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Wisconsin Medical Journal
111 #2
111 #2
What's New
Access the Archive of Past "What's New?" Items
Update—February 20, 2012
Taylor Crowe lecture April 18: Finding the Gifts/Using the Strengths
At the invitation of Dr. Treffert, Taylor Crowe and his father David Crowe will be giving a lecture April 18, 2012 at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Taylor, now a young adult, (www.taylorcrowe.com), will provide insights on what life with autism has been like, including how his extraordinary art skills have been a “conduit for growth” toward a career and independence. Taylor graduated from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts in character animation.
Inspired by Taylor's progress from late onset autism, Taylor's father David now lectures on the topic and established the Tailor Institute (www.thetailorinstitute.org), which is dedicated to helping high functioning individuals on the autism spectrum harness their special skills and gifts, find the tools they need to work with, and achieve their full potential and independence. Taylor's father will discuss the evolution and success of that institute.
Click here for more information about the program and to pre-register.
Update—February 14, 2012
The "Genius of Earlswood Asylum" has a new home
It was in 1887 that Dr. J. Langdon Down provided the first description of savant syndrome. Dr. Down is better known for having described—at that same time—Down's Syndrome (trisomy 21). He was Superintendent of the Royal Earlswood Asylum in London at the time, and one of its most famous residents was an early savant named James Pullen, the "Genius of Earlswood Asylum." (Pullen is described in more detail in a profile on this site.)
Recently, The Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disabilities opened at the site of the old Normansfield Hospital in South London. While that hospital—like Royal Earlswood—has closed, the museum exists now on the old hospital property in what was the home of Dr. Down, his wife Mary and their children. Several of the museum’s prize exhibits are some of Pullen's extraordinary works including his mechanical “giant” and two very large, carved ships---the Princess Alexander and The Great Eastern. A recent article in The Guardian provides more detail on this interesting museum and its role in maintaining some items pertinent to the early history of savant syndrome.
Update—January 24, 2012
Augmenting Cognition: Can we make ourselves smarter?
Augmenting Cognition, a book recently published by EPFL Press (Switzerland), contains a chapter by Dr. Treffert titled "Accessing our 'inner savant':The little Rain Man within us all." The book is a comprehensive summary of developments in the field of AugCog, which focuses on genetic, pharmacologic, electrical and optical devices combined with brain-computer interfaces for restoring and augmenting cognition in patients with various conditions, and augmenting cognition in neurotypical persons.
Update—December 29, 2011
Separating 'autistic-like' behaviors from Autistic Disorders in children who read early (Hyperlexia) or speak late (Einstein Syndrome)
The December Issue of WMJ, published by the Wisconsin Medical Society, contains an article titled: "Hyperlexia III: Separating 'autistic-like' Behaviors from Autistic Disorder; Assessing Children who Read Early, Speak Late" by Dr. Treffert. There has been wide interest in the Hyperlexia III posting on this website in the past several years, and now this paper puts the critical distinction between 'autistic-like' behaviors and Autistic Disorder itself into the professional, in-print literature. The article in its entirety can be accessed here.
Update—December 29, 2011
Scholars with Autism: Achieving Dreams
Scholars with Autism: Achieving Dreams is a newly published book about hope and success from Auricle Press. It is an anthology of eight inspiring autobiographical journeys of some remarkable persons living on the spectrum. All achieved distinguished academic success and each refused to let a diagnosis define them. The introduction to the book is a chapter by Dr. Treffert titled "Oval Souls on a Round Planet," which explores things in common and things distinct in this group of extraordinary people.
Update—December 29, 2011
"You raise me up....That's my boy!"
If ever there was a video that shows the importance of the family who believes in their 'boy' and the power of mentor/teacher/coach, this is it. It is the perfect way to start an inspired New Year. Watch the whole video, it is empowering.
