**9. Novelty, ADHD and creativity**

matical and mechanistic processing in autism as well as savant abilities such as calculation and memory. Imaging data of a reduced size of corpus callosum in autism [133] is consistent with the reduced interhemispheric brain connectivity reported in autistic individuals [134]. Neural underconnectivity [e.g. 135] provides support for the weak "central coherence theo‐ ry" which postulates enhanced local and decreased global information processing in autism. Research on patterns of cortical connectivity also indicates that a specific minicolumnar phe‐ notype found in autism may be beneficial for information processing and/or focused atten‐

To conclude, although neural mechanisms underlying savant skill and development are not well established, associating creativity with hemisphere lateralization and anatomical abnormalities in autism is supported by empirical evidence and also has some explanato‐ ry potential. Additional areas to explore are genetic factors and creativity found in other

Is great creativity a fortunate combination of specific traits, or do "creativity genes" exist? As speculated by Smalley et al [138] "genes that increase one's risk for certain psychiatric or learning disorders may also be 'enhancer' genes for creativity (and intuition)" (p.82). Ac‐ cording to Gardner [139] it is extremely unlikely that there is such a thing as a "poetry gene or a music gene" since complex human behaviours typically have a "polygenic basis" (p. 175). Without doubt ASD have a polygenic basis and genetic factors not only contribute to specific skills but also to traits such as persistence, the capacity for concentration for extend‐ ed periods, and curiosity about certain types of stimulation. Lykken et al [140] describe the concept of *emergenesis*, an extreme form of epitasis, in which a unique combination of genes may lead to qualitative shifts in capacity or ability that may apply to extremely gifted indi‐

The relationship between inherited talent and/or extensive practice is a very contentious as‐ pect of superior ability in specific skills. The view propounded by Howe [141] emphasizing the overwhelming role of practice in the acquirement of special skills, is largely rejected by a majority of theorists who argue for the role of innate talent [142-144]. Special talents are es‐ sentially innate in predisposing to cognitive or physical qualities and are the key to under‐ standing geniuses from Einstein to Mozart [145]. For example, research evidence from twin data [146] suggests a genetic basis for detail-focused cognitive style predisposing to talent in ASD. It is configuration of genes and variations in genetic inputs that are critical to the suc‐ cess in persons of great creativity. It is our belief that there are significant genetic underpin‐ nings to creativity of genius proportions, which of course could not be expressed without

tion and may also offer an explanation for the savant abilities autism [136, 137].

pathological conditions.

viduals with ASD.

environmental factors.

**8. Nature versus nurture**

780 Recent Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorders - Volume I

The majority of theoretical conceptions of creativity agree that the main component of crea‐ tivity is its novelty, uniqueness or unusualness that undoubtedly applies to the creativity displayed by gifted individuals with ASD. Novelty or sensation seeking behaviour is also strongly associated with ADHD. A significant degree of comorbidity between autism and ADHD has been documented [e.g. 147] in the literature. Although reported to have poor at‐ tention and concentration and being poor academic performers individuals with ADHD have a capacity to hyperfocus, which allows them to produce great works of art. For exam‐ ple the poetry of Lord Byron, who had ADHD [148] is an example for a work of genius in this area. As pointed out above, both autism and ADHD are associated with atypical cere‐ bral asymmetry which is a highly heritable and complex phenotype linked to creativity and sharing regions of linkage overlap [149,150].
