idiot savant

English - English

Definition of idiot savant in English English dictionary: A person who exhibits an extraordinary ability in one subject (often mathematics) whilst being mentally retarded in all other fields; An intellectually disabled person who exhibits extraordinary ability in a highly specialized area, such as mathematics or music. People of subnormal intelligence or severely limited emotional range who have prodigious intellectual gifts in a specific area. Mathematical, musical, artistic, and mechanical abilities have been among the talents demonstrated by idiot savants. Examples include performing rapid mental calculations of huge sums, playing lengthy compositions from memory after a single hearing, and repairing complex mechanisms without training. About 10% of autistic people are idiot savants; mentally retarded people may also be savants, though the incidence is much lower. See also autism; person who is mentally retarded in general but who displays remarkable aptitude in some limited field (usually involving memory); mentally handicapped person who has extraordinary skill in one area (i.e. music, mathematics, etc.); A mentally challenged person who is very gifted in one area of activity, e.g. the piano. This condition is associated with autism

idiot savant