Update—December 5, 2011
A Friend Indeed: the Bill Sackter Story
Before Barry Morrow wrote Rain Man, he wrote two made-for-television movies called Bill in which Mickey Rooney played the part of a cognitively disabled person named Bill. Now Layne Wyrick has produced a very inspirational, uplifting movie that features "Bill"--Bill Sackter--in real life as the touching story unfolded on the campus of the University of Iowa where Bill became, eventually, a beloved celebrity/hero in the whole state. The entire 90-minute feature can be seen at www.BillSackter.com. It is a powerful, inspirational 90 minutes well worth watching. While Bill was not a savant, his abilities and story are just as compelling.
Update—November 10, 2011
"Islands of Genius" is now in paperback
Islands of Genius: The Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired and Sudden Savant is now available in paperback and Kindle versions through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or directly from the Publisher, Jessica Kingsley, Inc. The cover contains comments by Oliver Sacks and Temple Grandin about the book, and notes that the book won the Gold Medal in the Psychology/Mental Health category of the 2011 Impendent Publisher Book Awards. As with the hardcover edition, the front and back covers contain Stephen Wiltshire's five-day drawing of a seven square mile view of London from the air following a brief helicopter flight over the city.
Update—October 3, 2011
Windows of Genius: Art of the Prodigious Savant
Very Special Arts-Wisconsin is sponsoring an art exhibit featuring the works of a number of prodigious savants including Stephen Wiltshire, Temple Grandin, Gregory Blackstock, Gilles Trehin, Ping Lian Yeak, Amanda LaMunon and others. It is running now until December 28, 2011 at the VSA-Wisconsin headquarters at 1700 Aberg Avenue in Madison, Wis. Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesday from 2-5:30 p.m. or by appointment for groups of students or other interested persons. Dr. Treffert will present a gallery lecture about the artists in the exhibit and their very special skills on Wednesday, November 30 at 7 p.m. at the gallery.
For more information about the exhibit click here www.vsawis.org or call 608.241.2131.
Update—September 12, 2011
The fastest and best 10-minute summary of savant syndrome
This trailer for the Beautiful Minds:Voyage into the Brain DVD by Colourfield Productions in Dortmund, Germany presents the fastest and best 10-minute summary of savant syndrome available. It can be accessed at http://www.colourfield.de/brain/normalsize.html. The three-hour documentary itself, which this trailer summarizes, has been broadcast and viewed in many countries worldwide. More information about it can be obtained at www.colourfield.de/expedition/index.html in German or English language.
Update—July 22, 2011
Ping Lian Yeak Exhibit in Sydney, Australia
Eighteen-year-old autistic savant artist Ping Lian Yeak will have 25 pieces of artwork, painted from age 10-17, on display at The Rocks Pop-Up Project on the Sydney, Australia waterfront. Available until October 30, 2011, exhibit visitors will be able to see Ping Lian at work on certain afternoons. Ping Lian was one of 15 artists chosen for this project from over 65 submissions. The Rocks Pop-up Project runs through November 14. Search keyword "The Rocks Pop-Up Project" for location and schedule.
Update—July 22, 2011
The Genius of Earlswood Asylum has a new home
Since the closure of the Royal Earlswood hospital in 1997, its museum committee has been looking for a permanent home for over 60 pieces of work by James Pullen, also known as the Genius of Earlswood Asylum. Some of Pullen's extraordinary works have been housed at the Belfry Shopping center for the past 14 years but now they will be housed on a permanent basis to a new museum at the Langdon Down Centre near Teddington, Middlesex. The works displayed will include numerous paintings, an intricate, hand carved model of the SS Great Eastern, the "State Barge" and "Pullen's Giant", a four metre high mechanical model of a Prussian soldier operated from the inside with levers for the arms, legs and facial features.
The Langdon Down Centre is an especially appropriate setting for the Pullen works since Dr. J. Langdon Down spent his early career years as Royal Earlswood first medical superintendent. Dr. Down knew Pullen personally and it was at Royal Earlswood where Down indentified and described savant syndrome along with what is now known as Down's Syndrome. The Langdon Down Centre, located at the site of the Normansfield hospital that Dr. Down later developed, is now the headquarters of the Down's Syndrome Association. The new museum should be opened by the summer of 2012.
