Rehabilitation Counseling brings original "Rainman"

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Top: Megasavant Kim Peek discusses his life's experiences with Fresno State faculty and students. Bottom: Peek embraces Fresno's Mayor Jim Patterson.

by Kay Conner

Kim Peek, the man who was the inspiration for the 1988 Oscar-winning movie Rainman, spoke at a luncheon in the Foundation conference room on May 28. Kim's father, Fran Peek, who authored the book The Real Rainman, also spoke.

Kim, born with fetal brain damage, was diagnosed as a megasavant. He is the only person ever to be diagnosed as such; his brain appears to be unique. While his motor skills are underdeveloped, he has the capability of total recall and remembers almost everything he has read since age three.

After years of having his son tested by the medical profession, Fran Peek decided it was not important to understand why his son's brain worked the way it did, only that it was important to have him become as self-reliant as possible and to have him respected by others.

The Peeks have set a goal to bring their message of respect for the differences in others to all in the U.S. Those who attend Kim Peek's speaking engagements are amazed as he quotes complete books, but they are also taken by his warmth and charm.

The event, co-sponsored by the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, the Mayor's Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities and the Heartland Opportunity Center, was attended by Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson, other community leaders and university faculty and staff. v