With only 319 cases reported throughout history, Savant Syndromes are some of the most mysterious medical conditions in the world. They lead to extraordinary abilities – things like art, music, and mathematics – even when the subject has never studied or practiced the skill before. Scientists still aren’t sure what causes savant syndrome – which has made some researchers wonder if they are linked to telepathic abilities or even a past life.

Portrait of John Langdon Down who was the first to formally describe and name the condition

Portrait of John Langdon Down who was the first to formally describe and name the condition. Courtesy of Syndney Hodges and Neonatology On the Web
Portrait of Jedediah Buxton who was born in 1707 England and was believed to be one of the first with Savant Syndrome.

Portrait of Jedediah Buxton who was born in 1707 England and was believed to be one of the first with Savant Syndrome. Courtesy of wikipedia.org
Portrait of Thomas Fuller, an enslaved man from the 1700s who was said to be proficient in mathematics and later assumed to have Savant Syndrome

Portrait of Thomas Fuller, an enslaved man from the 1700s who was said to be proficient in mathematics and later assumed to have Savant Syndrome. Courtesy of William Smither and BlackPast.org
Image of Tony Cicoria who was said to have acquired Savant Syndrome after being struck by lightning

Image of Tony Cicoria who was said to have acquired Savant Syndrome after being struck by lightning. Courtesy of vice.com

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