Update—June 22, 2011
Two new videos of Leslie Lemke
There are two new videos posted on the Leslie Lemke profile. The first is "May's final concert," in which Leslie brings his Mom, May Lemke—The Woman Who Willed a Miracle—to life out of her Alzheimer's just as she brought Leslie to life from his severe disability. May died shortly after that last concert.
The second video features excerpts from the Marian University concert in Fond du Lac on April 15, 2011. Especially entertaining are the several segments where Leslie confesses finally "I'm making it up" as he creates both the tune and lyrics to requests from the audience. Those songs, created on-the-spot, provide an insightful glimpse at Leslie's ability to create, not just recall pieces. Futhermore, they contradict his measured IQ of 58.
Update—June 17, 2011
Leslie Lemke DVD now available
Update—June 17, 2011
A lecture on Savant Syndrome from Manifesting the Mind Symposium
This year's "Manifesting the Mind" symposium included a lecture on Savant Syndrome by Dr. Treffert, focusing particularly on the acquired savant and genetic memory. The "Extraordinary People: Savant Syndrome" lecture can be accessed by title here.
Update—May 31, 2011
A Gold Medal for Islands of Genius
Dr. Treffert's book, Islands of Genius: The Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired and Sudden Savant, won a Gold Medal in the Psychology and Mental Health category of the 2011 Independent Publisher Book (IPPY) Awards. The awards were presented on May 23 in New York. The 2010 book is a compendium of interesting case reports, coupled with a summary of past and current research into the recruitment, rewiring and release mechanisms in savant syndrome, which hints at dormant potential within everyone and how to tap that with the least intrusive techniques.
Update—May 10, 2011
Psychology Today sat down with Dr. Treffert over the course of a few days to discuss a wide range of topics, including creativity, autism, savant syndrome and more. Click here to read the eight-part conversation.
Update—May 4, 2011
Leslie Lemke in Concert
Many people who missed the April 14, 2011 concert in Fond du Lac have inquired where they might be able to hear Leslie Lemke again. On Sunday, May 22, 2011, Leslie will perform his "And Sings My Soul" concert at the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, at 2:00 p.m.
The address is:
819 East Silver Spring Drive
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
No ticket is required. There will be a free-will offering at the concert.
Update—April 19, 2011
Leslie Lemke in concert: "And Sings My Soul"
Update—March 7, 2011
Savant sculptor and artist launches website
Alonzo Clemons continues to sculpt as magnificently as ever, creating intricate animal figures with accuracy and speed. Recently he was featured in a Discovery Science program in the Ingenious Minds series. He now has a website, which provides more up to date information on this extraordinary savant.
Update—February 14, 2011
Acquired Savant & Ingenious Minds The acquired savant continues to get new attention. Jon Sarkin is such a case. He had a stroke and following that new, intense art ability emerged where none had been present prior to the CNS incident. Discovery Science channel is producing four one hour programs focusing on savant syndrome, with several episodes especially focused on "accidental genius." One of these programs was already broadcast. One of the featured savants in that first program was Jon Sarkin. You can view the entire video of Sarkin here.
Discovery Science has named the series Ingenious Minds. The next broadcast will be February 17, 2011 at 10:00 pm EST. That episode will feature Derek Amato and George Widener. Each episode will include neuroimaging studies on each specific individual. The two remaining programs will be broadcast in subsequent weeks so watch for them in the Discovery Science channel.
Update—January 31, 2011
Exploring Savant Syndrome: A radio, podcast and transcript interview
Dr. David Van Nuys hosts a popular radio program from the San Francisco Area titled "Shrink Rap Radio: All the psychology you need to know and just enough to make you dangerous." His program # 246 is an interview with Dr. Treffert on savant syndrome. It can be accessed on Shrink Rap Radio's website. The interview is a wide-ranging discussion of savant syndrome and Dr. Treffert's new book, Islands of Genius: The Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired and Sudden Savant. The interview has now been transcribed into print and can be accessed here.
