The Astonishing Abilities of Savants

Savant syndrome is a condition in which a person with an underlying disability or brain disorder has exceptional skills or abilities that stand in stark contrast to their overall handicap. These extraordinary abilities, known as islands of genius, can range from calendar calculating to music or art. Savants may have autism as the underlying disability, but it can also be caused by other conditions. While practice can improve these skills, savants often possess knowledge they never learned. Acquired savants, on the other hand, develop exceptional skills after a brain injury or incident, such as a concussion. Sudden savants experience a sudden onset of extraordinary talent without any apparent cause. Understanding the underlying genetic and neurological factors behind savant abilities is an active area of research.