Hi Guys, I found this as quite interesting thought you might like to see the article too: -
A genius explains
Daniel Tammet is an autistic savant. He can perform mind-boggling mathematical calculations at breakneck speeds. But unlike other savants, who can perform similar feats, Tammet can describe how he does it. He speaks seven languages and is even devising his own language. Now scientists are asking whether his exceptional abilities are the key to unlock the secrets of autism. Interview by Richard Johnson
Saturday February 12, 2005 The Guardian
Daniel Tammet is talking. As he talks, he studies my shirt and counts the stitches. Ever since the age of three, when he suffered an epileptic fit, Tammet has been obsessed with counting. Now he is 26, and a mathematical genius who can figure out cube roots quicker than a calculator and recall pi to 22,514 decimal places. He also happens to be autistic, which is why he can't drive a car, wire a plug, or tell right from left. He lives with extraordinary ability and disability.
The rest of the interview at
[link= http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,1409903,00.html ]www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,,1409903,00.html[/link]
Rgds,
roger
RE: Autistic Savant explains how he does math
Thanks Roger - what an amazing person, and a very well written article too. I find the possibility that we all have these untapped reservoirs of talent stored away in secret boxes in our heads wonderful - if only there was another way of tapping into them than having an epileptic fit!
Hope you are well,
Sharon.
RE: Autistic Savant explains how he does math
hi, my sonwho's 7years old and has a form of Autism( not diagnose till November)and he was slow in infant school but loved numbers, since starting juniorshe has more to stimulate his brain now.His learning in maths has been goingfantastically, he was slow at reading in infants, but now within 6 weeks has learn to read 11 books, which is coming right up to his learning age.
It's like if he was kept back in infants, but all of a sudden he found work that he can relate to.
Something has change.
He never like to know about months or weeks, he always ask, how many days and then he will remind me "how many day's to a event was left.
He even use to Court every thing I put into his lunch box and if it was over 5 things, I would have to take it out.
Also hehad a problem with no 9 and 7, for a fewyears writing the numbers, seem to be OK now.
Thought Id'e share with you.
love and blessings
lightwinds
Wendy x
RE: Autistic Savant explains how he does math
I watched a program with that guy on. He learned icelandic in 6 days..wow! Intreguing person , really makes you re-evaluate what humans are capable of!
RE: Autistic Savant explains how he does math
Wendy your little bboy sounds as if he's got very special qualities - I'm glad to hear he's doing so well now.
Sharonx