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The Extraordinary Abilities of
Autistic Savants
Autistic Savants: Extraordinary Abilities and
Unique Challenges
Defining Autistic Savants
Autistic savants are individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who possess exceptional abilities or skills in certain areas, despite having limitations in other areas of life. These individuals often display remarkable talents in fields such as mathematics, music, art, or memory, which are referred to as "islands of genius." However, they may also face significant challenges in social interaction, communication, and adaptability.
Exceptional Abilities of Autistic Savants
Memory : Autistic savants can often retain large amounts of information with remarkable accuracy. For example, Daniel Tammet memorized pi to 22,514 decimal places. Mathematics : Many autistic savants exhibit exceptional mathematical abilities, such as the ability to perform complex calculations quickly and effortlessly. Music : Some autistic savants demonstrate extraordinary musical talents, including the ability to play musical instruments without formal training. Art : Certain autistic savants possess remarkable artistic skills, creating intricate and detailed drawings or paintings.
Challenges Faced by Autistic Savants
Social Interaction : Autistic savants often struggle with social interaction and communication, finding it difficult to understand social cues and engage in reciprocal conversations. Sensory Processing : Many autistic savants are highly sensitive to sensory stimuli, which can lead to feelings of discomfort or anxiety in certain environments. Need for Order : Autistic savants may have a strong need for routine and predictability, and can become distressed by changes in their environment or schedule.
Explanations for Autistic Savant Abilities
Compensation Theory : The right hemisphere of the brain may compensate for damage or impairment in the left hemisphere, leading to the development of exceptional abilities in certain areas. Attention to Detail : Autistic savants often exhibit a heightened focus on details and patterns, which may contribute to their exceptional skills in areas like mathematics and memory. Intense Interests : Autistic savants frequently develop intense interests and passions in specific domains, leading to extensive practice and the development of expertise.
Societal Perceptions and Interactions
Others may view autistic savants as "odd" or "different," often failing to recognize their unique abilities and challenges. Autistic savants may find solace in their relationships with numbers, books, or other areas of interest, as these provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Positive interactions, such as the one between Daniel Tammet and his friend Kim, can help challenge societal perceptions and promote greater acceptance and understanding of autistic savants.
Achieving Success and Expertise
Preparation and Practice : Research suggests that success and expertise require extensive preparation and practice, often in the range of 10,000 hours or more. The Role of Talent : While talent plays a role, preparation and dedication appear to be more significant factors in achieving exceptional levels of performance. Persistence and Dedication : Autistic savants often exhibit remarkable persistence and dedication in their pursuit of their areas of interest, which contributes to their success.
Conclusion
Autistic savants possess extraordinary abilities that challenge societal perceptions and expectations. While they face unique challenges, their exceptional skills and dedication serve as a testament to the remarkable potential of the human mind. Understanding and supporting the unique needs of autistic savants can foster greater inclusion and appreciation for their contributions to society.
Frank McCourt's Life and Achievements
The Early Years
In 1996, Frank McCourt's memoir "Angela's Ashes" was published, which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1997.
Choosing Appropriate Treatment Plan
Patients can use the information from genetic testing to choose the most appropriate treatment plan for their condition.
Invasion of Privacy
Threat to Employment and Insurance
Genetic test results may threaten a patient's employment and insurance coverage if the information is misused or misinterpreted.
Results are Not Always Reliable
Genetic test results can be difficult to interpret and may not always be accurate. There are other risk factors beyond just genetics that can influence a person's health.
Professional Interpretation is Not Required
Patient May Interpret Test Results Incorrectly
Patients may not have the necessary medical knowledge to correctly interpret their genetic test results.
Other Risk Factors Beyond Genes
Genetic test results do not take into account other important risk factors such as environmental and lifestyle factors.
Assessing Animal Intelligence
The Challenges of Studying Animal Intelligence
Scientists are facing several challenges in assessing animal intelligence:
Tests are often based on the animals' ability to imitate human behavior, which may not be an accurate measure of their true intelligence. Relying on proportional brain weight as an indicator of intelligence is flawed, as the small size of some animal brains makes it difficult to study their neural pathways. The assumption that humans should come out on top in intelligence tests is problematic, as it fails to recognize the unique cognitive abilities of other species.
The Need for Better Tools and Theories
Gita Simonsen, the author of the article "How Smart are Animals?", concludes that scientists need to develop better tools, methods, and theories for comparing the brain skills in different species. While we may not have all the answers yet, she believes we are well on our way to a more comprehensive understanding of animal intelligence.
Examples of Animal Intelligence
The text provides several notable examples of animal intelligence:
Clever Hans, a horse that was able to answer questions by tapping his hoof, demonstrating an apparent ability to count. Binti, a gorilla who was able to communicate using sign language and perform complex tasks. Dolphins and killer whales that have been trained to perform spectacular feats. Dogs that can predict seizures before they occur. Forensic dogs that can detect hidden contraband.
The Limitations of Anthropocentric Approaches
The text suggests that we should not just look for "human-like" traits when studying animal intelligence, as this may not be a good indicator of their true cognitive abilities. Bøckman, a researcher mentioned in the text, believes that until we can understand animal language, we cannot accurately assess their intelligence due to the strong connection between intelligence and language for humans.
