World renowned savant syndrome expert and Fond du Lac native Doctor Darold Treffert has died. Doctor Treffert passed away Monday unexpectedly at the age of 87. Doctor Treffert was an internationally respected researcher in autism, hyperlexia, savant syndrome and related conditions, leaving behind a rich legacy through Agnesian HealthCare’s Treffert Center, which invites individuals, families and communities worldwide to explore the potential of the human mind, focusing on strengths rather than limitations. “Not only did Dr. Treffert have a brilliant mind, he has a beautiful soul,” according to Matt Doll, PhD, Agnesian HealthCare director of Behavioral Health Services/Autism. “His kindness, genuine compassion and lifelong curiosity were evident in all he did. His ability to listen unconditionally was a gift that many who felt marginalized found inspiring, offering hope and healing to all. He was a colleague, friend and mentor, and I will miss him greatly.” Dr. Treffert’s relationship with Agnesian HealthCare, literally, spans a lifetime. Born at St. Agnes Hospital in the early 1930s, Dr. Treffert served Agnesian HealthCare in various clinical roles throughout his career. Respected internationally for his research relating to autism, savant syndrome, hyperlexia and related conditions, his most pioneering contributions explore “Islands of Genius” and the inner workings of exceptional minds. With the opening of the Treffert Center in 2016, Dr. Treffert’s legacy was further cemented. “Through Dr. Treffert’s expertise, parents, children, clinicians and educators are able to access his extensive personal research library, along with other leading resources for the diagnosis and treatment of spectrum-related conditions,” Doll says. In June 1980, Leslie Lemke, a musician and savant, came to Fond du Lac to give a concert at the Little Goodrich Theater. It was a tremendous success with respected journalist Walter Cronkite using the extraordinary story of Leslie and May Lemke as his Christmas story. Dr. Treffert’s work has been published in Time, People, Newsweek, USA Today, Scientific American, Opulence magazine, Southwest Airlines SKY magazine and more than 50 publications in professional journals. His work has been featured on many popular television shows, including Oprah, 60 Minutes, CBS Evening News, Larry King, Today, Discovery Channel, Dateline and CNN. The movie – Rain Man, which made autistic savant a household word – recently celebrated 30 years since its release. This move was the beginning of heightened autism awareness. Dr. Treffert personally worked with screen writer Barry Morrow on the accuracy and representing the talents of savants. The Treffert Center, a dream of Dr. Treffert and a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, had become a reality with support from Agnesian HealthCare. Today, the life’s work of Dr. Treffert can be accessed by the world. The Treffert Center houses the Treffert Library, the Treffert Clinic and Treffert Academy – teaching to the talents of exceptional minds and neuro typical children side by side. Dr. Treffert’s Extraordinary People and Islands of Genius have been published in 12 languages. Mellowing and Recollections – both collections of thoughts and stories authored by Dr. Treffert – are also in publication. The Treffert Approach has expanded to public education through a partnership with the Treffert Center and the North Fond du Lac School District. Treffert Way for the Exceptional Mind is an inclusive charter school for all children. The curriculum is based on the six-step Treffert Approach to education. While Dr. Treffert officially retired in 1991, the Treffert work and legacy are still alive and growing. His family plans on a private funeral with a memorial service at a future date. Individuals or organizations interested in supporting the continued work of Dr. Darold Treffert can make a donation to the Treffert Center through the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation by visiting treffertcenter.com or calling (920) 926-4971.
