Ability Quote by Darold Treffert
“A savant, by definition, is somebody who has a disability and, along with that disability, has some remarkable ability. Prodigies and geniuses have the remarkable abilities that the savant shows, but they do not have a disability. So, by definition, a savant includes someone with a disability, and a prodigy or genius are people who have these remarkable skills but they do not have a disability.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Savant Syndrome Study, 2018
A savant is defined by the coexistence of a disability and an extraordinary skill, whereas prodigies and geniuses possess similar talents without a disability.
In simple terms: Savants have disabilities plus talent; prodigies lack disability.
Recognize diverse pathways to talent.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- employment
- support services
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What support best nurtures savant abilities?
- How do we differentiate talent from disability?
Risk of oversimplifying complex neurological conditions.