Update—January 20, 2011 Music is Therapy: Exploring music therapy in savant syndrome
Lawrence Carlson, R.M.T. hosts a "Music is Therapy" program on WHPC 90.3 fm in New York on a weekly basis. On January 25 at 2:00 pm, and again on January 28 at 11:30 am, the program will be a conversation between Dr. Treffert and Mr. Carlson on the frequency of music as one of the skills in savant syndrome, and on the role of music therapy in 'training the talent' in these special, differently-abled persons. The broadcast times are Eastern Time Zone.
Update—December 28, 2010
Savant Art at Carnegie Hall
The McCarton Foundation is presenting a program "The Genius of Autism: Talent that Knows No Boundaries" in the Zankel Hall of Carnegie Hall on January 10, 2011.
Mistress of Ceremonies will be Broadway and Film star Laura Linney. Artists Stephen Wiltshire and Amanda Lamunyon will be present in person! The event includes a "Strokes of Genius" art exhibit, pre-performance reception, silent auction and the performance itself. Further information and tickets can be purchased through Carnegie Hall at www.carnegiehall.org or 212-247-7800, or by contacting Rosa Martinez at rcmphd1@verizon.net.
For more information, please contact:
Darold A. Treffert, MD
St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry
University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison
Personal Web site: www.daroldtreffert.com
E-mail: daroldt@charter.net
Update—February 20, 2012
Taylor Crowe lecture April 18: Finding the Gifts/Using the Strengths
At the invitation of Dr. Treffert, Taylor Crowe and his father David Crowe will be giving a lecture April 18, 2012 at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Taylor, now a young adult, (www.taylorcrowe.com), will provide insights on what life with autism has been like, including how his extraordinary art skills have been a “conduit for growth” toward a career and independence. Taylor graduated from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts in character animation.
Inspired by Taylor's progress from late onset autism, Taylor's father David now lectures on the topic and established the Tailor Institute (www.thetailorinstitute.org), which is dedicated to helping high functioning individuals on the autism spectrum harness their special skills and gifts, find the tools they need to work with, and achieve their full potential and independence. Taylor's father will discuss the evolution and success of that institute.
Click here for more information about the program and to pre-register.
Update—February 14, 2012
The "Genius of Earlswood Asylum" has a new home
It was in 1887 that Dr. J. Langdon Down provided the first description of savant syndrome. Dr. Down is better known for having described—at that same time—Down's Syndrome (trisomy 21). He was Superintendent of the Royal Earlswood Asylum in London at the time, and one of its most famous residents was an early savant named James Pullen, the "Genius of Earlswood Asylum." (Pullen is described in more detail in a profile on this site.)
Recently, The Langdon Down Museum of Learning Disabilities opened at the site of the old Normansfield Hospital in South London. While that hospital—like Royal Earlswood—has closed, the museum exists now on the old hospital property in what was the home of Dr. Down, his wife Mary and their children. Several of the museum’s prize exhibits are some of Pullen's extraordinary works including his mechanical “giant” and two very large, carved ships---the Princess Alexander and The Great Eastern. A recent article in The Guardian provides more detail on this interesting museum and its role in maintaining some items pertinent to the early history of savant syndrome.
Update—January 24, 2012
Augmenting Cognition: Can we make ourselves smarter?
Augmenting Cognition, a book recently published by EPFL Press (Switzerland), contains a chapter by Dr. Treffert titled "Accessing our 'inner savant':The little Rain Man within us all." The book is a comprehensive summary of developments in the field of AugCog, which focuses on genetic, pharmacologic, electrical and optical devices combined with brain-computer interfaces for restoring and augmenting cognition in patients with various conditions, and augmenting cognition in neurotypical persons.
Update—December 29, 2011
Separating 'autistic-like' behaviors from Autistic Disorders in children who read early (Hyperlexia) or speak late (Einstein Syndrome)
The December Issue of WMJ, published by the Wisconsin Medical Society, contains an article titled: "Hyperlexia III: Separating 'autistic-like' Behaviors from Autistic Disorder; Assessing Children who Read Early, Speak Late" by Dr. Treffert. There has been wide interest in the Hyperlexia III posting on this website in the past several years, and now this paper puts the critical distinction between 'autistic-like' behaviors and Autistic Disorder itself into the professional, in-print literature. The article in its entirety can be accessed here.
