This presentation, through the use of lecture and numerous video clips, provides a historical background of savant syndrome coupled with stunning video clips that tell the stories of past and present-day savants and demonstrate, in startling detail, the talents of these extraordinary people. The presentation also highlights recent developments in research on this remarkable condition, including acquired savants and genetic memory, that hint at the hidden potential--a little Rain Man perhaps--within us all. The lecture is one hour in length and heavily video dependent. The lecture is usually followed by a lively question and answer period which leaves the audience members musing about their own dormant potential, and how that might be more successfully tapped.

Mellowing--being "relaxed, at ease and pleasantly convivial"--is an up-lifting, informative and entertaining lecture on preventive mental health and stress management. There is a great deal written about preventive measures for physical health--diet, anti-oxidants, exercise, sun screen, etc--and this lecture writes a corresponding prescription for staying healthy mentally. How to "keep it together" so one doesn't have to go somewhere to "get it together". It is drawn from years of listening to patients and their predicaments, and how to better deal with the recurrent '"hustle, bustle and commotion of things" that hassle each generation. Same plot; different items. Mellowing is typically presented in a one hour keynote or closing speech. No audiovisual aids are required; only a podium, microphone and adequate sound system. A booklet, Mellowing: Lessons from Listening is a written version of the lecture and is available for purchase by members of the audience if they wish. This lecture has been presented many, many times before a variety of audiences including a platform presentation at Million Dollar Roundtable. The Mellowing booklet is available for review by program committee persons or meeting planners, as is a videotape of the Million Dollar Roundtable lecture. The presentation is always very positively received and the evaluations reflect that.

This is a one hour PowerPoint lecture that presents up-to-date, objective, sensible answers to questions such as: What is autism? Is there a relative or actual increase in prevalence? What causes autism? Which treatments are effective? What about outcome? What's ahead regarding research and treatment? Several video clips demonstrate actual cases of early onset and late onset autism with very positive, and hopeful outcomes. Autism research and treatment programs create an almost daily changing landscape with respect to this puzzling condition. Since approximately 50% of persons with savant syndrome have autism as the underlying development disorder, research developments in savant syndrome and autism overlap and require monitoring in both areas of inquiry. This lecture provides an opportunity to focus on new findings especially pertinent to autism.

This speech is an excellent closing or keynote presentation to organizations reminding the audience of the basic mission of the group, the need to remain sensitive and flexible to the needs of the patients, clients, or users, and the indispensable role of communication in the role of any group whether volunteer, not-for-profit, for-profit or corporate. It is an uplifting message, a motivating one that reassures and renews.

Further information about scheduling any of these presentations can be obtained directly from Dr. Treffert at daroldt@charter.net.