February 18 -- "Day Without an Aspie"

[Fnord]

According to This Wikipedia Article, Hans Asperger was born on February 18, 1906. He is the man credited with being the first to identify Asperger's Syndrome.

On that day, I intend to stay at home and contribute nothing to the economy. This is my small way of showing people what the world would be like without Aspies in the workplace. My hope is that eventually, this and similar actions will show the world just how many of us there are, and just how much of a contribution we make.

To this end, I've planned to communicate this event to the local news outlets -- radio and TV stations -- about a week after New Year's Day, with reminders every week until the actual day of the event.

And when I say "contribute nothing to the economy", I mean no purchases of any kind -- no gas for the car, no eating out at restaurants, no groceries -- nothing. I've also reserved that day as a day off from work. I may just spend the day either at the library or watching TV. Maybe I'll do some yard work, bake some bread, or paint the bathroom.

Please consider taking similar actions. Call your local news outlets and ask them for details on "Day Without an Aspie" (DWaA). Maybe you could even provide a few details of your own. The point is not so much as to "go on strike" as it is to get the media interested, and through their interest, maybe more non-Aspies will learn that we're people too!

So ... what do you think? Will you participate in a peaceful Day Without and Aspie on February 18, 2011?

 

[GlennB]

You'll need to go without electricity, water, food and any other consumable (including that paint) in order to 'contribute nothing'. er ... and avoid all taxes and charges for that day and ... other stuff I can't think up right now. Oh ... don't work hard, cos you might eat extra the next day to make up for it and re-contribute.


Ooops, I'm taking this a bit too literally I suppose

 

[Bob Blaylock]

Not me. Just because I may or may not have this particular condition—or something related to it—doesn't make me any more or less important than anyone else, and doesn't make me any less obligated to do my job, and to contribute my share to society. 18 February is just another day, like every other, and that is how I will treat it.

I think this “Day Without an Aspie” is a dumb idea.

 

[quixotecoyote]

This is silly. Unless you make a big to-do when you go back to work, people are just going to think you skipped out. And if you do, people are probably going to be more annoyed with you than anything.

I remember when the black students at a college I went to had a 'blackout' where black students weren't going to talk to anyone all day as a protest against racism. Couple problems.

First, they didn't publicize it so maybe half the black students knew what was going on and few of anyone else, so it just seemed like they were being randomly rude.

Second, it was kinda insulting for the people they were not talking to, because the university bent over backwards to be racially and multiculturally inclusive, and they had no specific complaints against any particular person or group. This meant the people they were annoying had nothing to do with the 'racism' being protested, and the people who were aware of it found it a bit insulting to be targeted for protest when they hadn't done anything wrong.

This Day Without an Aspie thing is probably going to have the same problem. Most people won't notice. The people who do are going to assume you're just slacking. When you explain its a protest against discrimination against 'aspies' you're going to have to explain what the people you stuck picking up your slack did that was worth protesting.

 

[Yalius]

OK, stupid question here--

What happens if you go back to work the following day and find out everything went perfectly smoothly and they not only didn't miss your contribution, but things went even better than usual, in your absence?

I mean, are you prepared to get bad news if things go differently than you expect?


I've worked with a guy who was definitely a resident of the Asperger's spectrum, and when he was absent, it made much of the rest of our jobs easier.

 

[TubbaBlubba]

When is the Day Without a Bipolar? I'll join in on it. Also, Day Without a Cripple, Day Without a Myopic, Day Without a Procrastinator, Day Without a Virgin...

 

[Fnord]

You'll need to go without electricity, water, food and any other consumable (including that paint) in order to 'contribute nothing'. er ... and avoid all taxes and charges for that day and ... other stuff I can't think up right now. Oh ... don't work hard, cos you might eat extra the next day to make up for it and re-contribute...

LOL! All good points! I'm not trying to take over the world, just raise awareness in the public media.

Not me. Just because I may or may not have this particular condition—or something related to it—doesn't make me any more or less important than anyone else, and doesn't make me any less obligated to do my job, and to contribute my share to society...

