Autism and Savant syndrome are two related conditions. This is because about 10% of autistic children show some savant ability. One such example is autistic artist Stephen Wiltshire, who can draw detailed city drawings from memory.
The key difference between autism and Savant syndrome is their nature. Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects the interaction, communication, learning, and behavior of people, while Savant syndrome is a condition where people with developmental disorders sometimes have exceptional talent or ability in a specific area.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Autism
3. What is Savant Syndrome
4. Similarities – Autism and Savant Syndrome
5. Autism vs Savant Syndrome in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Autism vs Savant Syndrome
7. FAQ – Autism and Savant Syndrome
What is Autism?
Autism is also known as autism spectrum disorder. Autism affects how people communicate, learn, behave, and interact with others. People with autism often have difficulty with communication and interaction with other people, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and other symptoms that affect their ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life. Moreover, autism is caused by certain gene changes and environmental factors such as viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants.
Figure 01: Autism Signs
Autism is diagnosed through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. Furthermore, treatment options for autism may include behavior and communication therapies, educational therapy, family therapy, speech therapy, and prescribed medications like (antipsychotic drugs).
What is Savant Syndrome?
Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which people with various developmental disorders, including autistic disorder, have an exceptional ability and talent. In this condition, someone with a developmental disorder displays above-average skill in a specific area. Savant syndrome is characterized by exceptional talents or skills in specific areas such as music, art, calculating, and mathematics, together with problems in communication, repetitive behaviors, and other problems such as delayed language, movement, or cognitive development.
An older theory suggests that this condition could develop in autistic people through the mind-blindness trait. Another theory suggests autism causes obsessive behaviors and interests, which could later lead to savant-like abilities in people.
Figure 02: Stephen Wiltshire, A Famous Personality with Savant Syndrome
Savant syndrome is diagnosed through questionnaires such as the Sussex Savant Questionnaire. Furthermore, people with savant syndrome may receive treatments for related conditions, such as autism. The treatment may include behavioral therapy, educational interventions, giving drugs like risperidone for managing irritability, physical therapy, and dietary intervention.
Similarities Between Autism and Savant Syndrome
- Autism and Savant syndrome are two related medical conditions.
- About 10% of autistic children show some savant ability.
- Both conditions are diagnosed through mainly standard questionnaires.
- They are mainly treated through respective therapies.
Difference Between Autism and Savant Syndrome
Definition
- Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech, and nonverbal communication.
- Savant syndrome is a condition when someone with a developmental disorder shows above-average skill in a specific area.
Causes
- Researchers have found seven potential genes such as PLEKHA8, PRR25, FBXL13, VPS54, SLFN5, SNCAIP, and TGM1, and some environmental factors that are predicted to increase the risk of autism.
- Family history or genetic predisposition, brain injury, or trauma may play a role in the development of Savant syndrome.
Symptoms
- The symptoms of autism may include little eye contact, distinct reaction to light, very specific interest, repeating words, repetitive behaviors, nonverbal communication or delayed language development, and intense reactions to minor changes in routine or surroundings.
- The symptoms of Savant syndrome may include exceptional talent in particular area, repetitive behaviors, social and communications difficulties and specific and limited interests.
Diagnosis
- Autism can be diagnosed through family history and using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
- Savant syndrome can be diagnosed through questionnaires such as the Sussex Savant Questionnaire.
Treatment
- The treatment options for autism may include cognitive behavioral therapy, language therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, physical therapy, social and educational support, giving prescribed anti-anxiety and depression medications, complementary and alternative therapies (herbal supplements, chiropractic care, animal therapy, art therapy, mindfulness, or relaxation therapies).
- The treatment options for Savant syndrome may include physical therapy, education and guidance, family and community support and directing special education programs.
The following table summarizes the difference between autism and Savant syndrome.
Summary – Autism vs Savant Syndrome
Autism and Savant syndrome are two related brain development disorders. This is because Savant syndrome is a rare condition that can be identified in people with developmental disorders such as autistic disorder. However, autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication, while Savant syndrome is a rare but extraordinary condition in which people with serious mental disabilities, such as autistic disorder, have some exceptional talent or ability in a specific area. This is the key difference between autism and Savant syndrome.
FAQ: Autism and Savant Syndrome
1. What are the common symptoms of autism?
- Possible symptoms of autism at any age can include little eye contact, distinct reactions to lights, very specific interests, echolalia, repetitive behaviors, delayed language development, and intense reactions to minor changes in routine or surroundings.
2. What are the causes of autism?
- Autism can be caused by several different gene mutations and environmental factors like viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants.
3. Can autism be treated?
- There is no specific treatment for autism. However, symptoms can be managed through behavior and communication therapies. There are many programs addressing a range of social, language, and behavioral difficulties related to autism spectrum disorder.
4. What famous person has savant syndrome?
- Stephen Wiltshire has Savant syndrome. Stephen Wiltshire is a prodigious cityscape artist who can capture intricate details of global skylines after mere glimpses. Throughout his early childhood, Stephen was unable to communicate verbally; instead, he communicated through his drawings.
5. Is it possible to have Savant syndrome without autism?
- Yes. It is also possible for someone to have savant syndrome without autism. Approximately 10% of individuals with autistic disorder have savant abilities. On the other hand, less than 1% of the non-autistic population have savant syndrome.
Reference:
1. “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Autism Speaks.
2. Treffert, Darold A. “The Savant Syndrome: An Extraordinary Condition. A Synopsis: Past, Present, Future.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Signs of Autism” By MissLunaRose12 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Stephen Wiltshire IMG 3052 (30608729825)” By Gobierno CDMX – IMG_3052 (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
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