Kay and Flo - Autistic Twin Savants

These twin savant sisters were profiled on Discovery Health. Today (11/9/08) at 9:00 AM was the last airing for this tv special. I really enjoyed learning about these women who also were born in New Jersey, a few years prior to me in 1956. They have led an interesting life. They can recall day and dates before and after they were born and need to chart and document shows as part of their daily routine.

They have idolized Dick Clark for 25 years, meeting him two times with thirteen years between these meetings. I liked how a news anchor (Dave Wagner) became a family friend for the past twenty years after they called him up and grilled him on a number of topics. My 13 year old son on the spectrum viewed this with me. I told him these women were his google, all he had to do was ask them data for his research. Prior to being a news anchor he was a disc jockey.

A few things that Kay and Flo charted were the entire episodes of $100,000 pyramid and the clothing the anchor and his family members wore. This kept their day structured and one of the autism experts in savant studies said this was typical behavior for savants.

Extraordinary People aired in the UK, July of 2008. Here is a photo of Flo and Kay Lyman. A synopsis of the UK show.

One of the major networks needs to interview Kay and Flo and share their story in more depth so that more families can gain insights and also for services and help for these women. A UK review of Rainman Twins.

The Application of Savant and Splinter Skills in the Autistic Population Through an Educational Curriculum - Results of a Case Study Research Project from Wisconsin Medical Society.

Kay and Flo described themselves as human computers. They dressed alike, hardly showed any eye contact, were excited to get their hair done at a salon, went to NY to see Dick Clark in 2006 for his return to the Rockin' New Years Eve. They said they want to be buried with all their Dick Clark memorabilia. They stated that Dick Clark was like a father figure they never had.

I am hoping to see more coverage on these amazing women. A google search does not provide much, which is a shame considering their age and uniqueness being autistic twin savants.