The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
No Access

An investigation of calendar calculating by an idiot savant

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.132.5.557

Three mechanisms (eidetic imagery, high-speed calculation, and substitute compensation for normal learning) were investigated and rejected as possible explanations for the calendar-calculating ability of a particular idiot savant. Reaction times for calendar calculations indicated that he used neither an idiosyncratic nor a calendar-based system. Rote memory and a special ability to concentrate for extended periods of time were postulated to explain this individual's performance.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.