University of Wisconsin

Fond du Lac, Wis. – Kim Peek, the man who was an inspiration for the movie “Rain Main.” will give a presentation at UW-Fond du Lac, 400 University Drive, at one of two lectures presented this spring by Dr. Darold Treffert, M.D. on savant syndrome.

The first lecture at 11 a.m. on March 12 in the LGI Room at the university will be a discussion by Dr. Treffert on “Savant Syndrome and Genetic Memory: Knowing Things We Never Learned” which examines cases of “acquired” savant syndrome and explores dormant potential within us all. The public is welcome to attend this free lecture which is part of a presentation being given to Elizabeth Hayes’ physiology and biology classes at UW-Fond du Lac. A question and answer period will follow.

As further exploration of savant syndrome, Dr. Treffert has arranged for the “real Rain Man” Kim Peek, along with his father, Fran Peek, to give a presentation at UW-Fond du Lac, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 9 in the Prairie Theater.

Kim Peek was the inspiration for the 1988 movie “Rain Man” and has memorized over 7,000 books. He has encyclopedic recall of massive facts and has been described as a living Google. He and his father have appeared before several million people around the world to share an astonishing look at extraordinary ability coupled with a touching message about diversity and love.

Kim Peek says that “‘Rain Man’ changed my life.” And he and his father will tell exactly how that happened.

Seating for the April 9 presentation by the Peeks is very limited and a ticket will be needed for seating in the Prairie Theater. Tickets are free and will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. on March 17 thru an online form at www.fdl.uwc.edu/tickets or by calling 906-6350. This is the only phone number to call for tickets. Additional seating will be available for this presentation on a first come/first serve basis in the LGI Room at the university where a video feed of the presentation will be shown.

The Peeks’ visit to Fond du Lac is possible with the support of the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

According to Dr. Treffert, "acquired" savant syndrome are instances in which savant-like abilities, sometimes at a prodigious level, emerge in art, music or mathematics following brain injury or disease in persons where such abilities were not previously present. This phenomenon, along with genetic memory - knowing things we never learned - raises intriguing questions about the hidden potential - "a little Rain Man" perhaps - within us all.

Dr. Treffert, a Wisconsin psychiatrist, has been studying Savant Syndrome for over 40 years. He has published the book “Extraordinary People: Understanding the Savant Syndrome” and maintains a comprehensive web site at www.savantsyndrome.com through the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation which provides information about this remarkable condition and posts up-to-date information about new findings, new savants and new resources for teachers, caretakers and family members.

He has appeared on many television programs including “60 Minutes” and “Oprah.” Dr. Treffert also served as a consultant for the movie “Rain Main” and has recently participated in documentaries produced by companies in England, Germany, Sweden and Korea.