Update—December 29, 2011
Scholars with Autism: Achieving Dreams
Scholars with Autism: Achieving Dreams is a newly published book about hope and success from Auricle Press. It is an anthology of eight inspiring autobiographical journeys of some remarkable persons living on the spectrum. All achieved distinguished academic success and each refused to let a diagnosis define them. The introduction to the book is a chapter by Dr. Treffert titled "Oval Souls on a Round Planet," which explores things in common and things distinct in this group of extraordinary people.
Update—December 29, 2011
"You raise me up....That's my boy!"
If ever there was a video that shows the importance of the family who believes in their 'boy' and the power of mentor/teacher/coach, this is it. It is the perfect way to start an inspired New Year. Watch the whole video, it is empowering.
Update—December 5, 2011
A Friend Indeed: the Bill Sackter Story
Before Barry Morrow wrote Rain Man, he wrote two made-for-television movies called Bill in which Mickey Rooney played the part of a cognitively disabled person named Bill. Now Layne Wyrick has produced a very inspirational, uplifting movie that features "Bill"--Bill Sackter--in real life as the touching story unfolded on the campus of the University of Iowa where Bill became, eventually, a beloved celebrity/hero in the whole state. The entire 90-minute feature can be seen at www.BillSackter.com. It is a powerful, inspirational 90 minutes well worth watching. While Bill was not a savant, his abilities and story are just as compelling.
Update—November 10, 2011
"Islands of Genius" is now in paperback
Islands of Genius: The Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired and Sudden Savant is now available in paperback and Kindle versions through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or directly from the Publisher, Jessica Kingsley, Inc. The cover contains comments by Oliver Sacks and Temple Grandin about the book, and notes that the book won the Gold Medal in the Psychology/Mental Health category of the 2011 Impendent Publisher Book Awards. As with the hardcover edition, the front and back covers contain Stephen Wiltshire's five-day drawing of a seven square mile view of London from the air following a brief helicopter flight over the city.
Update—October 3, 2011
Windows of Genius: Art of the Prodigious Savant
Very Special Arts-Wisconsin is sponsoring an art exhibit featuring the works of a number of prodigious savants including Stephen Wiltshire, Temple Grandin, Gregory Blackstock, Gilles Trehin, Ping Lian Yeak, Amanda LaMunon and others. It is running now until December 28, 2011 at the VSA-Wisconsin headquarters at 1700 Aberg Avenue in Madison, Wis. Gallery hours are Mondays and Wednesday from 2-5:30 p.m. or by appointment for groups of students or other interested persons. Dr. Treffert will present a gallery lecture about the artists in the exhibit and their very special skills on Wednesday, November 30 at 7 p.m. at the gallery.
For more information about the exhibit click here www.vsawis.org or call 608.241.2131.
Update—September 12, 2011
The fastest and best 10-minute summary of savant syndrome
This trailer for the Beautiful Minds:Voyage into the Brain DVD by Colourfield Productions in Dortmund, Germany presents the fastest and best 10-minute summary of savant syndrome available. It can be accessed at http://www.colourfield.de/brain/normalsize.html. The three-hour documentary itself, which this trailer summarizes, has been broadcast and viewed in many countries worldwide. More information about it can be obtained at www.colourfield.de/expedition/index.html in German or English language.
Update—July 22, 2011
Ping Lian Yeak Exhibit in Sydney, Australia
Eighteen-year-old autistic savant artist Ping Lian Yeak will have 25 pieces of artwork, painted from age 10-17, on display at The Rocks Pop-Up Project on the Sydney, Australia waterfront. Available until October 30, 2011, exhibit visitors will be able to see Ping Lian at work on certain afternoons. Ping Lian was one of 15 artists chosen for this project from over 65 submissions. The Rocks Pop-up Project runs through November 14. Search keyword "The Rocks Pop-Up Project" for location and schedule.
