What Is Savant Syndrome?

Types

Savant syndrome typically receives classification through the circumstances from which the savant syndrome emerges or through the types of talents expressed.

Congenital savant syndrome emerges from conditions brought on by birth, meaning the individual was born with some form of mental incapacity. These savants become identified by displaying their impressive talents despite other factors that restrict their cognitive function. Acquired savant syndrome occurs after a traumatic brain injury or damage to the central nervous system that severely hinders mental function, but allows for a specific talent to emerge.

Concerning the kind of talent expressed, savants can excel at mathematical, musical, artistic, or even spatial thinking. Some savants may simply be classified through their extraordinary capacity to memorize specific information such as calendar dates or detailed information regarding past events.

Continue reading to learn about savant syndrome's relation to other conditions.