Well, you have a valid point, too. It isn't as good as my "Day Without a Bra" or "Got Milf Monday" ideas, but at least it's better than waiting for the Curebies to impose their final solution.

This is silly. Unless you make a big to-do when you go back to work, people are just going to think you skipped out. And if you do, people are probably going to be more annoyed with you than anything.

... as if they aren't already.

I remember when the black students at a college I went to had a 'blackout' where black students weren't going to talk to anyone all day as a protest against racism ... Most people won't notice. The people who do are going to assume you're just slacking. When you explain its a protest against discrimination against 'aspies' you're going to have to explain what the people you stuck picking up your slack did that was worth protesting.

I remember "Day Without a Mexican" a few years ago here in southern California. That was also a big bust. The freeways ran smoothly, I found a parking space right away, the line was short at the deli and the wait-staff all spoke English... There hasn't been one since, and since the results were so favorable, I wish they'd have one every day! Still, it beats trying to round up a few hundred Aspies for a parade and rally -- "Million Aspie March" anyone?

... What happens if you go back to work the following day and find out everything went perfectly smoothly and they not only didn't miss your contribution, but things went even better than usual, in your absence? I mean, are you prepared to get bad news if things go differently than you expect?

No worries. I'm only hoping for attention to be brought to the "Aspie Cause" and nothing else. If all that happens is that the event gets featured on National Public Radio, then I'll be satisfied. I just hope that the Fox Network doesn't pick up on it, since they'll likely spin it into a massive revolt by a subversive organization that is bent on polluting our Precious Bodily Fluids.

I've worked with a guy who was definitely a resident of the Asperger's spectrum, and when he was absent, it made much of the rest of our jobs easier.

Poor guy.

When is the Day Without a Bipolar? I'll join in on it. Also, Day Without a Cripple, Day Without a Myopic, Day Without a Procrastinator, Day Without a Virgin...

STOP RIGHT THERE!!!

"Day Without a Virgin"? Let's not get too carried away...

 

[Dunstan]

I'm trying to figure out what it is you hope to accomplish. All you say about that is:

This is my small way of showing people what the world would be like without Aspies in the workplace. My hope is that eventually, this and similar actions will show the world just how many of us there are, and just how much of a contribution we make.

Why should we care how many Aspies there are? Are they being discriminated against? Is anyone calling for Aspies to be fired or otherwise excluded from society? Are there special accomodations the rest of us should be making to self-identified Aspies?

What is it that you contribute to society? More than the rest of us?

I assume this is based on prior events like "Day Without a [Mexican/Latino/Immigrant]" protests. But those had a more clearly defined point: there's actual, documentable racism against those groups, and people arguing that they hurt our society. I'm not seeing the parallels here.

And who gets to join your protest? I recall hearing that the next version of the DSM is going to drop the category in favor of just placing it on the autism spectrum. Lately it seems the trendy thing for people to claim that they have Asperger's, or "a touch of Asperger's" (whatever the hell that means), not because they've been given an actual diagnosis, but because (a) a quiz on the internet told them so; and/or (b) they think it's a cool way of saying "I'm a nerd and lacking in social skills, but it's ok because it also means I'm really really smart."

 

[Fnord]

Why should we care how many Aspies there are?

"Should"? It would be nice if more people accepted Aspies as 'normal', even if Aspies do exhibit some eccentric behaviors.

Are they being discriminated against?

Do you know anybody who exhibits all of these traits?

- Apparent Lack of Empathy?
- Limited Ability to Form Friendships?
- Ability to Carry on One-Sided Conversations?
- Intense Absorption in a Special Interest?
- Clumsiness or Lack of Coordination?

If so, then that person may be an Aspie, and he or she can not help but behave that way. Unfortunately, this means that the average Aspie is often discriminated against in hiring and promotion, in spite of often being able to out-perform others in tasks that require concentration and attention to detail.

