The Savant Syndrome – Company Size as a Possible Determinant for Occupational Integrability

Markus Postulka,Steffen Flessa

doi:10.11648/j.hep.20200503.11

Abstract

The savant syndrome is linked to specific cognitive disorders as well as being characterised by certain limitations but also by extraordinary abilities. Nature and extent of these are very heterogeneous and many aspects of the syndrome remain unresearched. The objective of the investigation described in the following was to approach especially the research gap "work and employment". In order to do so, we investigated the influence the size of the company has on its ability to employ savants. Correlations between the size of the company and other coefficients, e.g. the implementation of workplace health management or the employment of individuals who are disabled in general, could already be shown in other previously conducted studies. The investigation was performed as a quantitative survey among 465 employees. Our aim was to evaluate the specific workplace as to whether it fulfils the previously determined criteria for employment of a savant. This enabled us to measure the integrability of the workplace for savants and then to assess the dependence on the size of the company. Integrability was assessed with a general score consisting of the dimensions "strengths", "weaknesses" and "working conditions". With regard to the dimensions "strengths" and "working conditions", those working in micro companies with less than 10 employees showed significantly higher values and thus better integrability than those from small, medium-sized and large companies.

Highlights

Research into the savant syndrome which has been conducted for 130 years, was initiated by the British neurologist J
Every second savant belongs to the autism spectrum disorder, while the other half suffers from other cognitive disorders [6]
Though there are no reliable data on unemployment rates in savants, unemployment rates of more than average can be Markus Postulka and Steffen Flessa: The Savant Syndrome – Company Size as a Possible Determinant for Occupational Integrability found in autistic people [9]

Summary

Introduction

Research into the savant syndrome which has been conducted for 130 years, was initiated by the British neurologist J. Savants were the subject of all possible speculations, misconceptions and exploitation as well [3]. It is known, that the impairment of savants can be diverse and varying in nature and extent depending on the particular clinical picture [4]. Every second savant belongs to the autism spectrum disorder, while the other half suffers from other cognitive disorders [6]. Their limitations have an influence on the social integration of savants. It would be reasonable to assume that the same is true for savants

Objectives

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion