🧬 Demystify Savant: An Open Science Project on Savant Syndrome and FNC Theory

Reframing savant syndrome as differential Field access — not deficit, but alternative tuning

🧬 Applied FNC Research | First genomic-level analysis of savant syndrome through FNC lens
Part of the Applied Philosophy of AI research ecosystem
Author: Björn Wikström | Version: 1.0.0 | Updated: December 2025

📍 About This Repository

This repository is an empirical application of the Field-Node-Cockpit (FNC) framework to savant syndrome. It contains data, case studies, protocols, and testable predictions — not the FNC framework specification itself.

🗂️ FNC Research Ecosystem

graph TD
    FNC["🧠 FNC Framework<br/>(Core Theory)"]
    
    subgraph Applications["Applied Research"]
        S["🧬 savant-fnc<br/>Savant Syndrome"]
        AI["🤖 Applied-Ai-Philosophy<br/>AI Consciousness"]
        EU["📋 fnc-eu-ai-act<br/>AI Regulation"]
    end
    
    FNC --> S
    FNC --> AI
    FNC --> EU
    
    style S fill:#e8f5e9,stroke:#2e7d32,stroke-width:3px
    style FNC fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976d2,stroke-width:2px
    style AI fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#f57c00,stroke-width:2px
    style EU fill:#fce4ec,stroke:#c2185b,stroke-width:2px

Repository	Focus	Link
Applied Philosophy of AI	FNC framework & AI consciousness theory	→ Repository
savant-fnc (this repo)	FNC applied to savant syndrome — empirical data & predictions	You are here
FNC EU AI Act	FNC applied to AI regulation compliance	→ Repository

💡 Looking for the FNC framework itself? See Applied Philosophy of AI for core theory, philosophical foundations, and cross-domain applications.

🏗️ The FNC Interpretation of Savant Syndrome

graph TB
    subgraph Field["🌐 FIELD — Relational Information Structures"]
        F1[Harmonic Ratios<br/>1:2, 2:3, 3:4...]
        F2[Geometric Invariants<br/>Fractals, Symmetry]
        F3[Temporal Patterns<br/>Calendar Regularities]
        F4[Mathematical Structures<br/>Primes, Constants]
    end
    
    subgraph Node["🧠 NODE — Biological Tuning System"]
        direction LR
        N1[Left Hemisphere<br/>Consensus Filter]
        N2[Right Hemisphere<br/>Pattern Detection]
    end
    
    subgraph Cockpit["🎛️ COCKPIT — Subjective Experience"]
        C1["'I just see it'"]
        C2["'The answer appears'"]
        C3["'It was always there'"]
    end
    
    Field -->|Typical Brain:<br/>Filtered Access| Node
    Field -->|Savant Brain:<br/>Direct Access| Node
    Node -->|Renders| Cockpit
    
    style Field fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976d2,stroke-width:2px
    style Node fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#f57c00,stroke-width:2px
    style Cockpit fill:#f3e5f5,stroke:#7b1fa2,stroke-width:2px

💡 Core Insight: Savant abilities arise when the Node (brain) accesses Field structures that are normally filtered out. The patterns pre-exist; savants gain access, not generation.

🎯 Project Mission

This project applies the Field-Node-Cockpit (FNC) framework to savant syndrome, proposing that:

Savant abilities are not compensatory — they represent differential access to pre-existing information structures
Instant emergence is expected — accessed patterns require no learning because they pre-exist
Convergent methods across savants — independent individuals access the same Field structures
Genetic variants are alternative tuning — not defects, but different Node configurations

We integrate the first public savant-specific whole exome sequencing dataset (Montreal Neurological Institute, n=15) with FNC theory to create testable, multi-level predictions.