Update—July 22, 2011
The Genius of Earlswood Asylum has a new home
Since the closure of the Royal Earlswood hospital in 1997, its museum committee has been looking for a permanent home for over 60 pieces of work by James Pullen, also known as the Genius of Earlswood Asylum. Some of Pullen's extraordinary works have been housed at the Belfry Shopping center for the past 14 years but now they will be housed on a permanent basis to a new museum at the Langdon Down Centre near Teddington, Middlesex. The works displayed will include numerous paintings, an intricate, hand carved model of the SS Great Eastern, the "State Barge" and "Pullen's Giant", a four metre high mechanical model of a Prussian soldier operated from the inside with levers for the arms, legs and facial features.
The Langdon Down Centre is an especially appropriate setting for the Pullen works since Dr. J. Langdon Down spent his early career years as Royal Earlswood first medical superintendent. Dr. Down knew Pullen personally and it was at Royal Earlswood where Down indentified and described savant syndrome along with what is now known as Down's Syndrome. The Langdon Down Centre, located at the site of the Normansfield hospital that Dr. Down later developed, is now the headquarters of the Down's Syndrome Association. The new museum should be opened by the summer of 2012.
Update—June 22, 2011
Two new videos of Leslie Lemke
There are two new videos posted on the Leslie Lemke profile. The first is "May's final concert," in which Leslie brings his Mom, May Lemke—The Woman Who Willed a Miracle—to life out of her Alzheimer's just as she brought Leslie to life from his severe disability. May died shortly after that last concert.
The second video features excerpts from the Marian University concert in Fond du Lac on April 15, 2011. Especially entertaining are the several segments where Leslie confesses finally "I'm making it up" as he creates both the tune and lyrics to requests from the audience. Those songs, created on-the-spot, provide an insightful glimpse at Leslie's ability to create, not just recall pieces. Futhermore, they contradict his measured IQ of 58.
Update—June 17, 2011
Leslie Lemke DVD now available
|
A DVD of the April 15, 2011 Marian University, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin concert by Leslie Lemke--"And sings my soul"--is now available for purchase.
All of the proceeds go directly to Leslie and Mary, to help with home remodeling improvements and his continued care. The cost is $ 20.00 post paid. Checks or money orders should be made out to Miracle of Love Ministries and requests sent to the following address: Leslie Lemke DVD c/o Miracle of Love Ministries W4065 Maplewood Lane Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54937 Further information about the DVD can be obtained from savants@charter.net |
Update—June 17, 2011
A lecture on Savant Syndrome from Manifesting the Mind Symposium
This year's "Manifesting the Mind" symposium included a lecture on Savant Syndrome by Dr. Treffert, focusing particularly on the acquired savant and genetic memory. The "Extraordinary People: Savant Syndrome" lecture can be accessed by title here.
Update—May 31, 2011
A Gold Medal for Islands of Genius
Dr. Treffert's book, Islands of Genius: The Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired and Sudden Savant, won a Gold Medal in the Psychology and Mental Health category of the 2011 Independent Publisher Book (IPPY) Awards. The awards were presented on May 23 in New York. The 2010 book is a compendium of interesting case reports, coupled with a summary of past and current research into the recruitment, rewiring and release mechanisms in savant syndrome, which hints at dormant potential within everyone and how to tap that with the least intrusive techniques.
Update—May 10, 2011
Psychology Today sat down with Dr. Treffert over the course of a few days to discuss a wide range of topics, including creativity, autism, savant syndrome and more. Click here to read the eight-part conversation.
Update—May 4, 2011
Leslie Lemke in Concert
Many people who missed the April 14, 2011 concert in Fond du Lac have inquired where they might be able to hear Leslie Lemke again. On Sunday, May 22, 2011, Leslie will perform his "And Sings My Soul" concert at the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, at 2:00 p.m.
The address is:
819 East Silver Spring Drive
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
No ticket is required. There will be a free-will offering at the concert.
