SIMNER_Molecular_Autism_SEPT 2018 (published version).pdf (1.22 MB)
Savant syndrome has a distinct psychological profile in autism
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 15:34 authored by James Hughes, Jamie WardJamie Ward, Elin Gruffydd, Simon Baron-Cohen, Paula Smith, Carrie Allison, Julia SimnerJulia SimnerBackground Savant syndrome is a condition where prodigious talent can co-occur with developmental conditions such as autism spectrum conditions (autism). It is not yet clear why some autistic people develop savant skills while others do not. Methods We tested three groups of adults: autistic individuals who have savant skills, autistic individuals without savant skills, and typical controls without autism or savant syndrome. In experiment 1, we investigated the cognitive and behavioural profiles of these three groups by asking participants to complete a battery of self-report measures of sensory sensitivity, obsessional behaviours, cognitive styles, and broader autism-related traits including social communication and systemising. In experiment 2, we investigated how our three groups learned a novel savant skill—calendar calculation. Results Heightened sensory sensitivity, obsessional behaviours, technical/spatial abilities, and systemising were all key aspects in defining the savant profile distinct from autism alone, along with a different approach to task learning. Conclusions These results reveal a unique cognitive and behavioural profile in autistic adults with savant syndrome that is distinct from autistic adults without a savant skill.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Molecular AutismISSN
2040-2392Publisher
BMCExternal DOI
Issue
53Volume
9Page range
1-18Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science Publications
- Sussex Neuroscience Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-10-19First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-10-19First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-10-19Usage metrics
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