Darold A. Treffert was a psychiatrist. He met his first savant in 1962 and conducted research on savant syndrome at the Treffert Center in Fond du Lac, Wis. He was a consultant for the 1988 movie Rain Man and maintained a web page at www.savantsyndrome.com, hosted by the Wisconsin Medical Society.
Brain Gain: A Person Can Instantly Blossom into a Savant--and No One Knows Why
Some people suddenly become accomplished artists or musicians with no previous interest or training. Is it possible innate genius lies dormant within everyone?
We Need to Stop Moving the Goalposts for Autism
The incidence has skyrocketed since the disorder was first described in 1943, but much of that increase is misleading
Could Someone with Autism Be a Superstar Surgeon?
That's the premise of the new ABC series The Good Doctor, and given the 130-year history of "savant syndrome," yes, its definitely plausible
Autism's "Island of Intactness"
It is the search for strengths, however hidden, that results in progress in treating autistic children
Outgrowing Autism? A Closer Look at Children Who Read Early or Speak Late
Some of these children may never have had autism in the first place, despite being diagnosed with it
Accidental Genius
A blow to the head can sometimes unmask hidden artistic or intellectual gifts. Might we all have hidden capacities that could be unleashed without brain injury?
Tapping Your Inner Rain Man
A blow to the head can sometimes unmask hidden artistic or intellectual gifts
Islands of Genius
Artistic brilliance and a dazzling memory can sometimes accompany autism and other developmental disorders