and language therapists on March 17, 2009. I am so glad I attended. Taylor's story is inspirational, to be sure. Normal development to age 3; massive late onset autism regression with loss of language and other typical autism behaviors; intensive multi-modality treatment and unbridled love and support from parents; graduation from the California Institute of the Arts with recognized, extraordinary art and graphic art skills two years ago; his father being able to introduce to this professional group his son, now a public speaker. But beyond inspiration, Taylor's message is insightful and informative with many very practical 'what to do' and 'what not to do' hints, tips and pearls from 'inside' autism. He received a well deserved, standing ovation which included me.
If you are seeking a real 'expert' on autism for a presentation, consider Taylor, his Dad and his younger brother. There is an impressive video that Taylor uses for the first part of the program, documenting his early before and after regression years which his father happened to catch on video like any good Dad getting home videos. The story informs in very understandable terms and with insightful 'for instances' about autism, about education, speech and language therapy, trials, tribulations and triumphs of parents, and progress overall culminating in his graduation from a school with an extremely high threshold for entry.
You can learn more about Taylor and his presentations at www.taylorcrowe.com. I highly recommend him for your group. I learned a great deal, and you will also.
Update—March 22, 2009
Moe Norman Comes to the Big Screen
Barry Morrow wrote the script for Rain Man after he met Kim Peek. He wrote two screenplays for Television—Bill—played by Mickey Rooney after he met Bill Sackter.
Now he has written a script for a movie about Moe Norman, a remarkable golfer who was an 'unconventional ball-striking wizard who died in September of 2004 after being inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame." (See story in The Globe and Mail.) Tiger Woods indicated at one point: "Only two players have ever truly owned their swings, Moe Norman and Ben Hogan." A golf school has been set up in Oklahoma to teach Moe's simplest and most effective swing at www.swinglikemoe.com.
At the time of his death, USA Today carried an article on September 28, 2009, telling more about this very unique and memorable man. He had 17 holes in one, 9 double eagles, 3 sanctioned scores of 59, won more than 50 tournaments and set more than 30 course records. According to the USA Today story Moe was a whiz at math, had a photographic memory and "could remember the distance and layout of virtually every golf course he played." Also Moe was "just the most stupefying accurate golfer on the planet. Norman played competitive golf more than 50 years and witnesses say he played 11 of those years—that's about 230,000 golf shots—without hitting the ball out of bounds." At an exhibition in Florida, Moe began by hitting simple little pitching wedges about 90 yards "with the balls landing on top of each other in a space the size of a bedspread, colliding like little neurons when they hit."
Mr. Morrow has not decided as yet who will play the part of Moe Norman, but surely he will be instructed at the Golf Academy to master that incredible swing and accuracy. The film will capture as well the complex, unconventional and misunderstood, character that Moe was. The USA Today article writer goes on to state: "I never heard Norman speak about autism, but I know that he understood its cruelties in his car, which was filled with old newspaper clippings and the motivational tapes that helped rescue his life. He once had a well-worn article about autism sitting on the front seat. In the article the outdated term 'idiot savant' was discussed at length. Norman had crossed out the word idiot."
Based on Morrow's sensitive and engrossing work with Rain Man and Bill, it should be a another memorable movie.
Update—March 16, 2009
Matt Savage continues to excel
As a real credit to his musical genius, Matt Savage has been invited to write the theme song for the AID 4 AUTISM concert and CD. The song will be recorded in March in Orlando, Florida and performed live by Matt and other artists at the first Annual AID 4 AUTISM Concert in Atlanta, Georgia in May, 2009. Matt's song, "Give Me Hope" has the daunting task of combining of combining musical styles of all the other performers at that concert including Rock, Country, Jazz, Blues, Classical, Latin, R & B, Folk, Dance and Pop. Matt was chosen because of "his incredible ability to think unconventionally about the music." According to his mother, Diane, Matt is "crossing the jazz line big time for this one." The recorded version of the theme song will appear on the official AID 4 AUTISM CD which will contain donated recordings from each of the performers at the event. Proceeds from those sales will go to a scholarship fund for children with autism to provide music lessons and create future generations of musicians. Also, one of Matt's compositions is among the finalists for the 2008 International Song Writing Contest. This is the third year in a row one of his songs has been nominated and hopefully this year he will win the competition.
Update—January 22, 2009
A video overview of savant syndrome
While this Web site has had a written overview of savant syndrome for some time, just added is a video overview containing some background information by Dr. Treffert followed by video clips introducing the viewer to Stephen Wiltshire, Kim Peek, Orlando Serrell, Alonzo Clemens and Matt Savage. The video is particularly useful because savant syndrome is better seen than described. The addition of some informational narrative and graphics make the video an excellent teaching tool.
Update—January 20, 2009
Kim Peek honored as the Real Life Rain Man
A number of celebrities gathered in the auditorium of the Salt Lake City Library, Kim's favorite destination, to honor Kim and his father Fran on the 20th Anniversary of the Oscar-winning movie Rain Man. Celebrities included Barry Morrow, who wrote the script for the movie after having met Kim in the summer of 1974. He was joined on stage by musician and producer Steve Carnegie and was joined by cell phone by Mickey Rooney who had played "Bill" in the television movie by that name some years earlier portraying another person—Bill Sackter—who also overcame disabilities to inspire millions.
A newspaper article from the Salt Lake Tribune describes the event in more detail at http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11481255
Update—January 19, 2009
In Search of a Sponsor: A Leslie Lemke Documentary
While there have been numerous clips of Leslie on national and international television, his story is so special and inspirational to so many persons I continue to get requests for a full length documentary on him. There is an earlier 28 minute made for television film titled "An Island of Genius," which was underwritten by the Weyerhaeuser Foundation in 1987, but it was never broadcast, and, given Leslie's remarkable continued progress, is dated. The film "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle" starring Cloris Leachman as May Lemke was a screen adaptation of Leslie's early life but the story ended in his adolescence. Leslie is now in his 50s and so much has happened in those intervening years.
Lane Wyrick has produced a marvelous full length film—"A Friend Indeed"—about the life of Bill Sackter, who came to public attention when Mickey Rooney portrayed "Bill" in two award winning television programs. You can learn more about that "A Friend Indeed" at www.BillSackter.com. It will soon be available on DVD. After viewing that film, and being so moved by it, I asked Mr. Wyrick if he might consider a similar film on Leslie Lemke. He is interested in doing that and we are now in search of a sponsor for that film. If you have suggestions as to who, or which organization, might be interested in sponsoring such a worthwhile project, please be in touch at daroldt@charter.net or daroldt@charter.net.
Once a century or so, comes along a person as remarkable as Leslie Lemke, and his story, propelled along by the love and faith of his foster mother, May Lemke, deserves to be seriously documented so it can continue to serve as an inspiration for so many persons just like those it has already touched in such a profound and meaningful way to date. Even after May's death "the band plays on" as a tribute to her and her loving success with Leslie. That story deserves to be preserved in its entirety.
Update—January 18, 2009
SketchUp—Architectural Software Persons with Autism Love to Use
Software designed for architects and design specialists has found a very welcome reception and use by both children and adults on the autism spectrum. Since many persons on the spectrum (including savants) do 'think in pictures'—visually and spatially—SketchUp lends itself admirably to such communication and drawing skills. So much so that Project Spectrum was developed by the SketchUp team at Google (which developed the software originally for architectural and design use) in order to partner with the Boulder, Colorado chapter of the Autism Society of America, the Boulder Valley School District and the Life Long Learning Lab at the University of Colorado. The hope and intent is to "provide children with software and guidance that may help them to express an idea or even develop a life skill." You can learn more about the SketchUp software, and Project Spectrum, including a video demonstrating its use with several children and adolescents with autism at http://www.google.com/educator/spectrum.html. A Newsweek article also describes the software in more detail.
While most books are written by others about savants and other persons with special abilities, these two books written by someone with savant syndrome provides particularly unique insights into that extraordinary condition. In this second book Daniel explores and summarizes present day understanding of the science of brain function, and how that applies to his remarkable number, language, memory and synesthesia abilities. In his introduction Daniel says it this way:
"This book is about the mind—its nature and abilities. It combines some of the latest neuroscientific research with my personal reflections and detailed descriptions of my abilities and experiences. My primary intention in writing it is to show that differently functioning minds such as mine (or Gate's or Kasparov's) are not so strange, in fact, and that anyone can learn from them. Along the way I hope to clear up many misconceptions about the nature of savant abilities and what it means to be intelligent or gifted."
Daniel also looks at intelligence testing as carried out these days and questions whether IQ is an accurate indicator of intelligent behavior. He then suggests some alternative ways of viewing intelligence. And, by sharing his personal account of savant abilities within himself, he is convinced that "anyone can learn from them how to better understand and use his own mind". He also provides his ideas about the source of creativity from a neuroscientific point of view, and as pointed out elsewhere on this site, agrees that savants, contrary to some assumptions by others, can be creative. Daniel certainly is creative and demonstrates that in this tremendously insightful book.
You can learn more about the book at http://www.optimnem.co.uk/book.php.
Update—January 5, 2009
Students Dance Away Disabilities
An article in the Cherokee Scout newspaper, from Cherokee County, North Carolina describes a very interesting "Dancing with Disabilities" program provided by the Murphy School of Dance in that community. Students include those with Down's Syndrome and Autism. Lessons are conducted in a group, rather than an individual setting, with varying degrees of talent and handicap. Several of the students have savant-like abilities including remarkable memory for historical dates. Especially useful has been the interaction of non-disabled dance students with these special students, benefiting both groups. The article describes this unique program in greater detail.
