Multiple Intelligence Explains the Presence of Savants

Running head: MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE EXPLAINS THE PRESENCE OF SAVANTS
MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE EXPLAINS THE PRESENCE OF SAVANTS
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MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE EXPLAINS THE PRESENCE OF SAVANTS
Prior to associating multiple intelligence theory with savants, it is important to
understand the two concepts separately first. Multiple intelligences (MI) refer to the intelligence
possessed by individuals that goes beyond just the general intelligence or the IQ. Dr. Howard
Gardener, a professor at the Harvard University had developed the theory of multiple
intelligences in the year 1983 (Taase et al., 2015). According to Dr. Gardener, the traditional idea
of intelligence based on the IQ tests is very limited. He thus proposed eight different
intelligences that would explanation for a wider range of human potential in both adults and
children. These included linguistic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, spatial
intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence,
intrapersonal intelligence and naturalist intelligence.
Individuals possessing linguistic intelligence are geniuses with words while those having
logical-mathematical intelligence have exceptional in numbers and reasoning. Spatial
intelligence people are brilliant with pictures whereas bodily-kinesthetic intelligent people are
great at understanding bodily movements (Baş & Beyhab, 2017). Those having musical
intelligence are great at playing all types of musical instruments and singing as well.
Interpersonal intelligence refers to a person’s ability to deal with people while intrapersonal
intelligence refers to the ability to deal with oneself. An individual’s extreme closeness with the
nature refers to naturalist intelligence.
Savant syndrome, on the other hand, is a rare condition where an individual incurs
developmental disability but possesses a set of skills that are unmatched by others. These skills
are mostly cognitive and relate to areas of logical reasoning, creativity capacity and memory
processing. Quickly solving difficult numerical calculations, easily memorizing entire contents
of books and developing great artistic works are few of the many skills possessed by savants.

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MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE EXPLAINS THE PRESENCE OF SAVANTS
Savants thus have amazing abilities that are severely distinct from their overall mental
disabilities.
Many reasons have been identified as causing savant syndrome but psychologists are yet
to identify the exact cause. In general, savant syndrome is considered a congenital illness that is,
inherited through genes or prenatal occurrence of abnormalities. Apart from that, it could also
occur due to some injury to the brain’s left hemisphere. In a number of cases, savant syndrome is
associated with Autism or Asperger’s syndrome because people suffering from it demonstrate
poor communication and social interaction skills (Baron-Cohen & Lombardo, 2017).
It is clear from the explanation above that MI theory is apt for explaining Savants. One of
the eight multiple intelligences is logical-mathematical intelligence where the individuals
demonstrate exceptional numbers and reasoning capability. In Savants, this intelligence is highly
visible as they are able to calculate large numbers without the help of calculators or even tell the
exact day of the week of any year. Savants also demonstrate other MIs like spatial, kinesthetic,
musical and linguistic intelligence.
However, it has been observed that for years, many have regarded Savants as possessing
low IQ, which is not actually the case. As Treffert (2014) put it, “low IQ is not necessarily an
accompaniment of savant syndrome; in some cases IQ can be superior”. The scholar further
argues that the skills demonstrated by the Savants increase over time and not just diminish
suddenly. Finocchiaro et al. (2015) agree to this view stating that savant syndrome actually
displays the closest association with the MI theory. According to the authors, MI theory
incorporates eight intelligences that are also demonstrated by the Savants. Therefore, it is clear
that MI theory has the best explanation for the Savants.