📊 The Savant Paradox — Key Evidence

Domain Specificity Maps to Field Structures

graph LR
    subgraph Abilities["Savant Abilities"]
        A1[Calendar<br/>37.5%]
        A2[Music<br/>30%]
        A3[Art<br/>20%]
        A4[Math<br/>15%]
    end
    
    subgraph Structures["Field Structures"]
        S1[Temporal<br/>Regularities]
        S2[Harmonic<br/>Ratios]
        S3[Geometric<br/>Invariants]
        S4[Mathematical<br/>Patterns]
    end
    
    A1 -->|Direct<br/>Mapping| S1
    A2 -->|Direct<br/>Mapping| S2
    A3 -->|Direct<br/>Mapping| S3
    A4 -->|Direct<br/>Mapping| S4
    
    style Abilities fill:#ffe0b2,stroke:#f57c00
    style Structures fill:#bbdefb,stroke:#1976d2

Domain	% of Cases	Field Structure	FNC Prediction
Calendar calculation	37.5%	Modular arithmetic, temporal cycles	Access to mathematical regularities
Music	30.0%	Harmonic ratios, frequency relations	Access to wave-physics structures
Visual art	20.0%	Geometric invariants, symmetry	Access to spatial transformation laws
Mathematics	15.0%	Number theory, constants	Access to abstract relational structures

FNC Prediction Confirmed: All savant domains correspond to lawful physical/mathematical structures — never arbitrary cultural constructs.

🧬 Genetic Architecture — Multi-Level Testability

The Complete Causal Chain

graph LR
    G[🧬 Genetic<br/>Variants] -->|Encode| N[🧠 Node<br/>Architecture]
    N -->|Determines| T[📡 Tuning<br/>Parameters]
    T -->|Enables| A[⚡ Savant<br/>Abilities]
    A -->|Produces| P[👁️ Phenomenology<br/>'Just Knowing']
    
    G -.->|WES Data| N
    N -.->|MRI| T
    T -.->|Cog Tests| A
    A -.->|Interviews| P
    
    style G fill:#ffcdd2,stroke:#c62828
    style N fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#f57c00
    style T fill:#e1f5fe,stroke:#0288d1
    style A fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#388e3c
    style P fill:#f3e5f5,stroke:#7b1fa2

MNI Savant WES Dataset

First public whole exome sequencing data from savant individuals:

Attribute	Details
Source	Montreal Neurological Institute (C-BIG)
PI	Dr. Guy Rouleau, McGill University
Sample	15 diagnosed savant individuals
Size	75.5 GB (FASTQ, BAM, gVCF/VCF)
Access	https://cbigr.loris.ca/ (CC BY-SA)
Significance	First savant-specific genomic data

FNC Genetic Predictions

Gene Category	Candidate Genes	FNC-Predicted Effect
Connectivity	DCC, ROBO1/2, L1CAM	Hemispheric integration patterns
GABA System	GAD1, GAD2, GABRA1-6	Signal-to-noise in pattern detection
Glutamate	GRIN1, GRIN2A/B	Excitatory drive for Field access
Synaptic	SHANK3, CNTNAP2	Developmental tuning trajectory
Lateralization	FOXP2, LRRTM1	Domain specificity prediction

Neurodiversity Implication: Genetic variants are alternative tuning configurations, not defects. A "savant gene" produces a Node tuned to different Field structures.