Update—January 4, 2009
George Widener's New Art Exhibits and Honors
George Widener continues to draw attention and critically acclaimed success for his art work and presently he has several new exhibits underway. His graphic work was recently featured in the Orleans Gallery of London. It will also be on exhibit in a group show entitled "'Tension, Invention, Intoxication and Liberty: Victor Hugo to Martin Ramirez" featuring self-taught artists at the prestigious Jan Krugler Gallery in New York January 8 thru February 6, 2009. George is also a titanic 'buff', and the American Folk Art Museum in presently exhibiting their permanent collection drawings of his on that subject. Also, the Henry Boxer Gallery of London will present a book on George's accomplishments as a gifted artist at the Outsiders Art Fair in New York City January 9-11, 2009.
Update—November 28, 2008
Savants and Creativity: A Demonstrated Pathway
Can savants be creative? Yes, they certainly can be.
When I first began working with savants some years ago, I was impressed with their ability to duplicate or replicate spectacularly. And that literal reproduction capacity continues to be impressive. But now that I have had the opportunity to observe savants over a longer time there is a well demonstrated pathway that these persons with such special skills follow on a transition to creativity.
It begins with startling literal reproduction capacity, whether in art or music, for example. Leslie Lemke played Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto flawlessly at age 14 having heard it for the first time as a theme song to a movie heard on television. Alonzo Clemons was able to sculpt—muscle by muscle, tendon by tendon—whatever animal he might have seen in a magazine, or at the zoo. And there are numerous other examples of this literal, almost eidetic like reproductive ability.
But after a while savants seem to become a bit bored with literal copying skill. They begin to improvise. Leslie will faithfully play back what he hears, if asked to do so, but when the 'copying' is done, he will launch into his improvisation—a piano work of beauty and skill. The artist may take out a telephone wire where one was present in the scene, or put in a bush where none had existed. Some improvisation takes place.
Finally, from improvisation flows something entirely new. Leslie has created many of his own tunes—with lyrics. Artists begin freeform work. Sculptors do some impressionistic work rather than literal copying. And, those doing drawings likewise produce some free form impressions.
This progression from literal, eidetic-like copying to improvisation to creation of something original is a demonstrated pathway now for savant syndrome.
Interestingly, this transition occurs with or without formal training. It naturally evolves; it does not need to be taught. Leslie has never had a music lesson in his life.
He hasn't needed any. His impressive improvisation and creativity abilities simply emerged on their own over time. And that has been the case with many other savants I have known.
Can savants be creative? Yes, they certainly can be. There is some expansion on this topic on the paper in the articles section of this web site titled: Myths that Persist: Savant Syndrome 2008. Myth #4—Savants are not "creative"—addresses that topic with more examples and references.
Update—November 10, 2008
Online International Conference on Autism: 2008
Autism2008—the latest Awares International Online Autism Conference—opens on November 24, 2008 and continues for one week. This is an opportunity to put questions directly to over 25 experts on autism, Asperger's and Savant Syndrome topics including genetic, neurological, immunological, educational approaches, biomedical approaches and many other aspects of these disorders. Dr. Treffert will be available online for questions and discussion regarding his paper for the conference: "Savant Syndrome and Autism: Myths that Persist" during that one week conference. The online conference is hosted by Autism Cymru, Wale's National Charity for Autism. Information and registration details can be obtained at www.awares.org/conferences or from Adam@autismcymru.org. The conference overall is organized by Adam Finestine, well known for his monthly newsletter and other active work in autism.
Update—November 4, 2008
"The musical maturing of Matt Savage"
Thus reads a headline in the Wall Street Journal in the October 29, 2008 edition. It is not often savant syndrome appears in that publication. But a story by Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim tells of Matt's maturation: "His performance at New York's Cachaca Jazz Club on October 18 offered a chance to see the musical maturing of a phenomenally talented pianist and composer who demands to be taken seriously on purely musical terms."
Matt recently released his new album:"Hot Ticket" and this article describes some of the remarkable pieces in that album.
Matt is 16 years old now: "Gone are the days when his legs were so short that he would swing his feet in time to the music. He still shuffles up and down the piano stool as if to get closer to the extremes of the keyboard, but he's now so tall that he then twists back over himself as if viewing the music from a new angle. His fully grown hands seem preformed to hammer out diminished sevenths."
I remember when I first met Matt and his feet didn't reach the floor. Where does the time go? Matt has a tremendous future ahead in music. As Ms. da Fonseca-Wollheim phrases it: "He will climb far."
Update—October 18, 2008
The Brittany Maier Music and Arts Center
On October 4, 2008 there was a dedication of a very special school in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Through the untiring efforts of Brittany's mother, Tammy, and the Brittany Maier and Friends Foundation, a school opened, dedicated to teaching children with special needs and musical talent. It is the Brittany Maier Music and Arts Center in Dix Hills. You can learn more about this first of its kind center on the foundation Web site at http://brittanyandfriendsfoundation.org. There you can also be brought up to date on Brittany's developing, remarkable career. She recently played at Carnegie Hall, opening the "Evening of Music with Elaine Kwon & Friends" benefit concert. She continues to give other performances as well as documented in video clips on her Web site. A video clip specifically documenting the opening of the new school can be accessed at: http://news12.cv.net/video/BL0901MT.wmv.
Update—September 2, 2008
Congratulations again, Dustin Hoffman
Dustin Hoffman is accustomed to receiving awards, but usually from movie or actor related organizations. But on August 29 Dustin Hoffman received the Beacon Award from the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) for "having contributed to our awareness of neurological disorders." This award of course stems from Hoffman's remarkably accurate and stirring portrayal of an autistic savant in the Academy Award winning movie Rain Man. At the time of the films production "a majority of people didn't know what the term 'autism' meant" Hoffman noted on receiving the award. He had studied autism for two years before playing Raymond Babbitt in the movie, and much of that time was spent studying films of autistic persons from the UCLA archives. CNSI is part of the UCLA campus programs.
"Rain Man changed my life," Kim Peek says, who inspired the original screen play by Barry Morrow. And, in turn, Rain Man changed the lives of many autistic persons in terms of awareness and acceptance. It made 'autistic savant' household terms.
Congratulations again, Dustin Hoffman. A link to the story can be found at UCLA Today online.
Update—July 28, 2008
Flo and Kay: The Rain Man Twins
The documentary Extraordinary People: The Rain Man Twins Flo and Kay aired on Channel Five in the U.K. on July 23, 2008. Flo and Kay had visited Fond du Lac in April for filming a part of that program. They are identical twins with also identical calendar calculating skills and memory for daily events (hyperthymestic syndrome) along with an astounding recall for television programs, particularly each episode of the $ 100,000.00 Dollar Pyramid with Dick Clark as host. The program contains footage of the twins over many years as recorded by a television newscaster who took special interest in the twins, not only their special abilities and skills, but also in their lives and their world.
There is a Web site with information about them at http://www.floandkay.com and the film trailer can be accessed at here.
Update—July 12, 2008
Kim Peek will keynote NODCC conference
The National Organization for Disorders of the Corpus Callosum (NODCC) holds a conference each summer for persons with Disorders of the Corpus Callosum, and parents, physicians, teachers and other persons interested in this condition. Keynoting the conference this year will be Kim Peek, and his father, Fran. Kim has ACC (absence of the corpus callosum) so in the spirit of "listen to the patient", who better to address this conference than Kim. His father, Fran, will provide a second keynote address to parents of children with corpus callosum disorders. Later in the conference there will be sessions for parents, teachers and physicians to learn more about Disorders of the Corpus Callosum and its manifestations. There is more information available about the conference, and about disorders of the corpus callosum at this web site address: http://www.nodcc.org. The conference will be held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on July 18-20.
Update—July 2, 2008
Rain Man on stage
The premiere stage adaptation of the award winning movie Rain Man will open in London on September 9, 2008 at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue. It is booked for a limited season until December 20, 2008. Josh Hartnett, the American film actor, will play the on-stage part of Charlie Babbitt, a role portrayed by Tom Cruise in the movie. British stage actor Adam Godley will play the part of Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, a role made famous by Dustin Hoffman. The 1988 movie won four Oscars including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman. The stage adaptation will be directed by David Grindley.
Update—June 22, 2008
Temple Grandin: A noteworthy "emergence"
Posted now in the profiles section is a detailed look at the remarkable life and work of Temple Grandin as a leading worldwide authority in animal science, and as perhaps the most active advocate/ambassador at the present time, also worldside, for better understanding and treating autistic disorder and Asperger's disorders. Her convictions about, and her exemplary role model of, "training the talent" is especially pertinent to savant syndrome. Dr. Grandin works tirelessly as a valued consultant in both her vocation as an animal scientist and her avocation as a energizing, optimistic lecturer on autism and Asperger's disorder.
Update—June 19, 2008
Amanda LaMunyon wins national autism award
Each year the Autism Society of America gives out national awards to a number of persons who have made significant contributions to better understanding and support of public education, research and treatment efforts in autism nationwide. One of these honors is the Wendy F. Miller Recognition Award given to a parent, a professional and an individual with autism who demonstrate exceptional dedication, effort or achievment.
This year the Individual with Autism award goes to Amanda LaMunyon who is profiled elsewhere on this site. One need only view her accomplishments to understand why she was chosen this year's Autism person of the year recipient.
Congratulations, Amanda.
