artist | Understanding and Embracing Diversity

This documentary features one of science’s enigmas, the Savants, a.k.a. ‘The Knowing Ones’. There are less than 100 known Savants in the world today and half of them have Autism. These people have extraordinary talents in areas such as Mathematics and Art. A lot of them have brilliant memories, too (check out my post on The Psychology of Savants: Memory Masters). Scientists in the documentary below conducted experiements that looked at the workings of the brain to answer questions about how the brains of the Savants work. They also wondered whether geniuses such as Albert Einstein and Mozart had Autism. Watch and enjoy:

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More on Autism:

What does Autism mean?

Communication difficulties in Autism

Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper: Asperger’s Syndrome’s Poster Boy?

Guide to parents of students with ASD on coping with the first day back to school

Inspiring People with Autism:

Dr. Temple Grandin

Jessica-Jane Applegate (British Paralympian)

Satoshi Tajiri (Pokemon creator)

Carly Fleischmann

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a spectrum of life-long conditions that are characterised by difficulties in areas such as social interactions, communication and imagination. In addition, it has been found that over 70% of poeple with ASD also have mental health problems. Taken altogether, these challenges can make day to day living daunting to those who are diagnosed with the condition. However, there are a lot of people with ASD who have found a way to flourish and not let their diagnosis bring them down. I have previously featured Dr. Temple Grandin, Pokemon creator Satoshi Tajiri and Paralympic gold medalist Jessica-Jane Applegate.

This post features four people with Autism who have extraordinary talents for painting and drawing. The stories of these artists have inspired many, including myself, to pursue life-long goals no matter what the challenges are.

STEPHEN WILTSHIRE

Stephen Wiltshire has been diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. The Human Camera, as he is now known, communicated through his drawings early in his life. He has been awarded with an MBE and is now a hugely successful artist. Some of his famous works are incredibly detailed panoramic drawings of famous cities around the world.

Stephen’s drawing of Manhattan:

RICHARD WAWRO

Richard is a British artist who was considered a Savant by many. Just like Stephen Wiltschire, Richard did not speak for the majority of his early childhood. He is known for his detailed wax-crayon-drawings such as the one below.