Nerd Syndrome

[kingandy]

Some months back Ant successfully applied for a post with the disability department at the University. Somewhat disappointingly, it was on an "as needed" basis and until now they've not needed him. However they've apparently been in touch to see if he'd be interested in working with a student with Asperger's.

Naturally I've been reading all about it.

"Unlike those with autism, people with AS are not usually withdrawn around others; they approach others, even if awkwardly, for example by engaging in a one-sided, long-winded speech about a favorite topic while being oblivious to the listener's feelings or reactions, such as signs of boredom or haste to leave. ..... People with Asperger syndrome often display behavior, interests, and activities that are restricted and repetitive and are sometimes abnormally intense or focused."

Man, this shit describes half the people I know.

Comments

[ajon.livejournal.com]

Sorry, should've added that what this seems to boil down to is that you can display some of the tendencies but if you're balanced with other attributes then it becomes unimportant.

I wonder if there's an opposite side to the syndrome, people who're are v good socially, empathetic are disorganised, can't concentrate etc etc. It seems unfair that there isn't a word to describe them. (I'm possibly setting myself up here ;)

[ajon.livejournal.com]

Google is my friend. Apparently it's called Williams syndrome http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/williams1.shtml - sorry Andy, I'm bored.

[kingandy]

You want me to say "women", don't you.