People with developmental disabilities can't change - or can they?   "It belies the myth that people with developmental disabilities can't change" This is a quote from a documentary on Kim Peek, the individual on whom the title character, Rain Man, was based. Kim is, of course, an autistic savant with extraordinary memory abilities, to the extent that he remembers nearly every fact he is exposed to. And Kim's abilities are so impressive that there may only be about 50 people on the planet whose cognitive talents approach his. Interesting facts about Kim: 1. Until his early thirties, he was classified as mentally retarded. 2. He has agenesis of the corpus callosum, meaning that the thick bundle of nerve tissue that connects the two hemispheres of the brain in most people does not exist in Kim's brain. 3. Kim has a very limited ability to understand metaphors. So, if you were to say to him, "Get a grip on yourself", he would take the statement literally and begin to grab himself. 4. Give Kim any date in history and he can instantly tell you on which day of the week the date occurred. 5. Unlike most savants who seem to specialize in one area (such as an extraordinary ability to replicate music or draw), Kim seems to soak up data...about nearly anything and everything. The documentary on Kim (on science channel) was fascinating. But I have to admit, after watching the incredible talents of a savant being demonstrated, I was surprised to hear him described as developmentally disabled. Of course, he certainly is. At 52, he must rely on his father to help him with basic activities of daily living, such as brushing his teeth. But, it just shows that the term developmental disability includes a bit more than we commonly conceptualize. The quote, by the way, is a reference to the fact that, though Kim is now fairly social, at the time Rain Man was being produced he had difficulty even looking another person in the eye. Now, he addresses people in numbers great enough to fill lecture halls. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How to file for disability in Wisconsin The difference between Social Security Disability and SSI Filing for disability with migraines Filing for disability and financial help What Are The Odds of Winning A Social Security Disability Appeal? Why do I keep getting denied for disability? Disability claim at reconsideration appeal level If approved at a disability hearing, when do you get a letter or check? What Conditions Qualify For Social Security Disability? Check Amount on Social Security Disability Award Letter What Are The Odds of Winning A Social Security Disability Appeal? What Conditions Qualify For Social Security Disability? What Should I Expect at my Social Security Disability Review if I am working part-time? Filing for Disability - Blind in one eye and a Learning Disability, Do I have a Case? How long does it take to hear from SSI? Check Amount on Social Security Disability Award Letter Eating tuna and fish lowers stroke risk How many Americans become disabled? National Social Security Disability lawyers and reprentatives Getting approved after a Social Security Disability Psychological exam How long does it take to receive disability benefits after you are approved?