Update—May 31, 2008
Updated Resources section
I've added a page in the Resources section that is a list of books about and by savants. I hope you'll find it useful.
Update—May 30, 2008
Glimpse: A New Online Literary/Art Magazine
This announcement provides information about, and access to, a new literary and art magazine for works by artists and others with autistic disorder or other developmental challenges. It is provided by the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of emotional and developmental disorders in infancy and childhood and integrating knowledge from different disciplines.
Please click here to access a PDF version of Glimpse.
For more information about Glimpse, including submission guidelines, please visit www.icdl.com or contact the editors at Glimpse@icdl.com.
Update—May 12, 2008
Wil's World: A Boy, A Scissors and Some Paper
Savant artists use a variety of ways to express their talent and emotion—painting, drawing, sculpting and silhouettes—as seen on this site. But Wil Kerneruses a different medium—construction paper. A May 7, 2008 article in the Seattle Times tells the story of Wil and his remarkable talent.
Wil is now 12 years old with a diagnosis of autistic disorder. He was tutored privately at his grandmother's home, and with the help of his teacher, at age 10, he slowly began to speak. "Then one day his father took him to a warehouse store and granted him his wish for colorful construction paper, letting him buy an entire cartload." After that, his colorful collages, carefully cut out, emerged, including "A boy and girl holding hands, a blue baby with a shy smile." These creations project expression, emotion and symbolism according to those who have viewed these remarkable creations. Many have faces and eye contact, characteristics so often lacking in autistic art.
You can learn more about Wil, and view more of his unique art work, at his Web site: www.wilspapercutouts.com.
Update—April 17, 2008
Windows of Genius: Artwork of the Prodigious Savant The art exhibit, Windows of Genius: Artwork of the Prodigious Savant, which was so successful at the Windhover Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is now on display at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The art display is part of the 135th Anniversary Celebration at the Institute, which runs from April 21 through April 25, 2008. There will be special lectures about the exhibit during the week by Dr. Treffert, along with two lectures on "Autism 2008: Some Facts, Some Myths, Some Progress, Some Hope" on April 23, 2008. More details on this event can be obtained at daroldt@charter.net.
Update—April 14, 2008
Right Brain/Left Brain—A Firsthand Account
What happens when a brain scientist has a stroke and gets to study brain function from the inside?
This account by Jill Taylor speaks to her right brain/left brain experiences following a stroke from which she has now fully recovered. You can also visit her own Web site for more information about her and her writings.
The clip can be viewed at: http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229.
Several persons have brought this clip to my attention as they read about right brain/left brain function in savants.
Update—March 25, 2008
Leslie Lemke in Concert-2007
There is a new video posted on the Leslie Lemke site. It is an excerpt from his October 6, 2007 concert in Pittsville, Wisconsin. There is a DVD of the entire concert available for $20 post paid through Mary Parker and the Miracle of Love Ministries. Details for ordering can be obtained by inquiry at daroldt@charter.net.
Update—March 18, 2008
Kim and Fran Peek to visit Wisconsin
Kim Peek, the inspiration for the movie Rain Man, and his father, Fran Peek, will be in Wisconsin, and giving several presentations, from April 8, 2008 to April 13, 2008.
April 9, 2008
"Kim Peek: The Real Rainman"
Kim and Fran Peek will give a presentation with introduction and discussion by Dr. Treffert in the Prairie Theater, University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac Campus 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public but advance tickets are required for seating the the theater. Tickets available at www.fdl.uwc.edu/tickets beginning March 17, 2008.
April 10, 2008
Kim and Fran will be the featured presenters at the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation Annual Event at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
April 11, 2008
Grand Rounds. "The Real Rainman: A Case of Extraordinary Memory, and an unforgettable Person, in Savant Syndrome" Kim & Fran Peek, and Dr. Treffert, presenters. University of Wisconsin Medical School Department of Psychiatry, 6001 Research Park Boulevard, Madison from noon to 1:15 p.m.
While in Madison, Kim and Fran will also be presenting a program at several elementary schools.
Update—March 13, 2008
Brittany Maier in concert: "Music Heals"
Brittany Maier will be giving a concert in the Merkin Concert Hall in the Kaufman Center, 129 W. 67th Street in New York City on April 15, 2008. Proceeds of the concert will go to the Brittany Maier Music Foundation, which is dedicated to setting up a special school for musically gifted savants. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be obtained through the Kaufman Center Web site. The event is titled "Music Heals." More information about Brittany Maier is posted in the profiles section of this Web site.
Update—March 11, 2008
Myths that Persist in Savant Syndrome
A new article titled "Myths that Persist: Savant Syndrome 2008" has been posted in the articles section. This article examines these myths: Nadia and the 'dreaded trade-off'; savant syndrome is limited to persons with low low IQ levels; prodigies and geniuses of the past, and present, are really instances of Asperger's disorder or autism; and savants are limited to imitative skills rather than creative abilities.
These myths are fading, but remain substantially active enough to require some special attention.
Update—February 25, 2008
Two new artistic savants: Seth and Amanda
New to the profiles section are two very talented artists.
Seth Chwast was recently featured, for a second appearance, on the TODAY show. Amanda LaMunyon has also had high visibility in her home state as well as nationally, and has been enrolled in the Duke University Gifted and Talented Program as a person with Asperger's Disorder. She is also featured in a book about "Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders," which is a welcome exploration, and practical guide, for the special and relatively rare circumstance of the female savant.
You can learn more about Seth and Amanda on their respective profiles on this Web site.
Update—February 20, 2008
Do animals think like autistic savants?
In a posting about "Rain Mouse" just below, the question was raised as to whether there are 'savants' in the animal kingdom. The research with mice, as described below, suggests to some that indeed there is such a phenomenon in the animal kingdom.
A report in Eureka Alert cites an essay by Giorgio Vallortigara and his colleagues which argues that unlike savant syndrome in humans, animals with "extraordinary species-specific adaptations" (i.e. special abilities) do not have a diminution of other cognitive skills when these extraordinary skills or memory are present. Temple Grandin, whose book Animals in Translation argues that animals and autistic savants share some cognitive similarities, takes issue with Vallortigara's conclusions and suggests further research in that interesting topic.
This brief posting from Eureka Alerta provides a citation for the original article in PLoS Biology for persons who want to see the article "Are animals autistic savants?" in detail. In this brief posting Grandin summarizes the two viewpoints: Vallortigara's hypothesis "that birds such as the Clark's nutcracker, which has savant like memory for food storage, has retained good cognition in other domains. My hypothesis is that birds that have savant-like skills for food storage sites or remembering migration routes may be less flexible in their cognition."
This is another interesting pathway in exploring savant abilities worthy of inquiry.
Update—February 14, 2008
Greg Blockstock in the News
There is a delightful glimpse at Greg Blockstock, and his remarkable art work on the Evening Magazine newscast in Seattle. It can be accessed here.
The brief clips captures well not just Greg's passion, and talent, for his 'lists' and artwork, but also portrays well is life style, immense pride in what he does, and his happiness overall.
Update—February 13, 2008
"Rain Mouse" re-visited: Are there savants in the animal kingdom?
A MIT news headline states "Gene research may help explain autistic savants." The article goes on to summarize research, reported in the February 13 Journal of Neuroscience, which found that mice that were genetically engineered to lack a key protein—Shank 1—for building synapses learned spatial task memories faster and better than normal mice. However those memories faded faster than in their counterparts, and "they had trouble remembering contexts that should have provoked fear." The study authors concluded "These opposite effects on different types of learning are reminiscent of the mixed features of autistic patients who may be disabled in come cognitive areas but show enhanced abilities in others.... the superior learning ability of these mutant mice in a specific realm is reminiscent of human autistic savants."
There is a problem, though, with that conclusion from my standpoint. Savant skills are always accompanied by superior memory which does not fade within the area of expertise and accelerated learning. Rather, that 'habit' memory increases in depth although remaining incredibly narrow. Thus, while there are some similarities between these mice mutations and savant syndrome, there are differences as well.
Nevertheless this research is interesting when read along side the September 12 posting from some other research on 'autistic mice'. My summary of that research, and some thoughts about "Rain Mouse" are contained in that earlier posting.
Are there "savants" in the animal kingdom? I fully expect that there are. Certainly learning ability and skill levels differ from animal to animal, along the lines of the bell-shaped curve. No doubt there are 'outliers' on the genius end of that spectrum in animals as well. (Many pet owners are convinced they have one.) But how to detect 'autism' in animals remains elusive. If it difficult enough to make that precise assessment in humans. So, we'll see whether autism/disability/incredible ability/and massive memory carries over to the animal kingdom and what relationship that holds to genetic make-up, if any.
Update—January 30, 2008
"Accidental Memory": More Evidence of Autobiographical Memory?
Years ago Dr. Wilder Penfield found that while using an electric probe on the brain cortex to find epileptigenic foci, patients would bring forth vivid, buried memories when the cortical probe was stimulated. Now comes a report from Dr. Lozano, a neurosurgeon in Toronto, Canada, that while using experimental deep brain stimulation to try to decrease an obese man's appetite as a last resort treatment endeavor a surprising 'accidental' finding emerged.
While using deep brain stimulation to identify potential appetite suppressant points in the hypothalamus,the patient was suddenly bombarded with accurate, vivid recall of events of 30 years earlier he had completely 'forgotten,' or at least so he thought. The more intense the stimulation, the more copious and vivid the memories. This effort reminded me of Penfield's earlier findings, although this experiment's probing is at much deeper level in the brain. It also reminded me of the recent attention to autobiographical memory, such as posted in the immediate prior message below. Maybe we do all having a continuous tape of life events deeply buried.