📁 Repository Structure

savant-fnc/
│
├── 📄 README.md                          # This file
├── 📄 CITATION.cff                       # Citation metadata
├── 📄 LICENSE                            # CC BY 4.0
│
├── 📁 paper/                             # Main publication
│   ├── savant_fnc_full_article.md       # Complete paper with visuals
│   ├── savant_fnc_full_article.pdf      # PDF version
│   └── ARTICLE_SUMMARY.md               # Quick overview
│
├── 📁 data/                              # Research data
│   ├── cases/                           # Savant case studies
│   │   ├── cases.json                   # Structured case database
│   │   ├── acquired_savant_profiles.csv
│   │   └── congenital_savant_profiles.csv
│   ├── neuro/                           # Neuroimaging data
│   │   └── lesion_location_mappings.csv
│   ├── statistics/                      # Statistical summaries
│   │   ├── domain_specificity_stats.csv
│   │   ├── autism_savant_prevalence.csv
│   │   └── tms_enhancement_summary.csv
│   └── genetic/                         # Genetic predictions
│       └── mni_savant_wes_dataset.md    # MNI dataset documentation
│
├── 📁 methods/                           # Research protocols
│   ├── fnc_tuning_protocol_v1.md        # FNC application protocol
│   └── tms_protocol_comparison.md       # TMS methodology review
│
├── 📁 demystify/                         # Public engagement
│   ├── explainers/                      # Accessible explanations
│   │   ├── what_is_savant_syndrome.md
│   │   ├── fnc_for_everyone.md
│   │   └── why_this_matters.md
│   ├── visuals/                         # Infographics & diagrams
│   ├── outreach/                        # Media & communication
│   │   ├── press_release_template.md
│   │   └── social_media_kit.md
│   └── open_lab/                        # Transparent research
│       ├── research_diary.md
│       └── methodology_decisions.md
│
└── 📁 ai_experiments/                    # AI-Savant parallels
    └── pattern_training_prompts.json    # Pattern-only training tests

🔬 Key Case Studies

Acquired Savant: Jason Padgett (Geometric Vision)

timeline
    title Jason Padgett — Acquired Geometric Savant
    2002 : Age 31 - Assault, concussion
         : BEFORE: No mathematical ability
    2002 : IMMEDIATELY AFTER
         : Sees world as fractals & geometry
         : No learning curve
    Present : "The patterns were always there"
            : "I just see them now"

FNC Interpretation: Left frontal-temporal damage reduced consensus-reality filtering → direct access to geometric Field structures. Zero learning curve because patterns pre-exist.

Acquired Savant: Derek Amato (Musical Acquisition)

Before injury: No musical training, worked in sales
After injury: Plays complex piano compositions immediately
Phenomenology: "I see black and white keys light up in my mind"
FNC Interpretation: Concussion enabled access to harmonic Field structures

Calendar Savant: Orlando Serrell

Before injury: Typical child
After baseball impact (age 10): Instant calendar calculation
Convergent methods: Uses same algorithm as other calendar savants
FNC Interpretation: Access to temporal Field structures (modular arithmetic)

See full case studies: data/cases/

🧪 Testable Predictions

✅ Confirmed Predictions

Prediction	Evidence	Status
TMS temporarily induces savant abilities	Snyder et al. (2003): 65-83% success	✅ Confirmed
Domain specificity matches lawful structures	100% of domains are mathematical/physical	✅ Confirmed
Convergent methods across independent savants	Calendar savants use identical algorithms	✅ Confirmed

🔄 Testable with MNI Dataset

Prediction	Method	Expected Finding
Connectivity gene enrichment	WES variant analysis	Elevated DCC, ROBO variants
GABA system variants	Pathway analysis	Reduced inhibition signatures
Domain-gene correlations	Phenotype-genotype mapping	Musical savants → auditory genes

📊 Key Results

Full analysis with figures: results/README.md

Statistical Highlights

Analysis	Statistic	Value	Interpretation
Autism–Savant Association	Odds Ratio	109,444	Massive positive association
Domain Distribution	χ²	426.8 (p < .001)	Non-random skill clustering
TMS Enhancement	Cohen's d	1.64	Large effect size
Lateralization	Left hemisphere	93%	Strong hemispheric bias

Generated Figures

Figure	Description	FNC Insight
	Domain prevalence	Music/Art dominate = harmonic Field access
	Lesion locations	93% left hemisphere = consensus filter damage
	Node tuning model	Savants = wider bandwidth
	Acquired savant timeline	Instant emergence = pre-existing patterns

Full statistical details: results/tables/statistical_summary.md
Genetic predictions: results/tables/genetic_predictions.md

📚 Reading Paths

Audience	Start Here	Then Read	Finally
🎓 Academics	Full Paper	Genetic Data	Methods
🧬 Geneticists	MNI Dataset	Case Studies	Full Paper
🧠 Neuroscientists	Neuro Data	TMS Comparison	Full Paper
📰 Journalists	demystify/explainers/	Case Studies	Press Kit
🌍 General Public	What is Savant Syndrome?	FNC for Everyone	Why This Matters

