Savant Syndrome
We have been rather bemused by our Down’s Syndrome son’s ability to play video games with a great deal of dexterity, in spite of the fact that he is quite severely mentally disabled. John-Paul usually trounces the opposition although his manipulative skills are so poor he can’t do his buttons, tie his laces or shave himself. John-Paul also appears to be able to read and understand the instructions accompanying the games, which I consider to be well above his reading age, which is about the 6/7 years level. Strangely, he is able to absorb the information when reading the instructions in languages other than English! John-Paul also enjoys watching TV programmes that we think would be beyond his level of reasoning, they often have complicated story lines, or are slightly esoteric in nature. However, John-Paul tunes into their wavelength, and he derives much pleasure in carefully selecting his week’s viewing, spending ages pouring over the Radio Times, his favourite magazine!
I had heard of the term ‘Savant Syndrome’ and looked it up on the Internet. ‘Savants are people who despite serious mental or physical disability have quite remarkable, and sometimes spectacular, talents. This is an exceedingly rare phenomena, although there are several well documented cases (see Sacks, 1986; 1995; Treffert, 1989), and recently the Academy Award winning movie Rain Man has led to the term savant being much more widely known. Savant syndrome is perhaps one of the most fascinating phenomena in the study of human differences and cognitive psychology. It is often claimed that, because of the extraordinary abilities involved, we will never truly understand human memory and cognition until we understand the savant. Savant syndrome was first properly recognised by Dr. J. Langdon Down, (n.b. he also originated the term Down’s syndrome)’
I wondered if in conjunction with Down’s Syndrome, John-Paul might also have Savant Syndrome; although it is most usually found in people suffering from autism. I came across Dr Darold Treffert of the Wisconsin Medical Center who is an expert on Savant Syndrome; he has written a number of papers on the subject. I sent Dr Treffert an e-mail describing the anomalies we have witnessed in John-Paul, and had this very prompt reply, which made interesting reading.
Dear Rose Mary,
While savant syndrome is generally not seen in Down's Syndrome with any regularity, it does occur. So the behaviors and abilities your son shows could well be savant skills, and from your description they certainly sound like they are. I have had correspondence with several families where savant skills were associated with Down's Syndrome. So while rare in an already rare condition, that circumstance does happen. It will be interesting to see where John-Paul goes with this, and you could be in for some pleasant surprises.
Thanks for your e mail about John Paul and if other questions occur please feel free to ask them.
Darold A. Treffert, M.D
Dr Treffert’s e-mail has given us food for thought, although it is difficult to see how having Savant Syndrome, if that is indeed what he has, it is likely to benefit John-Paul other than enhancing his ability to play video games and select his TV programmes. The mind is an incredible organ and it is extraordinary that someone like John-Paul can exhibit a skill in one area, yet be highly dependent on us in all other aspects of his life. One thing is for certain, life in the Gower household is never dull!
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