The researchers involved in this effort, however, were especially interested to find that after three weeks of continuous hypothalamic stimulation, the man's performance on two learning tests was significantly improved and their efforts have been particularly directed toward finding what treatment ramifications such deep brain stimulation might have for the treatment of memory disorders.
Dr. Lozano indicated the accidental finding has wide significance. It identifies some memory structures and circuits. It also may provide a way for intervening in memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disorder, in the same manner that deep brain stimulation has proven effective in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and depression.
The article is due to be published in the Annals of Neurology and a Science report in The Independent can be accessed at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientists-discover-way-to-reverse-loss-of-memory-775586.html.
Update—January 20, 2008
Hyperthymestic Syndrome: Extraordinary Memory for Daily Life Events. Do we all possess a continuous tape of our lives?
There are a number of forms of extraordinary memory. There is factual memory: Kim Peek has memorized 12,000 books. There is numeric memory: Daniel Tammet memorized Pi to 12,400 digits. There is eidetic-like, photographic memory: Stephen Wiltshire memorized Rome from the air after a 45 minute helicopter ride over the city. There is musical memory: Leslie Lemke played back Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto after hearing it but once, for the first time. These types of savant memory are described elsewhere in detail on this site as 'automatic' or 'habit' memory modalities.
Then comes along "The Man with an Uncanny Memory" as described in a Wisconsin State Journal article dated January 11, 2008. Brad Williams has 'hyperthymestic syndrome"—extraordinary autobiographical recall for daily life events. He has a diary-like recall of ordinary, daily events that most everyone else would have discarded, or at least relegated to memory storage not ordinarily accessible. Except for memories before age 5, or days that were singularly uneventful, Brad's brother Eric states "Within reason, he can remember what happened every day of his life." Eric has followed his brother closely on film for a number of years, and a trailer for that film, Unforgettable can be accessed at www.unforgettabledoc.com.
Read more about Brad and his extraordinary memory in the Articles section.
Update—January 3, 2008
Kim and Fran Peek to visit Wisconsin
Kim Peek, "The Real Rain Man", and his father Fran will be visiting Wisconsin and giving some presentations in April 2008. On April 9, Kim and Fran will give a presentation, open to the public, at the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac Campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. On April 10, Kim and Fran will be the keynote speakers at the Wisconsin Medical Society Annual Fundraising Dinner at the Monona Terrace in Madison. On April 11, Kim and Fran, along with Dr. Treffert, will provide a Grand Rounds presentation at the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry from noon to 1:30 p.m. Arrangements are also being made for Kim and Fran to meet with some elementary school students in Madison during the time they are in that community. Kim's message of diversity and acceptance, and the inspiring model of the love and dedication of Fran Peek to his son, have been shared with audiences of over two million persons world-wide. Kim Peek was the inspiration for the movie Rain Man.
As details become finalized, those will be provided with new information here.
Update—January 1, 2008
Bugra Cankir: "A musical adventure"
The Turkish Daily News carried an article recently about Bugra Cankir, and what he calls "the beginning of my musical adventure." The article provides an up to date account of the remarkable progress of this now 13-year-old musical savant. It can be accessed at http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=92410. Bugra's parents are in search of the best school, and approach, to their very talented son so he can reach his full potential. A video clip of Bugra playing at one of his recent recitals is available on the above link.
Update—January 1, 2008
Matt Savage on NPR
Matt Savage recently appeared on NPR's Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz program. It can be accessed at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17458931. There are two 27 minute segments that provide a marvelous insight into Matt's present life—in his own words—and an equally pleasant chance to hear his outstanding artistry—in his own notes. He plays some tunes from his new album—Quantum Leap—along with some duet pieces with Marian McPartland. Included are a pieces ranging from those he composed for his sister, to "Couch Potato Blues." He also plays one of my favorites among the many pieces he has composed—"Serenity." It is beautiful.
In the interview Matt also discusses his autism as he recalls it in his early years, and the success of the sensory integration therapy to deal with his early childhood aversion to sound. Now sound is in many ways the center of his life. About his autism now Matt states: "Most of that is kind of over with. That was a long time ago."
Matt is now 14. He sounds very grown up. So pleasant, so polite, so respectful, so talented, so happy.
For more information, please contact:
Darold A. Treffert, MD
St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry
University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison
Personal Web site: www.daroldtreffert.com
E-mail: daroldt@charter.net
Update—June 10, 2009
Extraordinary People published in Vietnamese Edition
Extraordinary People: Understanding Savant Syndrome was published by the Women Publishing House in Hanoi, Vietnam in May, 2009. That book is now available in English, Japanese, Swedish, Italian, Simple Chinese, Complex Chinese and Korean editions.
Update—June 9, 2009
Go, Kodi, Go
Kodi Lee, and his band—The Chillbodi's—performed marvelously and energetically at the Fifth Annual Friendship Circle Recognition Dinner at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 7, 2009. The Friendship Circle's team of volunteers lends a helping hand to adults and families with children with special needs by involving them in a full range of social and Judaic experiences. This banquet honored those volunteers.
Kodi and his band were received enthusiastically and were given a well deserved standing ovation at the end of their performance. Kodi plays keyboard and sings, accompanied by his friends—five very talented high school students from his community in Utah. A favorite piece of the audience was Kodi's rendition of "If I were a rich man" from Fiddler on the Roof. Kodi had heard that lengthy song for the first time on a CD on the plane ride to Milwaukee. He memorized it in its entirety and sang it masterfully the next day at the concert.
Kodi also did some recording while in Milwaukee and was thrilled to receive a phone call from Stevie Wonder who wants to get together with Kodi soon for some time to play and sing together. Perhaps it will be possible to post some video from the banquet performance on this Web site. In the meantime, you can learn more about Kodi on his Web site at www.kodilee.com.
Update—June 8, 2009
Matt Savage: On to the Berklee College of Music
Matt Savage, another marvelous musician, continues his busy concert schedule in a number of different settings. Matt's mother, Diane, advises me that Matt has been accepted at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and will begin his studies in September. Berklee is the same school Tony DeBlois attended with very impressive results. Matt will also attend the Stanford Jazz Residency in California this summer. And Matt recently won Second Place in the International Songwriting Competition for his song "A 6/4 Song (That's also in 6/4)." He is also working on another new album at the present time.
Update—May 30, 2009
Wil Kerner has a new Web site
Wil Kerner, the Cutout Kid, has an all new fun Web site at www.wilspapercutouts.com dedicated "to all children who have not yet found their special niche." Wil speaks with colors and shapes formed with a scissors he holds in a very unique way. His cutouts are full of expression, color and joy. The new Web site provides more information about him and a gallery of his works, along with some other features. Wil smiles a lot and viewing his works brings forth smiles in return. Check it out.
Update—May 29, 2009
More recognition for Ping Lian's artwork
Ping Lian will have his permanent gallery in Malaysia beginning in July, 2009. It is a project of The Art Commune and is supported by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation in collaboration with the Association of British Women in Malaysia. Also, in May 2009, the University Medical Center at Princeton, New Jersey, hosted an international juried exhibition and sale of original art and fine crafts featuring artists with disabilities. Three pieces of Ping Lian's original art works were chosen for this exhibition, which will run from May 2 to June 17. Ping Lian received First Prize in this juried exhibition for his ink work Christ Church Malacca IV. Some of his pieces also were included in the Strokes of Genius: Extraordinary Savant Art Exhibit, which was at the United Nations Plaza beginning May 21, 2009. Ping Lian's Web site is www.pinglian.com.
Update—May 18, 2009
Amanda LaMunyon—A Middle Level School National Honoree
Each year, ten young Americans are selected for national recognition in the Prudential Spirit of Community and Scholarship Awards program based on their outstanding achievements in community service and school success. Five students are High School Honorees and five students are Middle Level School Honorees chosen in a national competition. For 2009 Amanda LaMunyon, age 14, from Enid Oklahoma was chosen as one of the five such outstanding students and volunteers representing Middle Level Schools. Amanda's profile is posted elsewhere on this site.
The bio on Amanda accompanying the award reads as follows:
Presently Amanda is in eighth grade at Oklahoma Bible Academy. She performs at charitable events, sells cards and prints of her paintings to raise money for sick children, and draws upon her experience with autism to educate others about the disorder. After Amanda was diagnosed at age 8 with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, her parents encouraged various activities to find something that will help her focus. "Thankfully I found that I could paint, and I learned to focus of something I loved," Amanda said. She discovered she had the ability to help others when she gave one of her paintings to a former teacher who had cancer and later learned that it had greatly lifted her spirits when she was dying. "I couldn't believe something I and done meant so much," she said. "This changed the entire direction of my life."
One of five outstanding Middle Level School students in America! What an honor.
And Amanda continues to be a very busy girl. She will be competing this month in the America's National Teenager event. If selected for that honor, Amanda intends to bring more visibility to concerns about autism overall, but more specifically to overcoming its challenges on an individual basis. She feels that as a spokesperson for such a cause "I can make a difference." She would. Stay tuned.
Update—May 17, 2009
Flo and Kay: The Rain Man Twins
Flo and Kay are the only identical twin female savants known to-date. Recently The Learning Channel and Discovery Channel have been playing an hour long documentary about the twins in the U.S. and the program has been re-aired in the U.K. Judging from the many e-mails received after each broadcast, the story of these two remarkable sisters touches many.
All of their lives the twins have had remarkable memories. They can tell you the day of the week, and the weather on any particular day in the past. They also know the name, date and recording artist from any song written in the 1960's, 70's or 80's. They have been particularly obsessed with the T.V. program The $100,000 Pyramid, and its host, Dick Clark. They remember the questions and answers from those many programs, and have kept documentation of every every outfit Dick Clark wore on that program from its first to final episode.
Dave Wagner, a news anchor who aired the first program about the twins, became a good friend of theirs and it was he who arranged for Flo and Kay to meet personally with Dick Clark on two occasions. Mr. Clark has also befriended the twins, and they keep in touch with him on a regular basis. In addition to their astounding factual memory for television shows and music, their autobiographical memory for daily events in their lives is equally astonishing.
Flo and Kay visited Fond du Lac and met with Dr. Treffert for the filming of The Rain Man Twins. They are a delightful, joyful duo with truly extraordinary memory and calendar calculating skills. Their closeness shows up with one finishing the others sentences at some times, or both answering questions together as if in a single voice at other times. Their lives have not been easy ones, but they remain optimistic and certainly are endearing.
A clip of the documentary can be accessed at http://splicetv.com/work/clients/flo_and_kay_twin_savants.html.
Update—April 20, 2009
Derek Paravicini - 2009 Tour with the Emerald Ensemble
TV's 'musical genius' Derek Paravicini, the world famous musical savant, performs in his first tour with the Emerald Ensemble Chamber Orchestra playing classical, blues and jazz standards as well as sensational improvisations based on audience requests. Although severely learning-impaired and blind, Derek has a unique musical mind that moves and astonishes all those who hear him play.
Wednesday June 3 at 7:45 p.m.
St George's Bristol
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk | 0845 40 24 001
Monday June 8 at 7:30 p.m.
LONDON DEBUT CONCERT
Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall
www.southbankcentre.co.uk | 0871 663 2500
Sunday June 14 at 3 p.m.
Christchurch, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire Box office
0117 924 3159
Update—April 19, 2009
A Savant Art Exhibit at the United Nations
There will be a special art exhibit called "Strokes of Genius:Extraordinary Savant Art Exhibition" at the United Nations Plaza in New York beginning May 21, 2009, with a reception to meet some of the artists. Artwork of Stephen Wiltshire, Ping Lian Yeak, Temple Grandin, Donna Williams, Jonathan Lerman and many more will be featured. The exhibit has been arranged by Dr. Rosa C. Martinez of New York City. More information about the event, including a slide show of the exhibition, can be obtained from Dr. Martinez at RCMPHD1@verizon.net. She can provide information about invitations and exact times and location.
|
Update—April 18, 2009
A New Review Article on Savant Syndrome A review article by Dr. Treffert titled "The Savant Syndrome:An Extraordinary Condition. A Synopsis: Past, Present, Future" has been published on-line by The Royal Society in London at doi:10.1098/rstb.2008.0326. That article has been published as well in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society at Phil.Trans.R.Soc. B (2009) 364:1351-1357. The paper was part of the "Autism and Talent" discussion meeting in London in Fall 2008. |
|
Update—April 10, 2009
Perfect Pitch and Teaching the Musical Savant
I get many "I've got a son or daughter who..." e-mails from parents wanting some information about savant syndrome and special skills. Most often those describe precocious musical ability as the special skill. Many of these children have perfect pitch. Susan Rancer, registered music therapist, has written a booklet with information about perfect pitch and the special type of musical instruction appropriate to the auditory learning persons with perfect pitch require. I regularly refer interested parents to this booklet which is available from Ms. Rancer at susanrmt@comcast.net The booklet costs $10 plus $1 for shipping. Proceeds go to Familial Dysautonomia Hope. Directions for ordering the booklet can be found at www.susanrancer.com. Also, there is additional information about perfect pitch in the article sections of this Web site.
Update—April 7, 2009
A Bridge to Genius
Rex Lewis-Clack is a musical savant who has been featured on 60 Minutes on three occasions. An article by Kim Lamb Gregory titled "A Bridge to Genius" appeared in the April 5, 2009 newspaper Ventura County Star. It can be accessed on line at http://venturacountystar.com/news/2009/apr/05/a-bridge-to-genius/. As part of that on-line posting there is a video clip of Rex as well. The article is very well done in an informative and sensitive manner.
Update—March 23, 2009
Taylor Crowe's Lecture: Autism From the Inside
Taylor Crowe and his father invited me to attend a presentation Taylor was giving in Wisconsin to over 500 speech and language therapists on March 17, 2009. I am so glad I attended. Taylor's story is inspirational, to be sure. Normal development to age 3; massive late onset autism regression with loss of language and other typical autism behaviors; intensive multi-modality treatment and unbridled love and support from parents; graduation from the California Institute of the Arts with recognized, extraordinary art and graphic art skills two years ago; his father being able to introduce to this professional group his son, now a public speaker. But beyond inspiration, Taylor's message is insightful and informative with many very practical 'what to do' and 'what not to do' hints, tips and pearls from 'inside' autism. He received a well deserved, standing ovation which included me.
If you are seeking a real 'expert' on autism for a presentation, consider Taylor, his Dad and his younger brother. There is an impressive video that Taylor uses for the first part of the program, documenting his early before and after regression years which his father happened to catch on video like any good Dad getting home videos. The story informs in very understandable terms and with insightful 'for instances' about autism, about education, speech and language therapy, trials, tribulations and triumphs of parents, and progress overall culminating in his graduation from a school with an extremely high threshold for entry.
You can learn more about Taylor and his presentations at www.taylorcrowe.com. I highly recommend him for your group. I learned a great deal, and you will also.
Update—March 22, 2009
Moe Norman Comes to the Big Screen
Barry Morrow wrote the script for Rain Man after he met Kim Peek. He wrote two screenplays for Television—Bill—played by Mickey Rooney after he met Bill Sackter.
Now he has written a script for a movie about Moe Norman, a remarkable golfer who was an 'unconventional ball-striking wizard who died in September of 2004 after being inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame." (See story in The Globe and Mail.) Tiger Woods indicated at one point: "Only two players have ever truly owned their swings, Moe Norman and Ben Hogan." A golf school has been set up in Oklahoma to teach Moe's simplest and most effective swing at www.swinglikemoe.com.
At the time of his death, USA Today carried an article on September 28, 2009, telling more about this very unique and memorable man. He had 17 holes in one, 9 double eagles, 3 sanctioned scores of 59, won more than 50 tournaments and set more than 30 course records. According to the USA Today story Moe was a whiz at math, had a photographic memory and "could remember the distance and layout of virtually every golf course he played." Also Moe was "just the most stupefying accurate golfer on the planet. Norman played competitive golf more than 50 years and witnesses say he played 11 of those years—that's about 230,000 golf shots—without hitting the ball out of bounds." At an exhibition in Florida, Moe began by hitting simple little pitching wedges about 90 yards "with the balls landing on top of each other in a space the size of a bedspread, colliding like little neurons when they hit."
Mr. Morrow has not decided as yet who will play the part of Moe Norman, but surely he will be instructed at the Golf Academy to master that incredible swing and accuracy. The film will capture as well the complex, unconventional and misunderstood, character that Moe was. The USA Today article writer goes on to state: "I never heard Norman speak about autism, but I know that he understood its cruelties in his car, which was filled with old newspaper clippings and the motivational tapes that helped rescue his life. He once had a well-worn article about autism sitting on the front seat. In the article the outdated term 'idiot savant' was discussed at length. Norman had crossed out the word idiot."
Based on Morrow's sensitive and engrossing work with Rain Man and Bill, it should be a another memorable movie.
Update—March 16, 2009
Matt Savage continues to excel
As a real credit to his musical genius, Matt Savage has been invited to write the theme song for the AID 4 AUTISM concert and CD. The song will be recorded in March in Orlando, Florida and performed live by Matt and other artists at the first Annual AID 4 AUTISM Concert in Atlanta, Georgia in May, 2009. Matt's song, "Give Me Hope" has the daunting task of combining of combining musical styles of all the other performers at that concert including Rock, Country, Jazz, Blues, Classical, Latin, R & B, Folk, Dance and Pop. Matt was chosen because of "his incredible ability to think unconventionally about the music." According to his mother, Diane, Matt is "crossing the jazz line big time for this one." The recorded version of the theme song will appear on the official AID 4 AUTISM CD which will contain donated recordings from each of the performers at the event. Proceeds from those sales will go to a scholarship fund for children with autism to provide music lessons and create future generations of musicians. Also, one of Matt's compositions is among the finalists for the 2008 International Song Writing Contest. This is the third year in a row one of his songs has been nominated and hopefully this year he will win the competition.
Update—January 22, 2009
A video overview of savant syndrome
While this Web site has had a written overview of savant syndrome for some time, just added is a video overview containing some background information by Dr. Treffert followed by video clips introducing the viewer to Stephen Wiltshire, Kim Peek, Orlando Serrell, Alonzo Clemens and Matt Savage. The video is particularly useful because savant syndrome is better seen than described. The addition of some informational narrative and graphics make the video an excellent teaching tool.
Update—January 20, 2009
Kim Peek honored as the Real Life Rain Man
A number of celebrities gathered in the auditorium of the Salt Lake City Library, Kim's favorite destination, to honor Kim and his father Fran on the 20th Anniversary of the Oscar-winning movie Rain Man. Celebrities included Barry Morrow, who wrote the script for the movie after having met Kim in the summer of 1974. He was joined on stage by musician and producer Steve Carnegie and was joined by cell phone by Mickey Rooney who had played "Bill" in the television movie by that name some years earlier portraying another person—Bill Sackter—who also overcame disabilities to inspire millions.
