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"Autistic savant" refers to individuals with autism who have extraordinary skills not exhibited by the non-autistic population. Many people believe that all autistic persons possess savant abilities; however, this is not the case. The estimated prevalence of savant abilities in autism is 10%, whereas the prevalence in the non-autistic population, including those with mental retardation, is less than 1%. There are many forms of savant abilities. The most common forms involve mathematical calculations, memory feats, artistic abilities, and musical abilities.

Stephen Wiltshire is an autistic individual who has difficulties with verbal communication, however, his ability to visually memorize and replicate, through drawing, his brief observations is astonishing. One scientist, Allan Snyder, professor of science at Australian National University has a theory: "His theory is that because a specific part of the brain does not work properly, abilities in another area may be unlocked." You may read more about Stephen Wiltshire and Dr. Snyder’s theory at the following web address: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1211299.stm

Questions may be directed to the ADA Compliance Office at 620-2870.