They can lead to examples of genius, said Saltz, who interviewed over 50 experts in the fields of psychiatry, child development and education as well as individuals who have struggled with various learning disabilities and disorders but who have achieved great success. Saltz's interest in this topic came, in part, from her patients, many of whom were high-functioning and doing remarkable things. "I kept noting very particular strengths that people had who had very particular diagnoses that they were seeing me for." The whole subject of genius has always fascinated her, she says, starting with her younger brother, Johns Hopkins University Professor Adam Riess. Our default, Saltz says, as a society and even for parents whose child has learning difficulties or mental health disorders, is to focus on the weakness.

Source: CNN March 09, 2017 12:44 UTC