A newspaper article from the Salt Lake Tribune describes the event in more detail at http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11481255
Update—January 19, 2009
In Search of a Sponsor: A Leslie Lemke Documentary
While there have been numerous clips of Leslie on national and international television, his story is so special and inspirational to so many persons I continue to get requests for a full length documentary on him. There is an earlier 28 minute made for television film titled "An Island of Genius," which was underwritten by the Weyerhaeuser Foundation in 1987, but it was never broadcast, and, given Leslie's remarkable continued progress, is dated. The film "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle" starring Cloris Leachman as May Lemke was a screen adaptation of Leslie's early life but the story ended in his adolescence. Leslie is now in his 50s and so much has happened in those intervening years.
Lane Wyrick has produced a marvelous full length film—"A Friend Indeed"—about the life of Bill Sackter, who came to public attention when Mickey Rooney portrayed "Bill" in two award winning television programs. You can learn more about that "A Friend Indeed" at www.BillSackter.com. It will soon be available on DVD. After viewing that film, and being so moved by it, I asked Mr. Wyrick if he might consider a similar film on Leslie Lemke. He is interested in doing that and we are now in search of a sponsor for that film. If you have suggestions as to who, or which organization, might be interested in sponsoring such a worthwhile project, please be in touch at daroldt@charter.net or daroldt@charter.net.
Once a century or so, comes along a person as remarkable as Leslie Lemke, and his story, propelled along by the love and faith of his foster mother, May Lemke, deserves to be seriously documented so it can continue to serve as an inspiration for so many persons just like those it has already touched in such a profound and meaningful way to date. Even after May's death "the band plays on" as a tribute to her and her loving success with Leslie. That story deserves to be preserved in its entirety.
Update—January 18, 2009
SketchUp—Architectural Software Persons with Autism Love to Use
Software designed for architects and design specialists has found a very welcome reception and use by both children and adults on the autism spectrum. Since many persons on the spectrum (including savants) do 'think in pictures'—visually and spatially—SketchUp lends itself admirably to such communication and drawing skills. So much so that Project Spectrum was developed by the SketchUp team at Google (which developed the software originally for architectural and design use) in order to partner with the Boulder, Colorado chapter of the Autism Society of America, the Boulder Valley School District and the Life Long Learning Lab at the University of Colorado. The hope and intent is to "provide children with software and guidance that may help them to express an idea or even develop a life skill." You can learn more about the SketchUp software, and Project Spectrum, including a video demonstrating its use with several children and adolescents with autism at http://www.google.com/educator/spectrum.html. A Newsweek article also describes the software in more detail.
|
Update—January 14, 2009
Daniel Tammet's New Book: Embracing the Wide Sky Daniel Tammet, profiled elsewhere on this site, has just released a second book Embracing the Wide Sky: A Tour Across the Horizons of the Mind. Daniel's first book, Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant was a New York Times best-seller and has been translated into 18 languages. Dr. Treffert wrote the Foreword to that book when it was first published by Hodder and Stoughton in London in 2006. |
|
"This book is about the mind—its nature and abilities. It combines some of the latest neuroscientific research with my personal reflections and detailed descriptions of my abilities and experiences. My primary intention in writing it is to show that differently functioning minds such as mine (or Gate's or Kasparov's) are not so strange, in fact, and that anyone can learn from them. Along the way I hope to clear up many misconceptions about the nature of savant abilities and what it means to be intelligent or gifted."
Daniel also looks at intelligence testing as carried out these days and questions whether IQ is an accurate indicator of intelligent behavior. He then suggests some alternative ways of viewing intelligence. And, by sharing his personal account of savant abilities within himself, he is convinced that "anyone can learn from them how to better understand and use his own mind". He also provides his ideas about the source of creativity from a neuroscientific point of view, and as pointed out elsewhere on this site, agrees that savants, contrary to some assumptions by others, can be creative. Daniel certainly is creative and demonstrates that in this tremendously insightful book.
You can learn more about the book at http://www.optimnem.co.uk/book.php.
Update—January 5, 2009
Students Dance Away Disabilities
An article in the Cherokee Scout newspaper, from Cherokee County, North Carolina describes a very interesting "Dancing with Disabilities" program provided by the Murphy School of Dance in that community. Students include those with Down's Syndrome and Autism. Lessons are conducted in a group, rather than an individual setting, with varying degrees of talent and handicap. Several of the students have savant-like abilities including remarkable memory for historical dates. Especially useful has been the interaction of non-disabled dance students with these special students, benefiting both groups. The article describes this unique program in greater detail.
Update—January 4, 2009
George Widener's New Art Exhibits and Honors
George Widener continues to draw attention and critically acclaimed success for his art work and presently he has several new exhibits underway. His graphic work was recently featured in the Orleans Gallery of London. It will also be on exhibit in a group show entitled "'Tension, Invention, Intoxication and Liberty: Victor Hugo to Martin Ramirez" featuring self-taught artists at the prestigious Jan Krugler Gallery in New York January 8 thru February 6, 2009. George is also a titanic 'buff', and the American Folk Art Museum in presently exhibiting their permanent collection drawings of his on that subject. Also, the Henry Boxer Gallery of London will present a book on George's accomplishments as a gifted artist at the Outsiders Art Fair in New York City January 9-11, 2009.
Update—November 28, 2008
Savants and Creativity: A Demonstrated Pathway
Can savants be creative? Yes, they certainly can be.
When I first began working with savants some years ago, I was impressed with their ability to duplicate or replicate spectacularly. And that literal reproduction capacity continues to be impressive. But now that I have had the opportunity to observe savants over a longer time there is a well demonstrated pathway that these persons with such special skills follow on a transition to creativity.
It begins with startling literal reproduction capacity, whether in art or music, for example. Leslie Lemke played Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto flawlessly at age 14 having heard it for the first time as a theme song to a movie heard on television. Alonzo Clemons was able to sculpt—muscle by muscle, tendon by tendon—whatever animal he might have seen in a magazine, or at the zoo. And there are numerous other examples of this literal, almost eidetic like reproductive ability.
But after a while savants seem to become a bit bored with literal copying skill. They begin to improvise. Leslie will faithfully play back what he hears, if asked to do so, but when the 'copying' is done, he will launch into his improvisation—a piano work of beauty and skill. The artist may take out a telephone wire where one was present in the scene, or put in a bush where none had existed. Some improvisation takes place.
Finally, from improvisation flows something entirely new. Leslie has created many of his own tunes—with lyrics. Artists begin freeform work. Sculptors do some impressionistic work rather than literal copying. And, those doing drawings likewise produce some free form impressions.
This progression from literal, eidetic-like copying to improvisation to creation of something original is a demonstrated pathway now for savant syndrome.
Interestingly, this transition occurs with or without formal training. It naturally evolves; it does not need to be taught. Leslie has never had a music lesson in his life.
He hasn't needed any. His impressive improvisation and creativity abilities simply emerged on their own over time. And that has been the case with many other savants I have known.
Can savants be creative? Yes, they certainly can be. There is some expansion on this topic on the paper in the articles section of this web site titled: Myths that Persist: Savant Syndrome 2008. Myth #4—Savants are not "creative"—addresses that topic with more examples and references.
Update—November 10, 2008
Online International Conference on Autism: 2008
Autism2008—the latest Awares International Online Autism Conference—opens on November 24, 2008 and continues for one week. This is an opportunity to put questions directly to over 25 experts on autism, Asperger's and Savant Syndrome topics including genetic, neurological, immunological, educational approaches, biomedical approaches and many other aspects of these disorders. Dr. Treffert will be available online for questions and discussion regarding his paper for the conference: "Savant Syndrome and Autism: Myths that Persist" during that one week conference. The online conference is hosted by Autism Cymru, Wale's National Charity for Autism. Information and registration details can be obtained at www.awares.org/conferences or from Adam@autismcymru.org. The conference overall is organized by Adam Finestine, well known for his monthly newsletter and other active work in autism.
Update—November 4, 2008
"The musical maturing of Matt Savage"
Thus reads a headline in the Wall Street Journal in the October 29, 2008 edition. It is not often savant syndrome appears in that publication. But a story by Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim tells of Matt's maturation: "His performance at New York's Cachaca Jazz Club on October 18 offered a chance to see the musical maturing of a phenomenally talented pianist and composer who demands to be taken seriously on purely musical terms."
Matt recently released his new album:"Hot Ticket" and this article describes some of the remarkable pieces in that album.
Matt is 16 years old now: "Gone are the days when his legs were so short that he would swing his feet in time to the music. He still shuffles up and down the piano stool as if to get closer to the extremes of the keyboard, but he's now so tall that he then twists back over himself as if viewing the music from a new angle. His fully grown hands seem preformed to hammer out diminished sevenths."
I remember when I first met Matt and his feet didn't reach the floor. Where does the time go? Matt has a tremendous future ahead in music. As Ms. da Fonseca-Wollheim phrases it: "He will climb far."
