That isn't a good article. Sudden/acquired savant syndrome isn't a recognized condition, and it probably doesn't exist. The abilities of sudden savants are no higher than what can be achieved by "non-savants" and the abilities can often be explained by other things.
I think that it's possible that accidents can give people interests and/or repetitive behaviors that allow them to develop skills, but probably don't give them the skills directly.
I am cautious about Treffert's claims in general. I have one of his books where he appears to attribute a few cases of savantism to psychic powers and reincarnation. If you want to see how unscientific some of the claims are, read the article below, including the sidebar.
I know someone on Treffert’s registry who hit their head in an unfortunate workplace accident, and subsequently emailed him claiming to be a genius. No vetting or testing at all. He now proclaims that he is a sudden savant because he is on Treffert’s list.
I recommend being extremely skeptical of all acquired savant claims, and mostly skeptical about other savant claims in general. At least keep in mind that there isn't much real evidence for those claims.
Practice and technique can explain just about every case. Even well-known "experts" have many incorrect ideas. The popular media then amplify the incorrect ideas.
"The weight of evidence for an extraordinary claim must be proportioned to its strangeness."
Good point. If it's a traumatic enough incident, the time off from whatever you're doing is surely going to make a difference in whatever your new obsession is. Thinking of disability, short-term disability, early retirement, etc. If I had an extra 8 hours a day to devote back to guitar, you sure as hell would bet I'd get significantly better at it; faster.
I'm not sure who is repeatedly downvoting my comment above. If you want to see what kind of (supernatural) evidence Treffert uses for his claims, you should read the linked article very carefully and also read his book, Extraordinary People, pages xxv - xxvi, 96, and 121 (1989 edition).
A simpler explanation: people get hit on their heads, they develop new interests (sometimes due to cognitive changes), they practice their new interests a lot, and then they become skilled at them.
I think that it's possible that accidents can give people interests and/or repetitive behaviors that allow them to develop skills, but probably don't give them the skills directly.
I am cautious about Treffert's claims in general. I have one of his books where he appears to attribute a few cases of savantism to psychic powers and reincarnation. If you want to see how unscientific some of the claims are, read the article below, including the sidebar.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/mind-reading-sharjah-g...