Read the following passage about savant syndrome and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
Savant syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterized by the coexistence of significant cognitive impairments and exceptional intellectual abilities. Individuals with this syndrome demonstrate remarkable talents in specific areas such as mathematical calculations, photographic memory, musical performance, or highly detailed artistic skills, despite struggling with daily adaptive functions. This contrast between extraordinary skills and severe limitations challenges conventional views of intelligence, driving scientific research into the unique brain structures responsible for such uneven cognitive development. Current theories propose that early brain abnormalities, particularly dysfunction in the left hemisphere, trigger compensatory enhancements in the right hemisphere, leading to heightened pattern recognition, procedural memory, and sensory sensitivity.
Although savant abilities are undeniably extraordinary, their practical use in traditional employment settings remains highly limited. While exceptional cases—such as Stephen Wiltshire, who can recreate entire cityscapes from memory with astonishing accuracy, or Leslie Lemke, whose flawless auditory recall allows him to reproduce music perfectly—highlight the potential for commercial success, most savants face overwhelming challenges in securing and maintaining employment. Difficulties with executive function, cognitive inflexibility, and limited abstract reasoning often prevent them from adapting to conventional workplace structures without significant support. Additionally, the lack of specialized professional programs for individuals with these unique talents further restricts their opportunities, leaving many unable to leverage their remarkable cognitive abilities in meaningful careers.
David Nisson, an autistic savant, excels in condensed-matter physics and software engineering, yet his requirement for constant supervision hinders his ability to secure independent employment. Displaying remarkable scientific talent from a young age, he excelled academically, ultimately completing doctoral research on topological insulators. However, his tendency toward hyper-focus—a state in which he becomes entirely unaware of his surroundings—made laboratory work impractical due to safety concerns. Confronted with these limitations, he and his support network explored alternative career paths, transitioning to software development, where his computational abilities could be utilized in a controlled and low-risk environment.
[I] Despite increasing awareness of neurodiversity, modern employment structures continue to fall short in providing meaningful accommodations for neurodivergent individuals, highlighting the urgent need for a more inclusive professional landscape. [II] While some industries, particularly in technology and data analytics, have introduced autism-focused hiring programs, these efforts primarily support high-functioning individuals with minimal adaptive challenges, leaving those who require substantial accommodations largely overlooked.
[III] The rigid nature of corporate systems, along with a reluctance to embrace nontraditional cognitive profiles, reinforces a cycle of exclusion that limits both individual potential and societal progress. [IV]
(Adapted from Forbes)
Question 31: Where in paragraph 4 does the following sentence best fit?
“As a result, individuals with exceptional cognitive abilities but significant adaptive difficulties struggle to find meaningful employment.”
A. [I] B. [II] C. [III] D. [IV]