Update—October 18, 2008
The Brittany Maier Music and Arts Center
On October 4, 2008 there was a dedication of a very special school in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Through the untiring efforts of Brittany's mother, Tammy, and the Brittany Maier and Friends Foundation, a school opened, dedicated to teaching children with special needs and musical talent. It is the Brittany Maier Music and Arts Center in Dix Hills. You can learn more about this first of its kind center on the foundation Web site at http://brittanyandfriendsfoundation.org. There you can also be brought up to date on Brittany's developing, remarkable career. She recently played at Carnegie Hall, opening the "Evening of Music with Elaine Kwon & Friends" benefit concert. She continues to give other performances as well as documented in video clips on her Web site. A video clip specifically documenting the opening of the new school can be accessed at: http://news12.cv.net/video/BL0901MT.wmv.
Update—September 2, 2008
Congratulations again, Dustin Hoffman
Dustin Hoffman is accustomed to receiving awards, but usually from movie or actor related organizations. But on August 29 Dustin Hoffman received the Beacon Award from the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) for "having contributed to our awareness of neurological disorders." This award of course stems from Hoffman's remarkably accurate and stirring portrayal of an autistic savant in the Academy Award winning movie Rain Man. At the time of the films production "a majority of people didn't know what the term 'autism' meant" Hoffman noted on receiving the award. He had studied autism for two years before playing Raymond Babbitt in the movie, and much of that time was spent studying films of autistic persons from the UCLA archives. CNSI is part of the UCLA campus programs.
"Rain Man changed my life," Kim Peek says, who inspired the original screen play by Barry Morrow. And, in turn, Rain Man changed the lives of many autistic persons in terms of awareness and acceptance. It made 'autistic savant' household terms.
Congratulations again, Dustin Hoffman. A link to the story can be found at UCLA Today online.
|
Update—August 10, 2008
The complex Chinese edition of Extraordinary People now available The Wu-Nan Book, Inc. and Shu-Chuan Publishing House in Taipei, Taiwan have now published Extraordinary People: Understanding Savant Syndrome in a complex Chinese edition. The cover picture is "Prosperous New Year" by Ping Lian Yeak. The book is due to be released this Fall in a Vietnamese edition as well. That will make the book available in eight languages. |
|
Flo and Kay: The Rain Man Twins
The documentary Extraordinary People: The Rain Man Twins Flo and Kay aired on Channel Five in the U.K. on July 23, 2008. Flo and Kay had visited Fond du Lac in April for filming a part of that program. They are identical twins with also identical calendar calculating skills and memory for daily events (hyperthymestic syndrome) along with an astounding recall for television programs, particularly each episode of the $ 100,000.00 Dollar Pyramid with Dick Clark as host. The program contains footage of the twins over many years as recorded by a television newscaster who took special interest in the twins, not only their special abilities and skills, but also in their lives and their world.
There is a Web site with information about them at http://www.floandkay.com and the film trailer can be accessed at here.
Update—July 12, 2008
Kim Peek will keynote NODCC conference
The National Organization for Disorders of the Corpus Callosum (NODCC) holds a conference each summer for persons with Disorders of the Corpus Callosum, and parents, physicians, teachers and other persons interested in this condition. Keynoting the conference this year will be Kim Peek, and his father, Fran. Kim has ACC (absence of the corpus callosum) so in the spirit of "listen to the patient", who better to address this conference than Kim. His father, Fran, will provide a second keynote address to parents of children with corpus callosum disorders. Later in the conference there will be sessions for parents, teachers and physicians to learn more about Disorders of the Corpus Callosum and its manifestations. There is more information available about the conference, and about disorders of the corpus callosum at this web site address: http://www.nodcc.org. The conference will be held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on July 18-20.
Update—July 2, 2008
Rain Man on stage
The premiere stage adaptation of the award winning movie Rain Man will open in London on September 9, 2008 at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue. It is booked for a limited season until December 20, 2008. Josh Hartnett, the American film actor, will play the on-stage part of Charlie Babbitt, a role portrayed by Tom Cruise in the movie. British stage actor Adam Godley will play the part of Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, a role made famous by Dustin Hoffman. The 1988 movie won four Oscars including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman. The stage adaptation will be directed by David Grindley.
Update—June 22, 2008
Temple Grandin: A noteworthy "emergence"
Posted now in the profiles section is a detailed look at the remarkable life and work of Temple Grandin as a leading worldwide authority in animal science, and as perhaps the most active advocate/ambassador at the present time, also worldside, for better understanding and treating autistic disorder and Asperger's disorders. Her convictions about, and her exemplary role model of, "training the talent" is especially pertinent to savant syndrome. Dr. Grandin works tirelessly as a valued consultant in both her vocation as an animal scientist and her avocation as a energizing, optimistic lecturer on autism and Asperger's disorder.
Update—June 19, 2008
Amanda LaMunyon wins national autism award
Each year the Autism Society of America gives out national awards to a number of persons who have made significant contributions to better understanding and support of public education, research and treatment efforts in autism nationwide. One of these honors is the Wendy F. Miller Recognition Award given to a parent, a professional and an individual with autism who demonstrate exceptional dedication, effort or achievment.
This year the Individual with Autism award goes to Amanda LaMunyon who is profiled elsewhere on this site. One need only view her accomplishments to understand why she was chosen this year's Autism person of the year recipient.
Congratulations, Amanda.
Update—May 31, 2008
Updated Resources section
I've added a page in the Resources section that is a list of books about and by savants. I hope you'll find it useful.
Update—May 30, 2008
Glimpse: A New Online Literary/Art Magazine
This announcement provides information about, and access to, a new literary and art magazine for works by artists and others with autistic disorder or other developmental challenges. It is provided by the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of emotional and developmental disorders in infancy and childhood and integrating knowledge from different disciplines.
Please click here to access a PDF version of Glimpse.
For more information about Glimpse, including submission guidelines, please visit www.icdl.com or contact the editors at Glimpse@icdl.com.
Update—May 12, 2008
Wil's World: A Boy, A Scissors and Some Paper
Savant artists use a variety of ways to express their talent and emotion—painting, drawing, sculpting and silhouettes—as seen on this site. But Wil Kerneruses a different medium—construction paper. A May 7, 2008 article in the Seattle Times tells the story of Wil and his remarkable talent.
Wil is now 12 years old with a diagnosis of autistic disorder. He was tutored privately at his grandmother's home, and with the help of his teacher, at age 10, he slowly began to speak. "Then one day his father took him to a warehouse store and granted him his wish for colorful construction paper, letting him buy an entire cartload." After that, his colorful collages, carefully cut out, emerged, including "A boy and girl holding hands, a blue baby with a shy smile." These creations project expression, emotion and symbolism according to those who have viewed these remarkable creations. Many have faces and eye contact, characteristics so often lacking in autistic art.
You can learn more about Wil, and view more of his unique art work, at his Web site: www.wilspapercutouts.com.
Update—April 17, 2008
Windows of Genius: Artwork of the Prodigious Savant The art exhibit, Windows of Genius: Artwork of the Prodigious Savant, which was so successful at the Windhover Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is now on display at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The art display is part of the 135th Anniversary Celebration at the Institute, which runs from April 21 through April 25, 2008. There will be special lectures about the exhibit during the week by Dr. Treffert, along with two lectures on "Autism 2008: Some Facts, Some Myths, Some Progress, Some Hope" on April 23, 2008. More details on this event can be obtained at daroldt@charter.net.
Update—April 14, 2008
Right Brain/Left Brain—A Firsthand Account
What happens when a brain scientist has a stroke and gets to study brain function from the inside?
This account by Jill Taylor speaks to her right brain/left brain experiences following a stroke from which she has now fully recovered. You can also visit her own Web site for more information about her and her writings.
The clip can be viewed at: http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/229.
Several persons have brought this clip to my attention as they read about right brain/left brain function in savants.
Update—March 25, 2008
Leslie Lemke in Concert-2007
There is a new video posted on the Leslie Lemke site. It is an excerpt from his October 6, 2007 concert in Pittsville, Wisconsin. There is a DVD of the entire concert available for $20 post paid through Mary Parker and the Miracle of Love Ministries. Details for ordering can be obtained by inquiry at daroldt@charter.net.
Update—March 18, 2008
Kim and Fran Peek to visit Wisconsin
Kim Peek, the inspiration for the movie Rain Man, and his father, Fran Peek, will be in Wisconsin, and giving several presentations, from April 8, 2008 to April 13, 2008.
April 9, 2008
"Kim Peek: The Real Rainman"
Kim and Fran Peek will give a presentation with introduction and discussion by Dr. Treffert in the Prairie Theater, University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac Campus 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public but advance tickets are required for seating the the theater. Tickets available at www.fdl.uwc.edu/tickets beginning March 17, 2008.
April 10, 2008
Kim and Fran will be the featured presenters at the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation Annual Event at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
April 11, 2008
Grand Rounds. "The Real Rainman: A Case of Extraordinary Memory, and an unforgettable Person, in Savant Syndrome" Kim & Fran Peek, and Dr. Treffert, presenters. University of Wisconsin Medical School Department of Psychiatry, 6001 Research Park Boulevard, Madison from noon to 1:15 p.m.
While in Madison, Kim and Fran will also be presenting a program at several elementary schools.
Update—March 13, 2008
Brittany Maier in concert: "Music Heals"
Brittany Maier will be giving a concert in the Merkin Concert Hall in the Kaufman Center, 129 W. 67th Street in New York City on April 15, 2008. Proceeds of the concert will go to the Brittany Maier Music Foundation, which is dedicated to setting up a special school for musically gifted savants. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be obtained through the Kaufman Center Web site. The event is titled "Music Heals." More information about Brittany Maier is posted in the profiles section of this Web site.
