prodigy

Moshe Kai Cavalin has two college degrees, but he’s too young to vote. He flies airplanes, but he’s too young to drive a car alone

People known as “acquired savants” have spectacular abilities that emerge suddenly, usually after a brain injury. In these cases—as well as in the case of child prodigies—the individual “knows things they never learned” (the memorable phrase of savant syndrome expert Dr. Darold Treffert).

Among child prodigies, there is an over-representation of complicated pregnancies and premature births. Many child prodigies show an increased emotional sensitivity.

Nearly 2 years ago, 9-year-old football star Sam Gordon went viral for being a girl that absolutely dominated a boy’s game. Her skills landed her a Wheaties box cover, an appearance on Good Morning America, and an invite to a training session with the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.

At just 9 years of age and a forth grader, basketball phenom Jaden Newman is already playing on her school’s high school varsity team, where she is flourishing with averages of 14.8 points and 7.5 assists.