The Importance of Neural Circuitry Studies
The text notes that many studies focusing on the neural circuitry in the brain are helping scientists to better compare traits across species, including "human-like" traits in animals. This suggests that a more holistic and comparative approach to studying animal cognition may lead to a better understanding of their intelligence.
Vocabulary and Grammar Concepts
The text also covers various vocabulary and grammar concepts, including the use of relative pronouns (that, which, who, whose) and the differences between the simple past, present perfect, and present perfect continuous tenses.
Opens volunteers' eyes to the great variety of people in need by providing opportunities to meet new and different types of people. One successful community service experience leads to performing other services. Volunteers learn they can help solve real social problems and needs. Helps people to find out who they are, what their interests are, and what they are good at.
Example of Justin Lebo
Justin spent his free time in the summer making bicycles for the children at the Kilbarchan Home for Boys. Justin built bikes for all kinds of people in need: women in a women's shelter, people with AIDS, and people in a housing project. Justin continued to build bikes after the Kilbarchin project. Justin learned that his bikes helped fulfill the needs of the boys at Kilbarchin and the other people who received them. Justin found out he could take on a big project and complete it. He found out he was good at rebuilding bikes.
Make Inferences
a b c b c
Comprehension
For Mandatory Volunteering
Constructive way to spend time. It's an extracurricular activity (personal choice). Many students already volunteer.
Against Mandatory Volunteering
Volunteering is a personal choice. Gets kids involved in the community. Some people would not know how great an experience volunteering is unless it were required. Students may become resentful and never volunteer again. Many students don't have time. The quality of work can suffer.
Some Take the Time Gladly
Paragraph and number of words or phrases with persuasive words that evoke negative emotions: 1 (2): grumble, indignation 2 (1): resistant 7 (1): frustrating 9 (2): ridiculous, opposing
Problems with Mandatory Volunteering
Paragraph and number of words with persuasive words that evoke negative emotions: 1 (1): terrible 3 (5): not a good, worse, resentful, not want, negative 5 (2): oxymoron, opposed
Step 1: Organize
Justin Lebo (R1)
Paragraph 22: Dedication to work Paragraph 23: Time commitment Paragraph 24: Personal enrichment
Some Take the Time Gladly (R2)
Paragraph 2: Time commitment Paragraph 5: Personal enrichment
Problems with Mandatory Volunteering (R2)
Paragraph 2: Personal choice, Dedication to work Paragraph 3: Personal choice, Time commitment Paragraph 4: Time commitment
Review
donations inspired passionate challenge proposed resentful opposition pride admired fulfilling indignant
Expand
a b
Why Smartphones Can Be Distracting
Smartphones provide an almost continuous stream of messages and alerts, as well as easy access to compelling information sources. This creates an environment of almost constant interruptions and distractions, making it difficult to maintain attention, engage in contemplation and reflection, or be alone with our thoughts.
Solutions to Smartphone Obsession
Take "predictable time off" from smartphones. Slowly wean yourself off email, web browsing, and social media. Turn off alerts to reduce the constant stream of interruptions. Make specific times smartphone-free. Avoid using web browsers on the smartphone. Commit to not using the phone in certain situations, such as while driving.
The Benefits of Reducing Smartphone Use
Increased efficiency and collaboration at work. Better work-life balance. Improved ability to concentrate and think deeply. Greater awareness of one's surroundings. More relaxed and focused use of the smartphone.
Comparing Traditional and Modern Education
While "The Fun They Had" describes the future as imagined in 1951, "Teaching the World from Central New Jersey" describes a present that may seem futuristic to some. MOOC students are taught and submit papers via the internet, similar to how Tommy and Margie are taught via the computer. Professor Duneier liked the MOOC's course delivery method, just as the MOOC students were excited about the new use of educational technology. However, Professor Duneier wasn't sure he could effectively teach his students, similar to how Margie doubted a man could teach effectively. Margie wanted to go to a traditional school, while students today are tired of traditional school and want to incorporate distance learning in their education. Many of Professor Duneier's MOOC students chose his course instead of a traditional sociology course, but for other students, the choice was his MOOC or no sociology course at all.
Differences Between High School and College
In high school, students usually live at home and their parents take care of their physical needs, while in college, students often live away from home and are responsible for tasks like shopping, paying bills, and doing laundry.
In high school, students rarely have free time and go directly from one class to the next, with teachers always around to tell them what to do. In college, students may have a lot of free time between classes, but must discipline themselves to use this time productively. The work in college is more challenging and requires a higher level of thinking compared to high school.
Comparing Schools in Different Locations
My old school in Lima was very small, with only about 75 students, while my school in New York is gigantic, with over 1400 students. In Lima, the teachers knew every student by name, but in New York, the immense halls are filled with unfamiliar faces. In Lima, the school was only for boys, while in New York, it is a mixed- gender school. In Lima, we spoke only Spanish at school, while in New York, we mostly speak English but sometimes Spanish. The teachers in both schools were excellent and able to answer any questions. The use of technology was very different, with very little technology in Lima and every student being given a laptop in New York.
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