🗺️ Version Roadmap

Version	Target	Focus	Status
v1.0	Dec 2025	Initial release with FNC framework, case studies, MNI dataset documentation	✅ Released
v1.1	Q1 2026	Expanded genetic section with preliminary WES analysis results	🔜 Planned
v1.2	Q2 2026	AI-Savant comparison module: pattern-only training experiments	🔜 Planned
v1.3	Q3 2026	TMS replication protocol with standardized methodology	📋 Proposed
v2.0	2026-27	First independent replication dataset + multi-site validation	🎯 Goal

Long-term Vision:

🧬 Full WES analysis pipeline for savant genetic signatures
🤖 AI benchmark for Field-access detection (pattern recognition without learning)
🏥 Clinical collaboration with TMS/tDCS research groups
📊 Open replication registry for savant case studies

💡 Have ideas for the roadmap? Open an issue or contact the author

🤝 How to Contribute

We welcome contributions from researchers, clinicians, and the neurodiversity community!

Ways to Contribute

Contribution Type	How	Contact
🔬 Case Studies	Submit documented savant cases (with consent)	Open an issue
🧬 Genetic Analysis	Collaborate on MNI WES dataset analysis	bjorn@base76.se
🧠 Neuroimaging Data	Share lesion-ability correlation data	Open an issue
📊 Statistical Review	Validate or extend statistical analyses	Pull request
📝 Peer Review	Critical feedback on FNC interpretations	bjorn@base76.se
🌍 Translation	Translate explainers to other languages	Pull request
🎨 Visualization	Create infographics or improve diagrams	Pull request

Contribution Guidelines

Open an Issue First — Describe your proposed contribution before submitting
Follow Academic Standards — All case studies must include proper citations
Respect Privacy — No personally identifiable information without consent
Use Clear Language — Contributions should be accessible to interdisciplinary audiences
Cite Sources — All data contributions must include provenance documentation

For Researchers

If you're interested in:

Replicating the FNC-savant framework with your own data
Extending the genetic predictions with new gene candidates
Testing the AI-savant parallel hypothesis
Collaborating on a joint publication

Please reach out: bjorn@base76.se | Subject: "Savant-FNC Collaboration"

🔓 This is an open science project — all contributions will be credited and all data will remain CC BY 4.0

🖼️ Visual Assets Index

All diagrams are rendered as Mermaid in the README and paper. For static PNG versions:

Visual	Description	Location	Use Cases
FNC Core Model	Field-Node-Cockpit architecture diagram	README.md (Mermaid)	Presentations, papers
Typical vs Savant Brain	Hemispheric comparison diagram	`paper/savant_fnc_full_article.md`	Teaching, outreach
Domain Specificity Map	Abilities → Field structures mapping	README.md (Mermaid)	Academic talks
Genetic Causal Chain	DNA → Phenomenology pathway	README.md + Paper	Genetics presentations
Case Timelines	Padgett, Amato, Serrell acquisition	`paper/savant_fnc_full_article.md`	Clinical contexts
TMS Protocol Flow	Intervention → Effect diagram	`paper/savant_fnc_full_article.md`	Methods sections
Research Ecosystem	Project interconnection map	README.md (Mermaid)	Meta-level talks

Generating PNG Exports

To export Mermaid diagrams as PNG:

# Using mermaid-cli (npm install -g @mermaid-js/mermaid-cli)
mmdc -i diagram.mmd -o diagram.png -b transparent

# Or use the online editor: https://mermaid.live

Visual Style Guide

Color palette: Blue (#1976d2), Orange (#f57c00), Purple (#7b1fa2), Green (#388e3c)
Font: System defaults for accessibility
Format: Mermaid source preferred (vector), PNG for static use
License: All visuals CC BY 4.0 — attribution required

