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"Unlike those with autism, people with AS are not usually withdrawn around others; they approach others, even if awkwardly, for example by engaging in a one-sided, long-winded speech about a favorite topic while being oblivious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

[stsquad.livejournal.com]

There are a lot of self-diagnosed autistics out there. I don't know how many of them actually do have Aspergers compared to the number that only claim they do. People are quite capable of having characteristics associated with autism without actually being autistic.

[kingandy]

I liked the part that says 'This social awkwardness has been called "active but odd".'

I really am interested in this sort of thing. Particularly I'm interested in exactly where the line is drawn between somebody who's an insensitive bore, and somebody who has a medical condition.

[ed-fortune.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine actually does have diagnosed Aspergers. Nice chap, comfortable only really with geeks (and those geeks his partner likes).

Also, this:
http://www.homeonthestrange.com/view.php?ID=190