I first read about Jake Barnett of Indianapolis, Indiana, last year. To say that this child is a math prodigy would be a ridiculous understatement. In short: Jake is a 13-year-old autistic boy who doesn't ever forget math problems. And I mean ANY math problem. He can recite pi from memory (just an example) and solve problems that give even the most storied mathemeticians fits. Did I mention he could recite pi from memory...backwards? Jake's abilities involve much more than mere memorization, however. Much, much more.



So imagine my happiness when I learned that Jake was going to be profiled on CBS' 60 Minutes! The interview blew my mind (all over again). The 60 Minutes interview with Jake Barnett originally aired on January 15, 2012. If you missed it:

Jacob Barnett is already a college sophomore. The kid is remarkable, he truly is...and trust me, we'll all be hearing from Jake for many decades to come. In the interview, Jake talks very frankly about his abilities, but more importantly, about the fact that he is proud of his autism. He says he wouldn't have gotten this far without it. Jake is a wonderful example of how incredibly special autistic children are. His approach to solving mathematical problems is so unique and creative.



That creativity will take him far in his field - whatever that may be. He's particularly interested in space, but says he doesn't want to be an astronaut ("too dangerous") but he does want to be the person controlling what the astronauts are doing!



Jacob Barnett's story is remarkable and inspirational. It is further proof of the wonders of the human mind. Kudos to his parents for supporting Jake (and starting a special center for children with autism, "My Jacob's Place," in their hometown of Indianapolis). I can't wait to see what he does next (and seriously, if anyone is going to solve some of the world's greatest mysteries, it's Jake).