Prodigy vs Savant
When encountering a person with exceptional talent or skill, words such as genius, prodigy, gifted, and savant are often used interchangeably. However, there are differences between a savant and prodigy. This article aims to explore and highlight these differences.
Prodigy
Although the term prodigy is usually associated with children, it can also be applied to adults. A prodigy is a person who possesses exceptional talent in a specific field. Being a prodigy does not guarantee that the individual will become a genius later in life. When this does not happen, the person is considered a precocious talent that did not deliver as an adult.
Savant
A savant is someone who may appear to be exceptionally talented in one field, but may not have the intelligence to effectively utilize or understand their perceived skill. Many savants have developmental disabilities and may also have autism. However, not all autistic individuals are savants. A savant does not qualify as a prodigy.
The most obvious difference between a savant and a prodigy is that savants are typically individuals with developmental disabilities and, in 50% of cases, also have autism. In contrast, prodigies do not have any mental disabilities associated with their exceptional abilities.
A savant is a person who has a developmental disorder and simultaneously possesses extraordinary skill, brilliance, or expertise that seems to defy their mental limitations.
Some people are classified as prodigious savants, which are extremely rare, with only about 100 cases reported in the last century. These individuals have exceptional skills or abilities without any apparent cognitive disabilities. Their abilities are so advanced that they are rare even among neurotypical individuals.
Key Takeaways
- A prodigy is a person with exceptional talent in a particular field, while a savant is someone who may appear exceptionally talented in one field but may not have the intelligence to effectively utilize or understand their skill.
- The main difference between savants and prodigies is that savants usually have developmental disabilities and may also have autism, whereas prodigies do not have any mental disabilities associated with their exceptional abilities.
- Prodigious savants are extremely rare individuals who have exceptional skills or abilities without any apparent cognitive disabilities.
