[Neurobiological mechanisms of autistic savant and acquired savant]

The autism spectrum is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by profound social and verbal communication deficits, stereotypical motor behaviors, restricted interests, and cognitive abnormalities. It affects approximately 1% of children in most of the reported nations and regions. One of the most fascinating and mysterious features of autism, however, is the remarkable talent frequently found in people affected by it, namely autistic savant. A parallel and equally mysterious phenomenon is that some otherwise normal and ordinary individuals develop similarly remarkable talent after brain injuries, a disorder known as acquired savant. After decades of intensive investigation, significant progress has been made in these fields. Current studies indicate that autistic savant and acquired savant are neuropathologically related, and these disorders share many neurobiological mechanisms. This review summarizes current knowledge of autism and both two savant types, and how it may aid our understanding of higher brain functionalities.