Update—April 19, 2011
Leslie Lemke in concert: "And Sings My Soul"
|
Leslie Lemke performed a concert on April 15, 2011 at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Somewhat of a homecoming, it was a concert in Fond du Lac in June, 1980 that launched Leslie's ultimate celebrity status though a wire service story of the performance, which led to an appearance on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite that Christmas season. Numerous television appearances followed, including That's Incredible, 60 Minutes. Donahue, Oprah (several times) and many others. Dustin Hoffman was so moved by Leslie's appearance on 60 Minutes that it influenced his decision to play the savant in the movie Rain Man.
The concert, entitled "And sings my soul" from a line in one of Leslie's favorite hymns, helped raise funds for an "extreme home remodeling" of the house where Leslie lives with May Lemke's daughter, Mary Parker, as his guardian and caregiver. Through the years, May, Leslie and Mary have unselfishly shared Leslie's 'miracle of music' as a gift from God, never exploiting him, and living very modestly, often giving concerts for free. Their home is badly in need of repair, including the roof, windows, ramp and furnace, and in need of being made much more handicap accessible for Leslie. Read more about the concert in the Fond du Lac Reporter. |
Update—March 7, 2011
Savant sculptor and artist launches website
Alonzo Clemons continues to sculpt as magnificently as ever, creating intricate animal figures with accuracy and speed. Recently he was featured in a Discovery Science program in the Ingenious Minds series. He now has a website, which provides more up to date information on this extraordinary savant.
Update—February 14, 2011
Acquired Savant & Ingenious Minds The acquired savant continues to get new attention. Jon Sarkin is such a case. He had a stroke and following that new, intense art ability emerged where none had been present prior to the CNS incident. Discovery Science channel is producing four one hour programs focusing on savant syndrome, with several episodes especially focused on "accidental genius." One of these programs was already broadcast. One of the featured savants in that first program was Jon Sarkin. You can view the entire video of Sarkin here.
Discovery Science has named the series Ingenious Minds. The next broadcast will be February 17, 2011 at 10:00 pm EST. That episode will feature Derek Amato and George Widener. Each episode will include neuroimaging studies on each specific individual. The two remaining programs will be broadcast in subsequent weeks so watch for them in the Discovery Science channel.
Update—January 31, 2011
Exploring Savant Syndrome: A radio, podcast and transcript interview
Dr. David Van Nuys hosts a popular radio program from the San Francisco Area titled "Shrink Rap Radio: All the psychology you need to know and just enough to make you dangerous." His program # 246 is an interview with Dr. Treffert on savant syndrome. It can be accessed on Shrink Rap Radio's website. The interview is a wide-ranging discussion of savant syndrome and Dr. Treffert's new book, Islands of Genius: The Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired and Sudden Savant. The interview has now been transcribed into print and can be accessed here.
Update—January 20, 2011 Music is Therapy: Exploring music therapy in savant syndrome
Lawrence Carlson, R.M.T. hosts a "Music is Therapy" program on WHPC 90.3 fm in New York on a weekly basis. On January 25 at 2:00 pm, and again on January 28 at 11:30 am, the program will be a conversation between Dr. Treffert and Mr. Carlson on the frequency of music as one of the skills in savant syndrome, and on the role of music therapy in 'training the talent' in these special, differently-abled persons. The broadcast times are Eastern Time Zone.
Update—December 28, 2010
Savant Art at Carnegie Hall
The McCarton Foundation is presenting a program "The Genius of Autism: Talent that Knows No Boundaries" in the Zankel Hall of Carnegie Hall on January 10, 2011.
Mistress of Ceremonies will be Broadway and Film star Laura Linney. Artists Stephen Wiltshire and Amanda Lamunyon will be present in person! The event includes a "Strokes of Genius" art exhibit, pre-performance reception, silent auction and the performance itself. Further information and tickets can be purchased through Carnegie Hall at www.carnegiehall.org or 212-247-7800, or by contacting Rosa Martinez at rcmphd1@verizon.net.
For more information, please contact:
Darold A. Treffert, MD
St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry
University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison
Personal Web site: www.daroldtreffert.com
E-mail: daroldt@charter.net
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