Update—March 11, 2008
Myths that Persist in Savant Syndrome
A new article titled "Myths that Persist: Savant Syndrome 2008" has been posted in the articles section. This article examines these myths: Nadia and the 'dreaded trade-off'; savant syndrome is limited to persons with low low IQ levels; prodigies and geniuses of the past, and present, are really instances of Asperger's disorder or autism; and savants are limited to imitative skills rather than creative abilities.
These myths are fading, but remain substantially active enough to require some special attention.
Update—February 25, 2008
Two new artistic savants: Seth and Amanda
New to the profiles section are two very talented artists.
Seth Chwast was recently featured, for a second appearance, on the TODAY show. Amanda LaMunyon has also had high visibility in her home state as well as nationally, and has been enrolled in the Duke University Gifted and Talented Program as a person with Asperger's Disorder. She is also featured in a book about "Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders," which is a welcome exploration, and practical guide, for the special and relatively rare circumstance of the female savant.
You can learn more about Seth and Amanda on their respective profiles on this Web site.
Update—February 20, 2008
Do animals think like autistic savants?
In a posting about "Rain Mouse" just below, the question was raised as to whether there are 'savants' in the animal kingdom. The research with mice, as described below, suggests to some that indeed there is such a phenomenon in the animal kingdom.
A report in Eureka Alert cites an essay by Giorgio Vallortigara and his colleagues which argues that unlike savant syndrome in humans, animals with "extraordinary species-specific adaptations" (i.e. special abilities) do not have a diminution of other cognitive skills when these extraordinary skills or memory are present. Temple Grandin, whose book Animals in Translation argues that animals and autistic savants share some cognitive similarities, takes issue with Vallortigara's conclusions and suggests further research in that interesting topic.
This brief posting from Eureka Alerta provides a citation for the original article in PLoS Biology for persons who want to see the article "Are animals autistic savants?" in detail. In this brief posting Grandin summarizes the two viewpoints: Vallortigara's hypothesis "that birds such as the Clark's nutcracker, which has savant like memory for food storage, has retained good cognition in other domains. My hypothesis is that birds that have savant-like skills for food storage sites or remembering migration routes may be less flexible in their cognition."
This is another interesting pathway in exploring savant abilities worthy of inquiry.
Update—February 14, 2008
Greg Blockstock in the News
There is a delightful glimpse at Greg Blockstock, and his remarkable art work on the Evening Magazine newscast in Seattle. It can be accessed here.
The brief clips captures well not just Greg's passion, and talent, for his 'lists' and artwork, but also portrays well is life style, immense pride in what he does, and his happiness overall.
Update—February 13, 2008
"Rain Mouse" re-visited: Are there savants in the animal kingdom?
A MIT news headline states "Gene research may help explain autistic savants." The article goes on to summarize research, reported in the February 13 Journal of Neuroscience, which found that mice that were genetically engineered to lack a key protein—Shank 1—for building synapses learned spatial task memories faster and better than normal mice. However those memories faded faster than in their counterparts, and "they had trouble remembering contexts that should have provoked fear." The study authors concluded "These opposite effects on different types of learning are reminiscent of the mixed features of autistic patients who may be disabled in come cognitive areas but show enhanced abilities in others.... the superior learning ability of these mutant mice in a specific realm is reminiscent of human autistic savants."
There is a problem, though, with that conclusion from my standpoint. Savant skills are always accompanied by superior memory which does not fade within the area of expertise and accelerated learning. Rather, that 'habit' memory increases in depth although remaining incredibly narrow. Thus, while there are some similarities between these mice mutations and savant syndrome, there are differences as well.
Nevertheless this research is interesting when read along side the September 12 posting from some other research on 'autistic mice'. My summary of that research, and some thoughts about "Rain Mouse" are contained in that earlier posting.
Are there "savants" in the animal kingdom? I fully expect that there are. Certainly learning ability and skill levels differ from animal to animal, along the lines of the bell-shaped curve. No doubt there are 'outliers' on the genius end of that spectrum in animals as well. (Many pet owners are convinced they have one.) But how to detect 'autism' in animals remains elusive. If it difficult enough to make that precise assessment in humans. So, we'll see whether autism/disability/incredible ability/and massive memory carries over to the animal kingdom and what relationship that holds to genetic make-up, if any.
Update—January 30, 2008
"Accidental Memory": More Evidence of Autobiographical Memory?
Years ago Dr. Wilder Penfield found that while using an electric probe on the brain cortex to find epileptigenic foci, patients would bring forth vivid, buried memories when the cortical probe was stimulated. Now comes a report from Dr. Lozano, a neurosurgeon in Toronto, Canada, that while using experimental deep brain stimulation to try to decrease an obese man's appetite as a last resort treatment endeavor a surprising 'accidental' finding emerged.
While using deep brain stimulation to identify potential appetite suppressant points in the hypothalamus,the patient was suddenly bombarded with accurate, vivid recall of events of 30 years earlier he had completely 'forgotten,' or at least so he thought. The more intense the stimulation, the more copious and vivid the memories. This effort reminded me of Penfield's earlier findings, although this experiment's probing is at much deeper level in the brain. It also reminded me of the recent attention to autobiographical memory, such as posted in the immediate prior message below. Maybe we do all having a continuous tape of life events deeply buried.
The researchers involved in this effort, however, were especially interested to find that after three weeks of continuous hypothalamic stimulation, the man's performance on two learning tests was significantly improved and their efforts have been particularly directed toward finding what treatment ramifications such deep brain stimulation might have for the treatment of memory disorders.
Dr. Lozano indicated the accidental finding has wide significance. It identifies some memory structures and circuits. It also may provide a way for intervening in memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disorder, in the same manner that deep brain stimulation has proven effective in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and depression.
The article is due to be published in the Annals of Neurology and a Science report in The Independent can be accessed at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientists-discover-way-to-reverse-loss-of-memory-775586.html.
Update—January 20, 2008
Hyperthymestic Syndrome: Extraordinary Memory for Daily Life Events. Do we all possess a continuous tape of our lives?
There are a number of forms of extraordinary memory. There is factual memory: Kim Peek has memorized 12,000 books. There is numeric memory: Daniel Tammet memorized Pi to 12,400 digits. There is eidetic-like, photographic memory: Stephen Wiltshire memorized Rome from the air after a 45 minute helicopter ride over the city. There is musical memory: Leslie Lemke played back Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto after hearing it but once, for the first time. These types of savant memory are described elsewhere in detail on this site as 'automatic' or 'habit' memory modalities.
Then comes along "The Man with an Uncanny Memory" as described in a Wisconsin State Journal article dated January 11, 2008. Brad Williams has 'hyperthymestic syndrome"—extraordinary autobiographical recall for daily life events. He has a diary-like recall of ordinary, daily events that most everyone else would have discarded, or at least relegated to memory storage not ordinarily accessible. Except for memories before age 5, or days that were singularly uneventful, Brad's brother Eric states "Within reason, he can remember what happened every day of his life." Eric has followed his brother closely on film for a number of years, and a trailer for that film, Unforgettable can be accessed at www.unforgettabledoc.com.
Read more about Brad and his extraordinary memory in the Articles section.
Update—January 3, 2008
Kim and Fran Peek to visit Wisconsin
Kim Peek, "The Real Rain Man", and his father Fran will be visiting Wisconsin and giving some presentations in April 2008. On April 9, Kim and Fran will give a presentation, open to the public, at the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac Campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. On April 10, Kim and Fran will be the keynote speakers at the Wisconsin Medical Society Annual Fundraising Dinner at the Monona Terrace in Madison. On April 11, Kim and Fran, along with Dr. Treffert, will provide a Grand Rounds presentation at the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry from noon to 1:30 p.m. Arrangements are also being made for Kim and Fran to meet with some elementary school students in Madison during the time they are in that community. Kim's message of diversity and acceptance, and the inspiring model of the love and dedication of Fran Peek to his son, have been shared with audiences of over two million persons world-wide. Kim Peek was the inspiration for the movie Rain Man.
As details become finalized, those will be provided with new information here.
Update—January 1, 2008
Bugra Cankir: "A musical adventure"
The Turkish Daily News carried an article recently about Bugra Cankir, and what he calls "the beginning of my musical adventure." The article provides an up to date account of the remarkable progress of this now 13-year-old musical savant. It can be accessed at http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=92410. Bugra's parents are in search of the best school, and approach, to their very talented son so he can reach his full potential. A video clip of Bugra playing at one of his recent recitals is available on the above link.
Update—January 1, 2008
Matt Savage on NPR
Matt Savage recently appeared on NPR's Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz program. It can be accessed at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17458931. There are two 27 minute segments that provide a marvelous insight into Matt's present life—in his own words—and an equally pleasant chance to hear his outstanding artistry—in his own notes. He plays some tunes from his new album—Quantum Leap—along with some duet pieces with Marian McPartland. Included are a pieces ranging from those he composed for his sister, to "Couch Potato Blues." He also plays one of my favorites among the many pieces he has composed—"Serenity." It is beautiful.
In the interview Matt also discusses his autism as he recalls it in his early years, and the success of the sensory integration therapy to deal with his early childhood aversion to sound. Now sound is in many ways the center of his life. About his autism now Matt states: "Most of that is kind of over with. That was a long time ago."
Matt is now 14. He sounds very grown up. So pleasant, so polite, so respectful, so talented, so happy.
For more information, please contact:
Darold A. Treffert, MD
St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry
University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison
Personal Web site: www.daroldtreffert.com
E-mail: daroldt@charter.net
© Wisconsin Medical Society - All rights reserved - 2009
Contact us here.