CASD 7317X/CBSE 7685T Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Working with Families and Partnerships

The New York Times orbituary of Kim Peek, the savant on whom the movie ”Rainman” starring Dustin Hoffman was based, provides insights into his condition. The document indicates that Kim Peek, who died of a heart attack at 58 years of age, was misdiagnosed as autistic. With the broadening of the criteria for autism since the DSM-5 in 2013, would he now be considered to be on the spectrum?

This document from National Professional Resources, Inc., provides insight into the Fran Peek who was the primary caretaker for his aging son, the savant Kim Peek. Fran Peek passed away in 2014 when he was in his 80’s , five years after the death of his famous son Kim who died at 58 years.