That’s not autism: It’s simply a brainy, introverted boy

[Steve Williams]

Fascinating read........

http://www.salon.com/2013/09/21/thats_not_autism_its_simply_a_brainy_introverted_boy/

 

[garylkoh]

Thanks, Steve.

I'm just glad that "autism spectrum disorder" wasn't diagnosed when I was a kid. Even today, I still am awkward in social situations where there isn't any interesting for me to talk about.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Yup. I recently sat on the doctoral thesis committee of a student who was assessing the perceptions of high-functioning ASD subjects with MEG and, during the discussion, most of us agreed that we fit on the extreme high-functioning end of the spectrum by the strictest standards. We were all high-achieving and unconventional kids but, fortunately, we were labelled "special" in the best sense of the term. We also agreed that this sort of labeling is dangerous.

 

[JackD201]

I used to be painfully shy myself. When I started to DJ to make date money, everything changed. Well, I'm still not a genius. That didn't.

There's one thing I remember in junior year of high school. My guidance counselor said I scored in the 99 percentile for abstract reasoning.

 

[puroagave]

One wonders if introverted personalities are not often confused with ASD? Since most studies are American, which laud extroverted behavior, then it could be cultural as well. The most introverted society i've ever experienced has got to be Japan. Most people you'll meet in larger cities come off as being very shy, eye contact many times is difficult at best and in social situations- especially when meeting gaijin people for the first time - can be painfully awkward. These are very intelligent and often highly educated people but they possess many of the traits that are closely tied with ASD. interestingly enough, the people I met in sparsely populated areas, ive found to be much more engaging and comfortable in their own skin.

this is interesting if not particularly scientific:
http://lonerwolf.com/most-introverted-countries-in-the-world/

 

[rockitman]

I have an autistic 10 year old Nephew. Unfortunately it looks like he will never have an independent life.

 

[puroagave]

I have an autistic 10 year old Nephew. Unfortunately it looks like he will never have an independent life.

He can. I have a relative with "special needs" that is also high-functioning. He has a 'normal' job, owns his home and has never been out of work! he's generally a happy person. his roommate is autistic and an inspiration as well, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball, is a voracious reader and student of world history. I think of them both when I see a panhandler or someone out of work because what is available is beneath them.

 

[rockitman]

He can. I have a relative with "special needs" that is also high-functioning. He has a 'normal' job, owns his home and has never been out of work! he's generally a happy person. his roommate is autistic and an inspiration as well, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball, is a voracious reader and student of world history. I think of them both when I see a panhandler or someone out of work because what is available is beneath them.

My nephew's biggest issue is communication....hopefully that will change. He is pretty much aloof of what is going on around him.

 

[GaryProtein]

I have always been fascinated by and had feelings of rapture when observing extremely intelligent children demonstrating their prodigious capabilities in music, art and especially mathematics.

For many very bright people, introverted or not, the world is their oyster. For others, a life of mediocrity is much happier and more sustainable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9pD_UK6vGU