PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND INFLUENCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TALENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER. THREE MODERN CASE STUDIES

Abstract

Individuals with ASD who display savant skills are a paradox. How can individuals with ASD, who appear to be intellectually challenged in their general independence skills, display savant skills that are far more developed than those of individuals with higher intelligence? What is it about ASD that predisposes individuals with ASD to savant skills? This paper examines the lives of three famous individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and possess a diverse set of well-documented savant abilities. These individuals are Kim Peek, Leslie Lemke, and Matt Savage. Apart from Matt Savage, the other two individuals who display savant skills have low cognitive abilities and are unable to perform simple daily skills. Kim Peek, for example, was unable to perform general self-care tasks, such as combing his hair or dressing.