Those with savant syndrome have “quite remarkable, and sometimes spectacular, talents”—such as being able to recite prime number after prime number or to draw the city of Rome with photographic precision—while also having “serious mental or physical disability” (according to one website). Garrett Heaney in Wishtank describes an exchange two individuals who have been diagnosed with savant syndrome, Kim Peek (the model for Raymond in the movie Rain Man, though Raymond is referred to as “autistic” and as an “autistic savant”) and Daniel Tammet, the author of Born on a Blue Day). In particular, Heaney considers this exchange of words …read more

A theatre production of the 1988 movie Rain Man opens this week at the Apollo Theatre, today’s 24dash reports. The National Autistic Society has been involved with the production from the script and even rehearsals, and Caroline Hattersley, head of information, advice and advocacy, says:
“For many people, the film of ‘Rain Man’ was where they gained their first knowledge of autism, so we are very excited to be so involved in this production and we’re delighted that they were so keen to represent autism accurately.
“A lot has changed in our knowledge of this serious, lifelong condition in the 20 years …read more