CH 15: A Proven Savant
Many recall the classic scene from Rain Man where Dustin Hoffman's character is able to compute the number of toothpicks that had just fallen to the ground. This notion of incredible calculation or otherwise genius ability is a very profound idea for us humans to ponder. Granted, while only a very small minority of those with autism will have what is termed genius abilities, it is still worth mentioning that some humans are truly capable of extraordinary mathematical feats.
What is worth investigating is how they actually do it and how ordinary folk might similarly tap into these skills in our brains. Consider the high functioning savant, Daniel Tammet. He recited 22,514 digits of π , whose digits do not follow a known pattern, in front of cameras. The prodigious memory of Kim Peek, who could effortlessly recall any content from over 12,000 books he had read. Consider Stephen Wiltshire, who is able to draw a near perfect landscape, needing only a minute to memorize all the intricate details. Tony DeBlois, a blind musician, can play over 8000 songs from memory.
All these examples of brilliance: the ability to multiply huge numbers as quickly as a calculator, to remember and recall anything, to hear and then play music perfectly, to draw incredible detailed renderings that border photo-realistic, to read books in the time it takes to turn the page, these are all "human" abilities. Clearly, there is a different wiring in the brain that cause such skills, but what is incredible is that these all fall within the purview of being human, even if they are exceedingly rare. Future research and investigation might unearth ways and means for the ordinary person to tap into these capabilities. It also begs the question, what other incredible skills do we all have the potential to do? It is from these savants and through scientists we may reveal a future where ordinary people can access amazing abilities.
Speaking of being able to tap into these skill sets, the story of Rudiger Gamm is a rather interesting one. A prodigious human calculator, he is able do complex calculations instantly, but remarkably only gained his abilities in his early twenties. He also does not exhibit Savant traits, indeed it is postulated that he developed his skills through his genetics. If this is true, it could mean that more people will naturally develop "genius abilities" in the future.
A bunch of Toothpicks