by Lida Prypchan
Brilliance, protégée, or extremely talented are terms often used with one who has high intellect or spectacular talents that defy what is considered the norm. Not often do we see the term brilliance utilized outside of this arena. There are however times when one takes pause to explore the extraordinary accomplishments which do not seem to fit perfectly inside the box as the world would have. We have seen this around the world, children completing their college education long before their counterparts complete their high school education. Musical talents which cause the world to take note, whether it be because of the age of the musician or their extraordinary abilities. As we explore the phenomena of these abilities, it is possibly common thought to not include those who may have less than what would be considered normal intelligence or diagnosed with a disorder that give the connotation of being less than or different.
One such disorder that has been demonstrative of spectacular and creative abilities is Autism. According to the American Autism Association describes Autism as “…childhood-onset developmental disorder…defined by a triad of deficits in social reciprocity, communication, and repetitive behaviors or interests, each of which can occur at different levels of severity?” (Association, 2013). “Autistic people are often thought of as “disabled”, but maybe it is the non-autistic people who truly are disabled in understanding the brilliance that could
lie behind autism. ’(Wise, 2010). Therefore, often thought as an anomaly when one who is considered “disabled” demonstrates creative abilities beyond what is often considered possible. Szalavitz, M. (2012) wrote of a study conducted by Ruthsatz and. Urbacheight of eight (8) child prodigies finding considerable similarities, characteristics and high levels of autistic traits. Additionally, Maia conveyed while there are obvious similarities with extraordinary talent and the autistic spectrum little research has been embarked upon to date (2012). As we explore this phenomena, we will introduce Glenn Gould, his extraordinary abilities and controversy surrounding the possibilities of an autism diagnosis.
References
Association, A. A. (2013, October 20). American Autism Association . Retrieved from American Autism Association : http://www.myautism.org/what-is-autism
Szalavitz, M. (2012, July 10). What Genius and Autism Have in Common. Time.
Wise, Caitie. Forming pathways: a theoretical review of autism. Diss. 2010
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