Essay: Multiple Intelligences Theory Explains Presence of Savants

This essay examines the Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory and its relevance to understanding savant syndrome. It begins by defining MI, as proposed by Howard Gardner, which expands beyond traditional IQ to encompass various intelligences like linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, and others. The essay then defines savant syndrome, a condition marked by developmental disabilities coupled with extraordinary cognitive skills. The core argument is that MI theory effectively explains savant abilities, particularly in areas like logical-mathematical reasoning, spatial awareness, and musical talent. The essay acknowledges criticisms of MI theory, such as a lack of empirical validation, but argues that it provides a framework for understanding the diverse abilities of savants and differentiating them from individuals with autism. The essay concludes by highlighting the application of MI theory in education and recommending that educators be well-versed in the theory to better support students with savant syndrome. The limitations of the essay are also discussed, including space constraints and limited research scope.

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.

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MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE EXPLAINS THE PRESENCE OF SAVANTS
In contrast to this, many have criticized the MI theory over the years since its inception.
In the views of Glazzard (2015), the theory does not have any empirical support that could
validate its credibility. Hence, it does not have the credibility to explain savant syndrome, the
authors further argue. Cognitive psychologists and psychometrics have criticized continuously
and most vigorously the authenticity of the MI theory. They are of the view, “there have been no
published studies that offer evidence of the validity of MI”.
To state that MI theory is capable of explaining the presence of Savants is bound to be
faced with opposition. Treffert and Rebedew (2015) presents a different view of savants while
arguing against the notion that savants have been wrongly portrayed and treated as the “alien
others” while they could have been seen as normal individuals. The MI theorists too have
engaged in such practices explaining the intelligence possessed by the Savants as unusual. In
contrast to this argument, proponents of MI theory state that it helps in identifying the Savants
from the autistic by bringing out the similarities and differences through the multiple
intelligences possessed by them.
Hughes et al. (2018) claim that savantism cannot be associated with autism alone because
while savants display highly skilled traits like spatial or technical abilities, heightened sensory
sensitivity, autistic people lack that. In the authors’ views, all those who are diagnosed with
autism do not necessarily possess savant skills that are explained by MIs. Those who supported
and opposed the MI theory have automatically established that it most clearly explains the
presence of Savants. Savants are distinguished from autism with the help of multiple
intelligences theory.

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MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE EXPLAINS THE PRESENCE OF SAVANTS
The MI theory is most widely implemented in the field of education within the
classrooms. Children with savant syndrome are distinguished as possessing MIs and this has
allowed the teachers to teach more effectively. It can thus be recommended that the educators
elaborately possess knowledge about the Multiple Intelligences theory so that they could
understand the different abilities of the children and respond accordingly. Further, it is also
recommended that children with savant syndrome be given adequate space and time to explore
their skills and display it as per their convenience.
The essay on whether multiple intelligences explain the presence of Savants has certain
limitations. The first is space constraint. Due to limited space, the topic could not be elaborated
more broadly. The second shortcoming is the unavailability of enough time to carry out the
research properly. Owing to the shortage of time, the research had to be confined only to
qualitative analysis involving online research of various journals and articles. It is therefore
suggested that further studies on this topic be carried out with both qualitative and quantitative
analysis.

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MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE EXPLAINS THE PRESENCE OF SAVANTS
References:
Baron-Cohen, S., & Lombardo, M. V. (2017). Autism and talent: the cognitive and neural basis
of systemizing. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 19(4), 345.
Baş, G., & Beyhab, Ö. (2017). Effects of multiple intelligences supported project-based learning
on students’ achievement levels and attitudes towards English lesson. International
Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 2(3), 365-386.
Finocchiaro, M., Di Blasi, F. D., Zuccarello, R., Costanzo, A. A., Cantagallo, C., Amata, M.
T., ... & Elia, M. (2015). A case of savant syndrome in a child with autism spectrum
disorder. International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 14(2), 167-174.
Glazzard, J. (2015). A Critical Analysis of Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences and their
contribution to inclusive education. Journal of Global Research in Education and Social
Science, 2(3), 107-113.
Hughes, J. E., Ward, J., Gruffydd, E., Baron-Cohen, S., Smith, P., Allison, C., & Simner, J.
(2018). Savant syndrome has a distinct psychological profile in autism. Molecular
Autism, 9(1), 53.
Taase, Y., Satariyan, A., Reynolds, B., Salimi, H., & Mohseni, A. (2015). An investigation into
the relationship between EFL teachers' and students' multiple intelligences and teaching
styles. Journal of Language and Translation, 5(1), 1-16
Treffert, D. A. (2014). Savant syndrome: Realities, myths and misconceptions. Journal of Autism
and Developmental Disorders, 44(3), 564-571.

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MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE EXPLAINS THE PRESENCE OF SAVANTS
Treffert, D. A., & Rebedew, D. L. (2015). The savant syndrome registry: A preliminary
report. WMJ, 114(4), 158-162.