RIP Dr. Darold A. Treffert, Autistic Savant Researcher

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I was saddened today to learn that Dr. Darold A. Treffert passed away on December 14, 2020, unexpectedly.

https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/2020/12/14/fond-du-lacs-dr-darold-treffert-leaves-legacy-work-in-savant-syndrome-autism-disorders/6546052002/

"Darold Treffert,... an internationally renowned researcher in autism, hyperlexia, savant syndrome and related conditions, died unexpectedly on Monday at age 87(sic*).

...Treffert’s work has been published in Time, People, Newsweek, USA TODAY, Scientific American, Opulence magazine, Southwest Airlines SKY magazine and more than 50 publications in professional journals. His work has been featured on popular television shows, including "Oprah," "60 Minutes," "CBS Evening News," "Larry King Live," "Today," Discovery Channel, "Dateline" and CNN.

...Treffert personally worked with screen writer Barry Morrow on accuracy in representing the talents of savants for the movie "Rain Main(sic)," which made savant a household word and was the beginning of heightened autism awareness. “I was a script consultant for accuracy and sensitivity on the topics of autism and savant. The movie achieved both," Trefferf(sic)said."
Source: Linked article above

His legacy is very significant, including the Treffert Center: the only Savant Institute of its kind in the world
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7jm7HuPnHw&feature=emb_logo

The majority(if not all) of these Savants were identified or had their abilities explored by Dr. Treffert.

"Notable cases

Alonzo Clemons, American acquired savant sculptor
Anthony Cicoria, American acquired savant pianist and medical doctor
Daniel Tammet, British author and polyglot
Derek Amato, American composer and pianist
Derek Paravicini, British blind musical prodigy and pianist
Henriett Seth F., Hungarian autistic writer and artist
Kim Peek, American "megasavant"
Leslie Lemke, American musician
Matt Savage, American musician
Orlando Serrell, American acquired savant
Stephen Wiltshire, British architectural artist
Temple Grandin, American professor of animal science
Tom Wiggins, American blind pianist and composer
Tommy McHugh, British artist and poet
Flo and Kay Lyman, only identical twin autistic savant sisters known to exist.
Kodi Lee, 2020 America's Got Talent winner (musician)
Collin Ennis, American acquired savant after a car accident left him with a traumatic brain injury, graduate of West Chester University, pop culture and sports savant."
Source: Wikipedia

YouTube has a great many excellent video interviews with him, and Savant videos which include him, which may be of interest to the reader. A Pioneer and tireless Advocate has been lost. RIP Dr. Treffert.

*He was 88 years of age, not 87, as the reporter inaccurately stated.