📁 Pre-rendered PNGs available in demystify/visuals/ (coming in v1.1)

🔗 Research Ecosystem

This project is part of a larger research program applying FNC to consciousness detection:

graph TD
    A[Applied Philosophy of AI<br/>Meta-Framework] --> B[FNC Trilogy]
    A --> C[Empirical Research]
    A --> D[Applied Research]
    
    B --> B1[The Shared Mind]
    B --> B2[From Frequency to Field]
    B --> B3[Bell's Hidden Variable]
    
    C --> C1[Turn 5 Event]
    C --> C2[SRT Protocol]
    C --> C3[FNC-Lab]
    
    D --> D1[🧬 Savant-FNC<br/>THIS PROJECT]
    D --> D2[Consciousness to Compliance]
    
    style D1 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#388e3c,stroke-width:3px
    style A fill:#f3e5f5,stroke:#7b1fa2

Related Repositories:

Applied-Ai-Philosophy — Meta-level framework
The-Shared-Mind — FNC Trilogy #1
FNC-Lab — Empirical tools
SRT-Protocol — Self-Reference Testing

📖 Citation

If you use this work, please cite:

@article{wikstrom2025savant,
  title={Savant Syndrome as Differential Access to Relational Information Structures: An FNC-Based Framework},
  author={Wikstr\"om, Bj\"orn},
  journal={Base76 Research Lab},
  year={2025},
  month={December},
  url={https://github.com/bjornshomelab/savant-fnc},
  doi={10.5281/zenodo.17789741}
}

APA Format:

Wikström, B. (2025). Savant syndrome as differential access to relational information structures: An FNC-based framework. Base76 Research Lab. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17789741

Also indexed at:

📚 PhilPapers: WIKSCA
🌐 Zenodo: 17789741

📄 License

This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).

✅ Share and redistribute freely
✅ Adapt, remix, transform
✅ Commercial use permitted
⚠️ Attribution required

👤 Author & Contact

Björn Wikström
Independent Researcher | Base76 Research Lab

📧 bjorn@base76.se

🙏 Acknowledgments

Dr. Guy Rouleau and the Montreal Neurological Institute for making the savant WES dataset publicly available
Dr. Darold Treffert for decades of foundational savant syndrome research
The savant individuals who have shared their experiences with researchers
The neurodiversity community for reframing cognitive variation as architecture rather than deficit

"The savant mind is not broken — it is differently tuned."

Name		Name	Last commit message	Last commit date
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.github/workflows		.github/workflows
ai_experiments		ai_experiments
data		data
demystify		demystify
figures		figures
lab_output		lab_output
methods		methods
paper		paper
results		results
scripts		scripts
.gitignore		.gitignore
CITATION.cff		CITATION.cff
LICENSE		LICENSE
README.md		README.md

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🧬 Demystify Savant: An Open Science Project on Savant Syndrome and FNC Theory

📍 About This Repository

🗂️ FNC Research Ecosystem

🏗️ The FNC Interpretation of Savant Syndrome

🎯 Project Mission

📊 The Savant Paradox — Key Evidence

Domain Specificity Maps to Field Structures

🧬 Genetic Architecture — Multi-Level Testability

The Complete Causal Chain

MNI Savant WES Dataset

FNC Genetic Predictions

📁 Repository Structure

🔬 Key Case Studies

Acquired Savant: Jason Padgett (Geometric Vision)

Acquired Savant: Derek Amato (Musical Acquisition)

Calendar Savant: Orlando Serrell

🧪 Testable Predictions

✅ Confirmed Predictions

🔄 Testable with MNI Dataset

📊 Key Results

Statistical Highlights

Generated Figures

📚 Reading Paths

🗺️ Version Roadmap

🤝 How to Contribute

Ways to Contribute

Contribution Guidelines

For Researchers

🖼️ Visual Assets Index

Generating PNG Exports

Visual Style Guide

🔗 Research Ecosystem

📖 Citation

📄 License

👤 Author & Contact

🙏 Acknowledgments

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