A case study of a multiply talented savant with an autism spectrum disorder: neuropsychological functioning and brain morphometry.
Neuropsychological functioning and brain morphometry in a savant (case GW) with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and both calendar calculation and artistic skills are quantified and compared with small groups of neurotypical controls. Good memory, mental calculation and visuospatial processing, as well as (implicit) knowledge of calendar structure and 'weak' central coherence characterized the cognitive profile of case GW. Possibly reflecting his savant skills, the superior parietal region of GW's cortex was the only area thicker (while areas such as the superior and medial prefrontal, middle temporal and motor cortices were thinner) than that of a neurotypical control group. Taken from the perspective of learning/practice-based models, skills in domains (e.g. calendars, art, music) that capitalize upon strengths often associated with ASD, such as detail-focused processing, are probably further enhanced through over-learning and massive exposure, and reflected in atypical brain structure.
Wallace
Gregory L
GL
Institute of Psychiatry, Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King's College, University of London, London WC2R 2LS, UK. gregwallace@mail.nih.gov
Happé
Francesca
F
Giedd
Jay N
JN
D001076:Aptitude / Q000502:physiology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors