The Autism Thread

[Azuremen]

Furi, I'm aware of everything you just said. I understand, rather clearly, the nature of autism spectrum disorders. And what you described has very little to with intelligence.

You're simply refusing to address the issue that I brought up. Which is why is being good at something and bad at something else a sign of higher intelligence.

 

[Furinkazen]

Furi, I'm aware of everything you just said. I understand, rather clearly, the nature of autism spectrum disorders. And what you described has very little to with intelligence.

You're simply refusing to address the issue that I brought up. Which is why is being good at something and bad at something else a sign of higher intelligence.

I said it isn't a sign of wider intelligence on a whole, you just compensate in other areas. Hence why I was trying to make a balance with my example with the numbers... They all add up to the same... I don't think its a sign of wider intelligence on a whole. Above I was just crossing off the parts of Peters list that don't apply to me...

 

[Azuremen]

I said it isn't a sign of wider intelligence on a whole, you just compensate in other areas. Hence why I was trying to make a balance with my example with the numbers... They all add up to the same... I don't think its a sign of wider intelligence on a whole. Above I was just crossing off the parts of Peters list that don't apply to me...

But wait...?

They are perceived traits. If I picked what applied to me it would be just:

Poor hand-eye and motor coordination
Odd gait and posture
Above average intelligence
High, fast developing vocabulary
Mannerisms, tics, and idiosyncrasies, usually consistent with OCD
Difficult keeping attention for long periods of time.

I've bolded the relevant parts.

Above Average Intelligence would suggest that you think, as a whole, that your intelligence is above the average. The examples you've given, all of them, have almost nothing to do with intelligence but rather specialization. This has been the entire point of what I was discussing, and you've been giving examples in an effort to defend the claim only to ultimately agree with me?

Okay then.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Okay, Cody, you're right.


But, may I ask what you have against us?

Between the Infield, and this thread, I can see something. Do you have some sort of grudge? I'm asking for information, not to embarrass you, center you out, or disrespect you.


Quite the opposite, I created this thread with noble intentions. I don't want you to be offended, but, nor do I want furinkazen to be offended. You're coming off quite arrogant, even if you're "right."


If you want intelligence, I'm going to tell you something I tell myself daily: "Sometimes, moral right is greater than correctness." Sometimes, it's just better to let someone's mistakes slide.

Someone asked me where the carburetor was on my Subaru. I didn't attack them for their lack of knowledge, but, instead I simply informed them of the invention of fuel injection.


Rather than trying to prove that furinkazen is wrong, why not do the moral right thing, and politely mention your point.


It could be just as politely worded as "I disagree, because in my opinion, Autistic people have a different type of intelligence, not a different amount. Autistic people are intelligent when they're interested/intrigued. Normal people are intelligent when they're taught/shown something new. It's a different type of intelligence, not a different amount."


Please, Cody, be respectful of us. The way you word things comes off as condescending. We've been bullied enough. We don't need to be talked down to. Please be more polite.

 

[Azuremen]

Mel, turn your persecution complex off, you're reading too much into things as usual.

I only have problems with misinformation and the current trend in society to seek excuses.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

And... Ramblings thread. Furinkazen wasn't even the first person to mention the "above average intelligence" thing, by the way.

 

[Furinkazen]

Azure, i've explained. Considering you stated here in your words "But the fact is Autism is a fad" I don't really see that much point in attempting to continue. As for intelligence, it is difficult to say things without passing off as "banging your own drum", but I've been told I am very intelligent from a lot of people with a lot of experience in the field.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Furi, the point he's making is something I agree with.


Our intelligence is a different type of intelligence. I won several spelling bees, and read high-school books in Grade 1. That's intelligence, yes.


But, we're not as fully-gifted in social aspects, as we are in terms of literacy, maths, science, technology, or one of those academic fields.


There was an advertising campaign in Canada, "no one's good at everything, but everyone's good at something." While that's true for everyone except my ex-girlfriend, , the point remains that we're not perfect, and we specialize in a few specific areas.


And, I'll agree with you, though, you are more intelligent than average. AFAIK, you know the difference between "then" and "than."

 

[Azuremen]

And... Ramblings thread. Furinkazen wasn't even the first person to mention the "above average intelligence" thing, by the way.

No, but he was the first person to respond.

Azure, i've explained. Considering you stated here in your words "But the fact is Autism is a fad" I don't really see that much point in attempting to continue. As for intelligence, it is difficult to say things without passing off as "banging your own drum", but I've been told I am very intelligent from a lot of people with a lot of experience in the field.

The fad comment, if you had actually bothered to read, was in regard to misdiagnosis as a result of parent or teacher pressure. It wasn't an effort to say Autism doesn't exist. For someone claiming above average intelligence, you seem to be missing the point. Often.

That is fantastic that people think you're above average. It is. But is also in a certain field. I'd suspect you'd be lacking in some other endeavor, such as social skills or some art medium. And all that has nothing to do with the point I was making, which is that above average intelligence isn't a symptom.

I've been labeled a genius in physics by experts in the field, and derived the basis of integral calculus while I was bored in geometry class. It indicates nothing about whether I suffer from Aspeger's. More amusing is my early life matches up heavily with stories in this thread, minus a diagnosis.

Furi, the point he's making is something I agree with.

Well that is nice, but wait...

And, I'll agree with you, though, you are more intelligent than average. AFAIK, you know the difference between "then" and "than."

You agree with me only to disagree with me so that you can continue to feel special. And your complete lack of perspective in the world is once again on display.

Mel, my entire point was that Intelligence isn't a symptom of Asperger's. You seemed to have got that point and then tossed to the wind.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Mel, my entire point was that Intelligence isn't a symptom of Asperger's. You seemed to have got that point and then tossed to the wind.

No, I fully agree(d) with what you're saying, and still do. Intelligence isn't limited to those of us who are Autistic. However, I'm throwing the bit in, about how Furi has good grammar, to also tell him that I agree, he is smart.


In a single sentence: "You're not the only one who's smart, Furi, but I agree that you are."

 

[Mike Rotch]

I only have problems with misinformation and the current trend in society to seek excuses.

No problem with that, but don't turn this into a thread where you try to use your experience to argue that what others are experiencing or have been diagnosed with is incorrect.

As for the intelligence-is-or-isn't-a-symptom; this is the internet - you don't have to be right on everything. If you want to argue your point, create a thread in the Opinion's forum and avoid belittling others in this thread.

 

[Azuremen]

No, I fully agree(d) with what you're saying, and still do. Intelligence isn't limited to those of us who are Autistic. However, I'm throwing the bit in, about how Furi has good grammar, to also tell him that I agree, he is smart.

In a single sentence: "You're not the only one who's smart, Furi, but I agree that you are."

Grammar is a learned skill, so I still don't see the relevance.

No problem with that, but don't turn this into a thread where you try to use your experience to argue that what others are experiencing or have been diagnosed with is incorrect.

As for the intelligence-is-or-isn't-a-symptom; this is the internet - you don't have to be right on everything. If you want to argue your point, create a thread in the Opinion's forum and avoid belittling others in this thread.

I wasn't attempting to project my experiences to validate or invalidate their's.

I may have been picking at the fact the thread feels a bit like a circle-jerk with them all having "above average intelligence" as a symptom of a somewhat understood spectrum disorder. That the argument I've been hearing has effectively amounted to "we have Autism, which has made us focus on niche interests, and thus we are smarter than most people" simply add onto that attitude of looking for justification to be "special" or, rather, better in terms of some statistic.

 

[adam46]

I don't claim to have above average intelligence for one second (because it's a complete variable), but I thought this might be relevant or at least of some interest. But then again I might be missing the point, which is something I know I do a lot.
A year or two after I was diagnosed with Asperger's, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia I went to a specialist who had also seen my aunt, uncle and mother in the past as Dyslexia in particular is a family trait. I believe the guy was called Mr McLaughlin but I'm not certain.
Anyway, he said my IQ was somewhere around 115, but also said that my IQ could vary by as many as 30 points due to Asperger's. Apparently that's part and parcel of how people with Asperger's are.

I can see his point. I mean, I know a lot about Motor Racing and Cars without trying, but no matter what, I can never remember anything when it comes to Religious Studies... And if I were to be judged on Art or Design Technology I doubt I would break double figures on an IQ test! I have a very selective memory apparently, some of the most random, meaningless parts of a day could well stick with me, yet someone telling me something important will only stay with me if it... Well, floats my boat I suppose.

Sorry if I've got the wrong idea here but it seems relevant to me.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

No one but PeterJB mentioned the "above average intelligence" in the first 3 pages. Peter mentioned it, among many drawbacks, as something that high-functioning Autistic people, like Peter and Furinkazen probably do have.


Nowhere did anyone imply that every case of Autism is a blessing and gift that leads to above average intelligence. Yeah, I called it a blessing, and a gift, but that's only my own viewpoint on it, because it's given me so many goals in my life, and so much determination.


Azuremen, Mike Rotch has a point. I created this thread as a place for Autistic people to discuss the most recent research, discuss their findings, and discuss... Life, as it's relevant to the Spectrum and the relevant Syndromes.


If you'd like to question the validity of Autism, as you seemed to in the Premium Ramblings thread, or question the intelligence of Autistic people, as you do here, I'd direct you out of this thread, please, so we can get back on-topic.


I don't have the power to kick you out, and I don't want to. But, please, let's invite more Autistic people to post their own stories, findings, recent research and such, in this thread, and create a different thread for the Azuremen-specific thoughts you're having.


This thread is for general discussion of the Spectrum, and I want it to be successful, and mainly remain open, so that everyone has a chance to speak their mind, be encouraged, give/receive advice and generally discuss things in a positive, friendly, non-judgemental way. If it were to close, now, I'd be very upset.


I see no reason to close this thread, but if we get dragged off-topic, and we are forced to argue, it might be closed. Then someone who wants to get some weight off of their shoulders, and talk to supportive people might not get that chance.

I'm proud of the success of this thread. It's a testament to GTP's good side.

 

[Azuremen]

No one but PeterJB mentioned the "above average intelligence" in the first 3 pages. Peter mentioned it, among many drawbacks, as something that high-functioning Autistic people, like Peter and Furinkazen probably do have.

Well of course, or else they wouldn't be high functioning.

Nowhere did anyone imply that every case of Autism is a blessing and gift that leads to above average intelligence. Yeah, I called it a blessing, and a gift, but that's only my own viewpoint on it, because it's given me so many goals in my life, and so much determination.

And no where did I suggest that was their implication.

Azuremen, Mike Rotch has a point. I created this thread as a place for Autistic people to discuss the most recent research, discuss their findings, and discuss... Life, as it's relevant to the Spectrum and the relevant Syndromes.

As someone who has experience working with Autistic children, has been suggested to go get "tested" for it, and more or less parallels the many stories in here, I feel I'm in my right to post in this thread.

If you'd like to question the validity of Autism, as you seemed to in the Premium Ramblings thread, or question the intelligence of Autistic people, as you do here, I'd direct you out of this thread, please, so we can get back on-topic.

You're apparently incapable of actually reading anything besides what you want, which always seems to relate to your persecution complex. At no point have I questioned the validity of Autism as a disorder. And it was Furi who brought up my posts in the Ramblings thread, which he grossly over simplified into me thinking it is just a fad.

I don't have the power to kick you out, and I don't want to. But, please, let's invite more Autistic people to post their own stories, findings, recent research and such, in this thread, and create a different thread for the Azuremen-specific thoughts you're having.

Sorry, if there is a discussion on Autism, and its related research, I'd rather have it all in one thread. Especially given the nature of the disease, in that isn't fully understood by any means.

This thread is for general discussion of the Spectrum, and I want it to be successful, and mainly remain open, so that everyone has a chance to speak their mind, be encouraged, give/receive advice and generally discuss things in a positive, friendly, non-judgemental way. If it were to close, now, I'd be very upset.

I am speaking my mind. This thread is nowhere near to being closed. I refusee to be all soft and cuddly about real issues though, sorry. That does no one any favors, as the real world isn't soft of cuddly either.

If you'd want, I could go on and on about my life, where I had no friends besides my mother till she died when I was 9, and then had the worlds more awkward grade school experience. Which was followed by being bullied and picked on, while also getting into constant trouble with faculty, during middle school. Or that I couldn't get a girlfriend till I was 19, and all the school problems, social problems, and later on self medication problems.

As my friend, who has a degree in special education and specialized in Austism, once said "Cody, you're the poster child of Asperger's."

So take your inclusive attitude elsewhere, please.

I see no reason to close this thread, but if we get dragged off-topic, and we are forced to argue, it might be closed. Then someone who wants to get some weight off of their shoulders, and talk to supportive people might not get that chance.

You're making a mountain out of a mole hill because it is your thread.

I'm proud of the success of this thread. It's a testament to GTP's good side.

I'm glad you approve of the thread you made. I think we'd all be worried if you didn't.

 

[Mike Rotch]

I am speaking my mind.

And you are welcome too, but not in any way that belittle's anyone ("persecution complex" etc). So express your opinion's away, but please drop to strop. You obviously are passionate about the topic, don't let it taint the message you are trying to explain with attitude.

This forum has an ignore function, everybody is welcome to use it at any time.

TL; DR: it's possible to hold opposing view and co-exist.

 

[PeterJB]

I should probably point out that the list I made wasn't a list of every symptom that all people with AS will experience, but a list of one's that they may experience. I myself probably have less that half of those going on at the moment. I would see intelligence not necessarily being how many random facts you can memorize, but more to do with proficiency in mathematics, spelling and reading, vocabulary, and problem solving.

 

[AlvaroF]

I had a friend in my class which was autist in a severe state as he lived in his world and he didn't came out for a solid 10 years (he was diagnosed when he was 4). My class made sure that he wouldn't be bullied in anyway. He had an amazing memory, he knew every single number plate he seen. He also had a fascination for nuts and bolts and he had to be the one to open the doors and windows when entering the classrooms. We called him "Portas" (doors) but he laughed at the nickname we gave him. Awsome guy. A big 👍 for the thread. I have a huge respect for you folkes.

 

[MadMike32]

Interesting how common autism is on GTP. I personally was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome back in 2001. On top of that, I have a very severe stutter. Suffice to to say that the combination of social incompetence and an inability to speak fluently made childhood...difficult.

 

[The Bman]

The fact that I had AS, my mother and father were too busy going out drinking, and being raised by a control-freak sister did not help in the slightest. Really, I don't think I'd be so lazy and/or behind in school if (I don't know...) my parents didn't act so ignorant and entitled (and my sister didn't try and act high-and-mighty).

My sister still continues to be a control freak and doesn't let me have a say in anything. She wants me to 'fit in' and 'be cool' considering that I am going from homeschooling to a brick-and-mortar high school. Besides that, school starts on the 22nd and I'm still quite behind on 8th grade.

I know not to blame them for everything, but the way they acted when I was being raised did not help. I feel too adapted to my 'lazy and submissive' attitude. They don't understand how I feel with my disability and all of that stuff, and continue to do what they do.

 

[otakukid96]

I was diagnosed with a minor case of Asperger's back in the late nineties, so about 2-3 years old. It has crippled my life severely. I've always been left out of conversations and nobody ever wanted to even be near me. I was actually bullied from age 8 up until age 14 because of it. However, since then, I've actually become way more social. So social, in fact, that my parents actually think I grew out of it. I'm still yet to grow out of the whole 'can't talk in front of groups' thing. I still suck at conversing though.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

ST217, from the bottom of my heart, I really recommend you change that signature, then.

All I do is lay in bed all day, browse the web, and play video games.

Oh, and eat exotic foods and watch NASCAR.

This, clearly, can't be good. It's choice. You have the choice to either remove any reference to laziness from your signature, not have a signature, or put something more productive.


You are, as I've been there, reinforcing the negatives of your life. You're admitting some guilt here, and pinning the rest on your family. Soon, though, as you mentioned, you won't have that choice.


I fully commend you on your willingness to go back to a "brick-and-mortar" school, as this is the next step in the preparation for the adult world for almost every normal teenager. This is great for you, and you should be proud of your willingness! It's a great thing.


But, you can't let it catch you too far off guard. You can still play games on some days, like, let's say, Saturdays, for Katie's GRC championship, but let's try to dial it back.


I needed the same thing, really; a swift kick in the flubby, pale, introverted rear-end. I was in the same situation, where I didn't feel like going outside, nor doing anything else that would've been a productive usage of my time.


I'm not talking down to you, I'm talking from experience. It's hard, when you're lazy, because your body adjusts to it. I was there, before, too.



So, force yourself to study, maybe 30 minutes a day, to start, and slowly increase that number. Day by day, add ten more minutes. 40, 50, 60. Bam, you're already adjusted to high-school, and you're going to be achieving the highest marks in your class, honour rolls, etc.


And, I promise you, honour roll feels very, very good.

^more awards than I can carry.

 

[Dan]

I hate when I post something within the last few posts on a page and my post never gets noticed. 👎

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

I hate when I post something within the last few posts on a page and my post never gets noticed. 👎

I noticed, read, and agreed with your entire post. I just didn't have anything to say. It's okay, right?

 

[Dan]

I noticed, read, and agreed with your entire post. I just didn't have anything to say. It's okay, right?

Yes. Completely. I just had a slight nobody saw it.

 

[The Bman]

This, clearly, can't be good. It's choice. You have the choice to either remove any reference to laziness from your signature, not have a signature, or put something more productive.

It's a fact.

But seriously, I do need to be more active. I keep getting this feeling that 'everything will come to me' when it really wont. Changing is hard, and I get this feeling that after something bad happens to that progress, it all goes to waste. I look too much to the pessimistic side which really cripples me and I get a mentality that nothing positive can or will happen to me.

The lack of productivity is killing me but I lack the willpower to break out of these habits. Do you think my family cares? Not one bit. I rely on other people as much as I rely on myself, and when others aren't willing to actually help me then it doesn't help at all.

Oh, and a problem about studying is that I fail to understand even the most simple concepts no matter how much someone explains them to me. I get distracted and forget very easily which harms that as well. It seems as if every trait I have is negative, with absolutely no positives coming from them.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

I rely on other people as much as I rely on myself, and when others aren't willing to actually help me then it doesn't help at all.

Et de moi? I don't think I'm alone in saying, there's plenty of help and support, if you want to make that change. I'm just going on a limb, because I think you do. I, at least, am here to help if need be.

Oh, and a problem about studying is that I fail to understand even the most simple concepts no matter how much someone explains them to me. I get distracted and forget very easily which harms that as well.

What's an example of something that you're having trouble with, specifically? I find that the way that textbooks have things worded is entirely wrong for my style of learning, but, if I actually do the mathematic equations, science experiment, or something relevant to the textbook's words, it makes more sense.


Or, maybe if I close my eyes, and really picture the scene/plot/story of a novel, it helps me to understand.

It seems as if every trait I have is negative, with absolutely no positives coming from them.

Dropping this self-depricating attitude may actually help. I used to want to be a charity case type thing, you know, "no one likes me, I'm stupid." But, my dad's always been the one to say "Don't say that, now you're just being stupid." He's right. If you play something up for too long, people are actually going to believe that you are stupid, and that no one likes, and they'll quickly find reasons to dislike you. You're essentially tricking everyone - including even yourself - into believing that nonsense.



Edit:

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=241620&page=309


Might be just as helpful.

 

[gman1647]

Hey all. I just stumbled across this thread and thought I'd say thanks to those who have shared their stories. My oldest son was diagnosed with and ASD last October. It's been a tough year as my wife and I try to learn how to communicate with our son as he thinks so differently. He's an awesome kid, and we've made great strides over the last 10 months, especially the last couple. We've been blessed to be in an area with a lot of resources (through pre-school, private occupational therapists, and other community support). Hearing your experiences and perspective helps to shed just a bit more light on how my boy thinks and the challenges he will face. Well done 👍.

 

[ITCC_Andrew]

Thanks. That's the true reason I made this thread, actually, was to help out with something that caused me to struggle all throughout my own childhood, and even still, a bit, during my teen years, now.

 

[adam46]

Good to know we're helping gman1647. I think the most important thing is to be clear with instructions and be patient. That's one thing I never had from my parents, but when I have experienced people who are patient and clear, it's helped me a lot.

Is he a car nut like so many of us?