Islands of genius

the long version

Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which individuals with developmental disorders have one or more areas of expertise, ability, or brilliance -- "islands of genius" -- that exist in contrast with their overall limitations. In this fascinating book, Dr. Darold Treffert explores recently-discovered phenomena such as "genetic memory," the capacity of some individuals to "know" things they never learned, and "acquired savantism," instances in which a neuro-typical person unexpectedly and spectacularly develops savant-like abilities following a trauma such as a head injury or stroke. Above all, his message is that prodigy and genius should be celebrated and nurtured. This book is for clinicians, parents, teachers, therapists, and others who care for, and about, individuals with savant syndrome -- publisher description.