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Writer's picturePhayu Kerdchongrak

The Intriguing Journey of Jason Padgett, the "Savant Syndrome"

Updated: Sep 29, 2023


Jason Padgett on TED talk topic "How math saved my life" l Photo by TED in 2015
Jason Padgett on TED talk topic "How math saved my life" l Photo by TED in 2015

In 2007, a man named Jason Padgett from Tacoma, Washington, had a life-altering experience after being assaulted in a violent mugging. Following the incident, he began to see the world in a completely different way.


Padgett developed a condition known as acquired savant syndrome, which resulted in remarkable mathematical abilities and a heightened perception of the world. Overnight, he became a mathematical genius.



After the assault, Padgett started seeing complex mathematical patterns and fractals in everyday objects. He could visualize and draw intricate geometrical shapes with incredible precision, something he had never been able to do before. His newfound abilities extended beyond mathematics; he could also accurately draw detailed landscapes and cityscapes from memory.



What made Padgett's story even more peculiar was that he had no prior interest or expertise in mathematics or art. The mugging incident seemed to have unlocked these extraordinary abilities in him.


His unique condition has fascinated neuroscientists, who have studied his brain extensively. It is believed that the traumatic brain injury Padgett suffered during the assault somehow rewired his brain, creating new neural pathways and unlocking dormant capabilities.


Today, Padgett continues to embrace his remarkable abilities and has become an advocate for neuroscience research. His story serves as a captivating example of the brain's potential to undergo extraordinary changes and highlights the mysteries that still exist within the human mind.


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By Whybkk.com Updated May 31, 2023 09.33 am TH

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