Not every person with autism is a savant. But many do have "splinter skills." For example, some people with autism are wonderful musicians, mathematicians, or artists. Others can design and create amazing structures, or read novels at the age of three.
In school, when Tom showed a surprising ability to do something that, in theory, should have been beyond his ability, I'd point it out to teachers and administrators. They'd say "yes, it's true - but it's really just a splinter skill." By this, they meant "yes, he can do it - but it doesn't mean anything because he doesn't relate it to the rest of his life."
My personal opinion is that dismissal of splinter skills is not only disrespectful - it's also hurtful.
How would a typical child and his parents feel if he were a terrific athlete but a struggling student, and they were told "oh, yes, he can play soccer like a pro, but it's really just a splinter skill." The implication would be that the athletics were irrelevant - cute, perhaps, but hardly worth encouraging. Instead, of course, typical children are highly supported as they show off all of their skills - and all of their skills are, generally speaking, celebrated to some degree.
People with autism are often lacking in many of the skills and abilities that are celebrated by the typical world. But most have something special to show off. For Tom, it's music. For other people it may be a knowledge of baseball stats, a talent for drawing, or an encyclopedic knowledge of Star Wars trivia.
None of these things are "just splinter skills" - they are talents. If "splinter skills" are pushed aside as junk, how is a person with autism to build a sense of worthiness or self-esteem? How is the world to see that person as talented, worthwhile, or interesting?
Of course, splinter skills can't stand on their own. But they are a foundation for building on. A talent for soccer, karate or dance can provide a typical child with a sense of belonging and prestige. A "splinter skill" can do the same for a child with autism. Just as importantly (and I'm speaking from experience here) - it can provide that child's parents with a clearer sense that their child, too, can shine.
I agree- splinter skills can be built upon and should be recognized. I think there is a fine balance however in getting a young child to expand beyond those splinter skills and not stay stuck on them. My son tends to only do what he does well at and has no interest in what he’s not good at. So we have to balance what he is very good at, and spend a little more time in the area’s he needs to gain an interest in. But ignoring what he is good at will only lead to him believing he’s not good at anything.
On this topic for any interested,
http://health.discovery.com/tv-schedules/daily.html?date=20081107.312
There is no info on this yet on the site, however I’ve seen ads for this and it looks good. they say they are the oldest twins- to my eyes they look maybe in their 50′s, with savant skills.
Discovery Health :: TV Listings :: Daily Schedule
Flo & Kay: Twin Savants
Friday, Nov. 7th 8:00 pm
(60 minutes)
There’s really nothing to add! What a great post. I completely agree.
Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed. of http://www.PositivelyAutism.com
According to the explanation provided, my son has a science/mathematical ‘splinter skill’. This article is the first time we have ever heard of this term. We did not know what to call it before, but knowing this term now makes perfect sense.
Our son is 4 and has the periodic table almost memorized,(atom/atomic weights, the whole thing really,) and he can give you detailed info on the solar system and can quote you gear ratios upon looking at a engine.
We recognized, perhaps intuitively, that this special relationship that he has with anything that spins is the key to his development in every other area. We relate everything to what he already knows. “Look, this orange has little pockets on it like an atom has pockets’ – blah blah blah…..
We have had to educate, and reeducate ourselves on everything in these areas, but it has well been worth it. We can calm him down easier when we can relate his environment to something he is already comfortable with. We can gain his attention and get eye contact when we show him something that is similar or can function with something he already likes or can play with. We have been able to teach him the concept of time through relations with the seasons and the clock and the way the earth spins around the sun in the solar system. We use this so called ‘splinter skill’ to build bridges between his world and reality. We were not sure why this is not being done on a regular or more active manner with children like him or with other ‘splinter skills’. It is a door to a child’s world for Pete’s sake! Why on earth would anyone not open it up??!
I totally agree with you. I hate seeing my brother not being celebrated by his teachers who are only concerned for his math and reading abilities. At least his classmates praise him and incourage him!!