Is anyone calling for Aspies to be fired or otherwise excluded from society?

Yes. Even worse, there are organizations that seek to "cure" Aspies. Unfortunately, many of the so-called "cures" are injurious or even fatal to the Aspie. Chelation, anyone?

Are there special accommodations the rest of us should be making to self-identified Aspies?

"Should"? It would be nice if Aspies were not treated as if they were mentally retarded, mentally ill, or potentially disruptive. Many of us Aspies work better in environments that do not require social interaction, or that do require focused attention on intricate tasks -- programming, drafting and systems operation are a few such tasks.

What is it that you contribute to society?

Same as any other working-class person. We "leverage our talents across multiple disciplines" and "enhance productivity through methodical focus". In addition, our wages are taxed, just like everyone else. And since many of us are involved in programming, drafting and systems operation, we often pull down the higher salaries, and are taxed at higher rates. Unfortunately, we're often viewed as 'weird' or 'eccentric' or even arrogant and anti-social. Most aspies just aren't capable of socializing, and often do not even notice the subliminal cues that are part and parcel of interpersonal communication.

More than the rest of us?

More than some, less than others.

I assume this is based on prior events like "Day Without a [Mexican/Latino/Immigrant]" protests. But those had a more clearly defined point: there's actual, documentable racism against those groups, and people arguing that they hurt our society. I'm not seeing the parallels here.

Actually, it's based on the philosophy of Mohandas Gandhi, who advocated peaceful resistance over civil disobedience. That the Day Without a Mexican also drew from that same root, the similarities are largely coincidental.

And who gets to join your protest?

Anybody who cares.

I recall hearing that the next version of the DSM is going to drop the category in favor of just placing it on the autism spectrum.

It's already considered an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Dropping the definition would put us all under the same category as those Autistics who can barely function. Most Aspies, in contrast, seem to do well enough on their own to function as contributing members of society.

Lately it seems the trendy thing for people to claim that they have Asperger's, or "a touch of Asperger's" (whatever the hell that means), not because they've been given an actual diagnosis, but because (a) a quiz on the Internet told them so; and/or (b) they think it's a cool way of saying "I'm a nerd and lacking in social skills, but it's ok because it also means I'm really really smart."

Yeah, and that is the tragedy. The self-diagnosed have made a mockery of the rest of us by trying to excuse their anti-social behavior with the 'Aspie' label. There was an episode of Family Guy wherein Peter was diagnosed as mentally retarded, so he went around doing things that would get the rest of us arrested, and escaping prosecution only after he exclaimed, "Sorry! Retarded guy!" Such folks are looking for an excuse -- any excuse -- to be absolved of willfully acting out irresponsible and anti-socially.

 

[Cleon]

Day Without a Procrastinator

They had to postpone it.

 

[Cavemonster]

I wonder where the "aspie community" was when the civil rights movement was being led by the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and company. I also wonder where the "aspie community" gets off trying to gain support from anyone after not having been visibly supportive of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

Look, what's going on in your brain is nobody's business but your own. I just don't want to hear about it, whether you're aspie or otherwise.

What bugs me are those who are "openly" aspie, and who demand that I show them more respect for no other reason than they're aspie. I'd rather have the freedom to give my respect to someone who excels in some profession, skill, talent or craft that has nothing to do with their preferred sexual activities. For example, Bill Gates is a great entrepeneur, programmer and computer visionary, and for those things, I respect and admire him. But if he ever starts demanding that the world give him even greater honor for being aspie, then my respect for him will likely end.

Original.

 

[Dunstan]

"Should"? It would be nice if more people accepted Aspies as 'normal', even if Aspies do exhibit some eccentric behaviors.

Should we treat Aspies different from "eccentric people"?

Do you know anybody who exhibits all of these traits?

- Apparent Lack of Empathy?
- Limited Ability to Form Friendships?
- Ability to Carry on One-Sided Conversations?
- Intense Absorption in a Special Interest?
- Clumsiness or Lack of Coordination?

