A Savant Case from Turkey: Cognitive Functions and Calendar Calculation

Abstract

The current study is the first detailed report on a savant case in Turkey. We collected data from a 25-year-old-male savant on attention span, short-term memory, working memory, autobiographical memory, overall intelligence, reading speed, text interpretation, and advanced calendar calculation. Data collection tools included the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (4th edition), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Stanford-Binet 5 Working Memory Test and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices for assessing general intellectual functioning; the Verbal Short-Term Memory Test for assessing memory assessment; d2 for assessing attention; a structured reading text; family interview protocols; and an individual interview protocol. The savant has a composite intellectual level of 85 and was recently diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder when he was 25 years old. He evidenced limited attention span but excellent short-term memory, working memory, autobiographical memory and calendar calculation.