Savant Syndrome

The term autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tends to elicit thoughts of challenges. In other words, when people think of autism, the first thing that pops into their minds is how it causes people to be different.

In many ways, this “different” view of people with autism is about what they can’t do because of the neurodevelopmental disorder that affects them.

There is, of course, some basis in fact for this line of thinking. After all, people on the autism spectrum will often struggle with communication and social interactions, have restrictive interests and/or exhibit repetitive behaviors.

They may have trouble learning in school or performing in work the same way as their peers do. They may require treatment such as applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, to help them build these skills and live independent lives.

At the same time, though, there are many amazing things that people with autism can do. In fact, there are some people on the autism spectrum who possess remarkable abilities in some areas, even while experiencing developmental disabilities.

This is known in some circles as Savant Syndrome. Below, we’ll discuss what this is and how it applies to some people with autism.

Learn more about the specialized talents of people with autism

Table Of Contents

What is Savant Syndrome?

Savant Syndrome is considered rare, with only about 10% to 30% of people with autism having it. That being said, it’s not truly known how many people with ASD would be considered to have Savant Syndrome, as there isn’t a definitive diagnostic criteria, which makes it challenging to estimate accurately the number of people who may have it.

It’s generally described, though, as a person having skills that are way above average in at least one domain. This could be mathematics, art, music, memory or something else.

Usually, Savant Syndrome is divided into 5 types:

1. Musical ability
2. Artistic talent
3. Calendar calculations
4. Mathematical skill
5. Mechanical or spatial abilities

Sometimes, people who have Savant Syndrome have this skill set in more than one domain. There’s also not a specific skill set or combination of skill sets that every person with Savant Syndrome will have.

It’s also not something that only people with autism can have. To be considered as having Savant Syndrome, someone just needs to have an intellectual impairment as well as have at least one skill that exceeds the ability of the average person.

Sometimes, this skill might show itself early on in a child’s development, while it may also not appear until later in life.

What are the Causes of Savant Syndrome?

It’s not certain how Savant Syndrome actually develops in a person. A theory from a while ago suggested that people who have autism might develop it through what’s called “mind-blindness.”

Essentially, it’s a trait that causes people to have a tough time understanding another person’s mental state. The theory suggests that people who have this trait then don’t have the same interest in social interactions with other people and, as a result, spend their time developing talents in specific areas.

There’s also another theory that suggests that people who have autism might develop Savant Syndrome at a higher rate than others due to the fact that they often have restrictive, intense and even obsessive interests and behaviors.

This results in them spending extra time on these restrictive interests, which can lead to them developing extraordinary talents. Since they might also be obsessive about these interests, they could be hyper-focused on perfecting the skill.

Does Savant Syndrome Need to Be Treated?

No, Savant Syndrome itself isn’t something that needs to be treated. However, a person who has it might require other treatments based on any other conditions or disorders that they are suffering from.

As mentioned, Savant Syndrome is more prominent in people who have autism than people who don’t. And as such, those people who do have those two co-occurring conditions might need to undergo specialized treatment.

Applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy, is considered the gold standard of treatments for people who have autism. It’s an evidence- and science-based approach to learning and behavior that helps patients build the social, communication and daily life skills with which they may struggle.

By using positive reinforcement and repetition, ABA therapists help their patients modify certain behaviors and learn certain skills so they can live the happiest, healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.

Blue Gems ABA Treats Children on the Autism Spectrum with Wide-Ranging Abilities

Savant Syndrome isn’t a condition that’s only present in people who have autism. However, it’s something that people on the autism spectrum tend to display more than those who aren’t on the spectrum.

There are many theories for why this may be so, though no definitive answer has been discovered yet. No matter what the reason, Savant Syndrome isn’t something that needs to be treated, though if it’s co-occurring with autism, there are great treatment plans that do work.

At Blue Gems ABA, our team of therapists are dedicated to administering ABA therapy to children with ASD who have all different ranges of abilities. Our therapy is always one-on-one, and we craft personalized treatment plans that address the unique strengths and challenges of each child.

To learn more, please contact us today.