If so, then that person may be an Aspie,

Or he may be a self-centered, clumsy nerd. How can I, a layperson, tell the difference? And why should I care?

and he or she can not help but behave that way.

We're all the products of our genetics and environment. Unless you're a dualist.

Unfortunately, this means that the average Aspie is often discriminated against in hiring and promotion, in spite of often being able to out-perform others in tasks that require concentration and attention to detail.

Well, if the job only requires concentration and attention to detail, then that's certainly short-sighted of employers, and some education is in order. But if the job requires empathy, social skills, and/or coordination, it seems to me entirely legitimate to discriminate against people who lack essential job skills (and, according to you, can't or shouldn't do anything about it).

Yes. Even worse, there are organizations that seek to "cure" Aspies. Unfortunately, many of the so-called "cures" are injurious or even fatal to the Aspie. Chelation, anyone?

I'm with you on denouncing bad science or medicine.

"Should"? It would be nice if Aspies were not treated as if they were mentally retarded, mentally ill, or potentially disruptive.

Are they? I think most people have never heard of Asperger's, haven't a clue one way or the other whether any particular person hasn't, and therefore only treats an Aspie like they'd treat any other person with eccentric behavior.

Many of us Aspies work better in environments that do not require social interaction, or that do require focused attention on intricate tasks -- programming, drafting and systems operation are a few such tasks.

So you're like any personality type: you have strengths and weaknesses. Great. What makes Aspies so special compared to "extroverts" or "nerds" or "empathetic people" that we need a special day to promote awareness of them?

Same as any other working-class person. We "leverage our talents across multiple disciplines" and "enhance productivity through methodical focus". In addition, our wages are taxed, just like everyone else. And since many of us are involved in programming, drafting and systems operation, we often pull down the higher salaries, and are taxed at higher rates.

Sounds like that discrimination can't be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, we're often viewed as 'weird' or 'eccentric' or even arrogant and anti-social. Most aspies just aren't capable of socializing, and often do not even notice the subliminal cues that are part and parcel of interpersonal communication.

I take a practical approach to these things. To me, someone who consistently behaves in an eccentric way is eccentric. I'm not terribly interested if it's because of your way your neuropathways are configured or because you were raised that way as a child. That may be of academic or scientific interest, but I don't see any reason to treat you differently.

If you struggle to carry on a conversation, I probably am not going to seek out conversations with you. If you have trouble interacting with people, I'm not going to hire you for a job that requires that. Conversely, if you're a freakishly good computer programmer (e.g.), I'm going to hire you for that kind of position; I'm not going to hold it against you because, hey, you're only good at that because you're an Aspie.

The reasons why you are that way are between you and your doctor or therapist or support group. I don't care, and don't see why I should.

Yeah, and that is the tragedy. The self-diagnosed have made a mockery of the rest of us by trying to excuse their anti-social behavior with the 'Aspie' label. There was an episode of Family Guy wherein Peter was diagnosed as mentally retarded, so he went around doing things that would get the rest of us arrested, and escaping prosecution only after he exclaimed, "Sorry! Retarded guy!" Such folks are looking for an excuse -- any excuse -- to be absolved of willfully acting out irresponsible and anti-socially.

I suppose that depends on what it means to "excuse" someone for antisocial behavior. I don't think that the people you're complaining about make some conscious choice to be irresponsible and anti-social, either.

 

[Fnord]

I wonder where the "aspie community" was when the civil rights movement was being led by the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and company. I also wonder where the "aspie community" gets off trying to gain support from anyone after not having been visibly supportive of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

Look, what's going on in your brain is nobody's business but your own. I just don't want to hear about it, whether you're aspie or otherwise.

What bugs me are those who are "openly" aspie, and who demand that I show them more respect for no other reason than they're aspie. I'd rather have the freedom to give my respect to someone who excels in some profession, skill, talent or craft that has nothing to do with their preferred sexual activities. For example, Bill Gates is a great entrepeneur, programmer and computer visionary, and for those things, I respect and admire him. But if he ever starts demanding that the world give him even greater honor for being aspie, then my respect for him will likely end.

