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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
08:31
Conscious and Non-conscious Representations of Emotional Faces in Asperger's Syndrome
Published on: July 31, 2016
[Asperger syndrome with highly exceptional calendar memory: a case report].
Ali Emre Sevik1, Ebru Cengel Kültür, Hilal Demirel
1Kastamonu Devlet Hastanesi, Psikiyatri Kl., Kastamonu. aliemresevik@gmail.com
Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi = Turkish Journal of Psychiatry
|September 7, 2010
Summary
This study examines an 18-year-old male with Asperger syndrome and exceptional calendar memory, revealing mild cognitive deficits alongside significant executive function challenges. Brain imaging identified unique patterns of brain activity and blood flow, offering insights into savant syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Savant syndrome, characterized by extraordinary abilities in individuals with pervasive developmental disorders, remains incompletely understood.
- Asperger syndrome, a form of autism spectrum disorder, can present with a wide range of cognitive profiles.
Observation:
- This case study details an 18-year-old male with Asperger syndrome exhibiting remarkable calendar memory.
- Neuropsychological evaluation revealed mild deficits in attention, memory, and problem-solving, alongside severe executive function impairments.
Findings:
- Functional MRI (fMRI) showed increased brain activation in the bilateral inferior parietal lobule, precuneus, and frontal gyri.
- Brain SPECT imaging indicated hypoperfusion in the right frontal and parietal cortex, as well as the right basal ganglion, compared to baseline and the left hemisphere.
Implications:
- These findings contribute to understanding the neural underpinnings of calendar memory in savant syndrome.
- Further research can elucidate the relationship between brain structure, function, and exceptional cognitive abilities in autism spectrum disorder.
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