A Spark of Genius

Baby Einstein videos flew off the shelves when they first came out about 10 years ago. Parents hoped to spark genius in their babies. Statistically, especially if that baby were a boy, about 1 in 100*  ended up with some form of autism diagnosis. An even tinier percentage proved to be both autistic and genius.

Jacob Barnett who was 12 when
 this picture and videos were made.

That makes moms give their children a second look, especially when a boy like Jacob Barnett comes along. Jacob is that rarest of children who shows talent beyond wildest expectations after an early-childhood autism diagnosis. If you haven't seen his video take a look at this budding mathematician and scientist. 

I definitely see a little bit of Samuel is him, particularly the memory, interest in math and science, and that irrepressible, nervous, friendly energy. A theory, shared by people like Temple Grandin, suggests that the autistic mind is simply wired differently. While that can surface as social difficulties, it can also make shortcuts in the brain that allows brilliance.

Sadly, that "different wiring" can result in children who have no ability to interact with the world around them, and no real way to discover or develop talents. 

I have no idea what Samuel will be able to do in his lifetime. I can cheer for the Jacob Barnetts of the world and remind mothers that they can be the best advocate for their spectrum kids. This video from 60 Minutes shows why.

* The autism statistics vary wildly, not helped at all by changes in how these kids are diagnosed.