Interesting ... and completely irrelevent. While the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome were first described in 1944, A.S. was not recognized as a valid diagnosis until 1994 -- more than a quarter-century after the height of the civil-rights movement! Thus, Aspies would not have known they were Aspies during the main years of the civil-rights movement, whether or not they participated, and would not have been a member of an "Aspie Community" during that time, because no such community existed!

Where was I during the civil rights movement of the 1960s? Likely still in grade school, where questions regarding civil rights were dismissed as being "to adult" to discuss with mere children.

 

[Fnord]

Should we treat Aspies different from "eccentric people"?

There's that "Should" imperative again. Do you advocate having someone fired for eccentric behavior?

Or he may be a self-centered, clumsy nerd. How can I, a layperson, tell the difference?

How about just treating everyone as a human being, in spite of their behavioral differences? It seems that science has determined a reason for a person to be a "self-centered, clumsy nerd" -- something other than mere choice.

And why should I care?

Do you enjoy "shoulding" all over the place? I'm not advocating any legal imperative for equal treatment.

We're all the products of our genetics and environment. Unless you're a dualist.

Pistols at dawn?

Well, if the job only requires concentration and attention to detail, then that's certainly short-sighted of employers, and some education is in order. But if the job requires empathy, social skills, and/or coordination, it seems to me entirely legitimate to discriminate against people who lack essential job skills (and, according to you, can't or shouldn't do anything about it).

If every job description is the same as any other job description -- including both skills and social behavior, then it matter not if the candidate is better at sales than at engineering, or vice-versa. We are not equally talented, so why expect everyone to conform to the same neurotype?

I'm with you on denouncing bad science or medicine.

Unfortunately, thanks to people like Jenny McCarthy (i.e., Anti-Vaxers, Curebies, et cetera), people with ASD's are seen as defective, rather than differently-abled.

Are they? I think most people have never heard of Asperger's, haven't a clue one way or the other whether any particular person hasn't, and therefore only treats an Aspie like they'd treat any other person with eccentric behavior.

Likely so. If I treat a person whose behavior can best be described as "flamboyant" (from the same root as "flame") as just another person, then I expect to be treated the same way for acting like "Mr. Spock". If I can be nice to others, then why can't they be nice to me?

So you're like any personality type: you have strengths and weaknesses. Great. What makes Aspies so special compared to "extroverts" or "nerds" or "empathetic people" that we need a special day to promote awareness of them?

YOU may not need a special day, but the Aspies do. It's hard to get us organized to work in concert for very long, for some reason, so getting them to set aside one day out of the year to do nothing seemed the most effective used of available resources...

Sounds like that discrimination can't be so bad after all.

Some of us are not as affected as the others, or we're affected in different ways. I found military service to be a snap -- just be wherever you're supposed to be, when you're supposed to be there, and do what you're supposed to do. Simple. I enjoy the order and structure of physics and maths, which is why I took up engineering. Other Aspies seem to feel threatened by any imposed structure.

I take a practical approach to these things. To me, someone who consistently behaves in an eccentric way is eccentric. I'm not terribly interested if it's because of your way your neuropathways are configured or because you were raised that way as a child. That may be of academic or scientific interest, but I don't see any reason to treat you differently.

Thank you. That was well-stated.

If you struggle to carry on a conversation, I probably am not going to seek out conversations with you. If you have trouble interacting with people, I'm not going to hire you for a job that requires that. Conversely, if you're a freakishly good computer programmer (e.g.), I'm going to hire you for that kind of position; I'm not going to hold it against you because, hey, you're only good at that because you're an Aspie.

Where do I send my resume?

The reasons why you are that way are between you and your doctor or therapist or support group. I don't care, and don't see why I should.

