Splinter skill

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A splinter skill is an "ability to do a specific task that does not generalize to other tasks", according to Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction. [1] Cheatum and Hammond define them as skills learned that are above the child's age. [2] Jacks writes that they are skills that are not "an integral part of the orderly sequential development"; that is, skills mastered before they are developmentally expected. [3]

According to Ayres and Robbins, an example is "the ability to play a particular piece on the piano without having the generalized ability to play the piano". [4]

Autism

Splinter skills are frequently seen in autistic individuals, and fell under the umbrella of Savant skills in the older literature. If nurtured, they can result in profound artistic abilities.The most common splinter skill seen in autism is calendar calculation. [5]

References

  1. ↑ Radomski MV, Trombly Latham CA (2008). "Glossary". Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN   9780781763127.
  2. ↑ Cheatum BA, Hammond AA (2000). Physical Activities for Improving Children's Learning and Behavior: A Guide to Sensory Motor Development. Human Kinetics. p.  42.
  3. ↑ Jacks R (2005). The Illustrated Dictionary of Education. Lotus Press. p.  193.
  4. ↑ Ayres JA, Robbins J (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child: Understanding Hidden Sensory Challenges. Western Psychological Services. p.  60.
  5. ↑ Shields-Wolfe, Jamie; Gallagher, Patricia A. (1992-10-01). "Functional Utilization of Splinter Skills for the Employment of a Young Adult with Autism". Focus on Autistic Behavior. 7 (4): 1–16. doi:10.1177/108835769200700401. ISSN   0887-1566.


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