Final answer:
A savant is an individual with a developmental disorder, often ASD, who exhibits exceptional abilities in areas like mathematical calculations, memory, art, or music, despite other cognitive limitations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A savant can best be defined as a person, often with a developmental disorder such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who possesses exceptional abilities in certain areas despite potential cognitive limitations. These individuals may showcase remarkable talents in mathematical calculations, extraordinary memory, art, or music. Savants may have impairments in social skills and other adaptive abilities, yet their specialized skills are significantly advanced compared to the general population.
While savants may have developmental disorders, they do not necessarily have to have below-average intelligence across all areas. On the contrary, their abilities in specific domains are characteristically superior. This definition aligns with option C, which identifies a savant as a "mentally handicapped individual with exceptional ability."