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"Unlike those with autism, people with AS are not usually withdrawn around others; they approach others, even if awkwardly, for example by engaging in a one-sided, long-winded speech about a favorite topic while being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

[whimsicalfool.livejournal.com]

having worked with this population for a long time, I can tell you that, while any description of a disorder makes you think "Hm, *I* (or someone I know) show signs of that!", realize that these people are usually to the nth degree. Lots of people are socially awkward. Some people are on the extreme end.

Because it is a spectrum disorder, people can fall anywhere on the range. Also, I had a student once with William's Syndrome. I've never met anyone like her before or since.