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The savant syndrome and extrasensory perception
1Department of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Psychological Reports
|December 1, 1991
Summary
This study examines claims of extrasensory perception (ESP) in autistic savant children, questioning the validity of anecdotal evidence due to a lack of independent verification. Further research is needed to explore these extraordinary claims rigorously.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Parapsychology
Background:
- Autistic savants sometimes display extraordinary abilities.
- Claims of extrasensory perception (ESP) have been anecdotally linked to some autistic savant children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the evidence presented for ESP in autistic savant children.
- To assess the scientific rigor of cited examples of alleged ESP phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and cited case examples.
- Analysis of the evidentiary basis for claims of ESP.
Main Results:
- Cited evidence for ESP in autistic savants is primarily anecdotal.
- The presented evidence lacks independent corroboration and scientific scrutiny.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence base is insufficient to support claims of ESP in autistic savant children.
- Further rigorous, independently verifiable research is required.