I'm not saying that you or anybody "should" -- I am not trying to impose an imperative on anyone. It would be nice if people would not be so concerned about behavior (or lack of same), unless it poses a clear and imminent threat to person or property. Being able to program a system is my job. Selling that system is someone else's. I would do poorly as a salesman, and the salesmen that I know have not the slightest clue as to how a system is made to work.

I suppose that depends on what it means to "excuse" someone for antisocial behavior. I don't think that the people you're complaining about make some conscious choice to be irresponsible and anti-social, either.

That goes without saying. Some Aspies do need to be taught that certain behaviors are unacceptable "just because". Others simply avoid social interactions as much as possible to avoid any accidental faux pas.

But to physically assault someone and say, "Sorry! I'm an Aspie!" to justify the act is just plain wrong.

Just because.

 

[Tsukasa Buddha]

I don't see the point. ASDs are all the rage. People self-diagnos online. Jon Stewart just did a fundraiser.

 

[Cavemonster]

Interesting ... and completely irrelevent. While the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome were first described in 1944, A.S. was not recognized as a valid diagnosis until 1994 -- more than a quarter-century after the height of the civil-rights movement! Thus, Aspies would not have known they were Aspies during the main years of the civil-rights movement, whether or not they participated, and would not have been a member of an "Aspie Community" during that time, because no such community existed!

Where was I during the civil rights movement of the 1960s? Likely still in grade school, where questions regarding civil rights were dismissed as being "to adult" to discuss with mere children.

Ah, it isn't very reasonable to blame anyone alive today for inaction before they were an adult or before they were born, just as it's pretty illogical to fault a community for failing to take action before they even existed.

I'm glad you can see that.

 

[Checkmite]

Should we treat Aspies different from "eccentric people"?

I see what you mean, but it's best just to stop. In another thread I pointed out that several individuals on this forum, who say they are aspies, are some of the most intelligent-sounding and articulate people I've ever interacted with, and they demanded I apologize for doing so because aspies are supposed to have difficulty communicating, and not recognizing this was offensive. Just say yes and quit.

 

[Dunstan]

There's that "Should" imperative again.

I'm having trouble figuring out why you object so strongly to that word. If you believe that it is morally or otherwise advisable for people to change their treatment of Aspies, then we're talking about "should." That doesn't necessarily mean you advocate forcing that change through law or other coercive means. You can believe that "people should exercise more and eat healthier" without being the Fat Police.

Do you advocate having someone fired for eccentric behavior?

That depends greatly on the details of the job and mostly the eccentric behavior. Putting orange juice in your morning coffee is eccentric, but I really don't care. Being rude to clients is potentially a firing offense.

How about just treating everyone as a human being, in spite of their behavioral differences? It seems that science has determined a reason for a person to be a "self-centered, clumsy nerd" -- something other than mere choice.

Treating everyone as a human being? Sure, absolutely. "In spite of their behavioral differences?" No thanks. Part of being treated as a human being is being treated according to how you behave towards others.

Do you enjoy "shoulding" all over the place? I'm not advocating any legal imperative for equal treatment.

I didn't say you were. "Should" doesn't imply a legal duty. People "should" be nice to each other, think critically, vote, and do a great many other things that they have no legal obligation to do.

Pistols at dawn?

In case you weren't joking and didn't catch the reference, I was referring to mind-body dualism.

If every job description is the same as any other job description -- including both skills and social behavior, then it matter not if the candidate is better at sales than at engineering, or vice-versa.

And if wishes were trees, beggars would ride. Not all job descriptions are the same, so what is your point?

We are not equally talented, so why expect everyone to conform to the same neurotype?

I don't expect anything of the kind. But I don't see your point. You're different. Great. You act differently. Fine. So what?

If I treat a person whose behavior can best be described as "flamboyant" (from the same root as "flame")

You really have an issue with gay people, don't you?

as just another person, then I expect to be treated the same way for acting like "Mr. Spock". If I can be nice to others, then why can't they be nice to me?

If you are nice to others, then I agree that people should be nice to you. (Sorry, there I went and used that word "should" again: I trust you understand I'm not demanding that Congress pass the Treat Fnord Nicely Act of 2010.)

