Islands of Genius : Jessica Kingsley Publishers : 9781849058735 : 1849058733 : 12 Oct 2011 : * Gold Medal Winner in the Psychology / Mental Health Category of the 2011 IPPY Awards * * Silver Medal Winner in the 2010 BOTYA Awards Psychology Category * Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which individuals with developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, have one or more areas of expertise, ability, or brilliance - "islands of genius" - that exist in contrast with their overall limitations. In this fascinating book, Dr. Darold Treffert looks at what we know about this remarkable condition, and at new discoveries that raise interesting questions about the hidden brain potential within us all. Dr. Treffert explores the phenomena of genetic memory - instances in which individuals somehow "know" things they never learned - and sudden genius or "acquired savantism" - where a neuro-typical person unexpectedly and spectacularly develops savant-like abilities following a h