But your behavior is going to influence how people interact with you. That's true for everyone. If you act like Mr. Spock, then people are going to be reluctant to discuss emotional topics with you because they don't think you'll react appropriately. (That may be a good thing.)

I'm not saying that you or anybody "should" -- I am not trying to impose an imperative on anyone. It would be nice if people would not be so concerned about behavior (or lack of same), unless it poses a clear and imminent threat to person or property.

Well, I think most of us don't want to live in that kind of world. We care about more than just threats to person and property, especially when deciding which people we want to interact with. And presumably you care about such things, too, since you're concerned about people being nice to you, even though lack of niceness is not a clear and imminent threat to you or your property.

Being able to program a system is my job. Selling that system is someone else's. I would do poorly as a salesman, and the salesmen that I know have not the slightest clue as to how a system is made to work.

Sure. Is this really a controversial statement? Are there really businesses that don't want to hire people for jobs that only involve programming because they're not good salesmen?

 

[Dunstan]

I see what you mean, but it's best just to stop. In another thread I pointed out that several individuals on this forum, who say they are aspies, are some of the most intelligent-sounding and articulate people I've ever interacted with, and they demanded I apologize for doing so because aspies are supposed to have difficulty communicating, and not recognizing this was offensive. Just say yes and quit.

Nah. If I offend anyone, I'll just claim I have Asperger's.

P.S. to Aspies: that was a joke.

P.P.S. Seriously, though, this question really does interest me. As we learn more about neuroscience and brain imaging and psychology, I expect we're going to identify more and more "conditions" (syndromes, neurotypes, whatever your preferred term is) that people don't "choose to be" in any clearly-defined way, and we'll have to figure out what, if anything, this means. What if I have Insensitive Jerk Syndrome, that causes me to be an insensitive jerk? Hey, I didn't choose to be this way! Don't treat me like those (non-existent) people who wake up in the morning and say "I think I'll be an insensitive jerk today"! So my question to Aspies is: "Great, you're different. I get it. Now what?"

 

[jiggeryqua]

I see what you mean, but it's best just to stop. In another thread I pointed out that several individuals on this forum, who say they are aspies, are some of the most intelligent-sounding and articulate people I've ever interacted with, and they demanded I apologize for doing so because aspies are supposed to have difficulty communicating, and not recognizing this was offensive. Just say yes and quit.

I'm not sure about the 'they', but if memory serves you're referring to me - except, of course, as was made clear at the time, there was no demand....merely an attempt to enlighten you , in the hope that you might apologise for the offence you'd offered. Again, if memory serves, I thought something along the lines of 'I'm sorry, I spoke from a position of ignorance and intended no offence' would have suited. But you insisted on listing, as you have done here, other things for which you felt you needn't apologise, as though that excused the offence you had caused.

If it's of any help, let me explain again that I find it considerably easier to communicate in this form (text, with time and space to consider and edit, in an arena where all participants are denied the facial/tonal cues that I and other Aspergians struggle with) than to communicate in speech, face to face (telephones are actually even worse).

The phrase 'self-identified' cropped up in that 'apology' thread too, as it has here. I don't deny that there appear to be people who choose to be identified as Aspergian, or 'I think I may be a bit Aspergian', to excuse their behaviours or because it's the cool new thing to have. Personally, I have a professional diagnosis, but I'm sure some random arrogant interweb posters are better informed about people they've never met than a trained professional dealing with with those people.

Comments have been made about not employing Aspergerians for jobs they are clearly not suited to - well, duh...that applies to everyone, surely? (Perhaps not, when it comes to management level jobs...) One problem I encounter time and time again, however, is that no matter what skills the job requires, the skill that will be tested is an ability to be interviewed well. Employers, I am told, use the interview to find people like themselves (we do, don't we, prefer people like us). Aspergians arent like employers, on the whole.

As to the OP, pfft, I concur with most of the objections and criticisms of the idea already raised.