the benefits of Aspergers

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I can see how someone with an ASD could appear markedly charismatic and become a successful politician (Daniel shudders at politics, but that's of no concern to this point), without actually knowing genuine social conventions and niceties; people, social people do follow those who know what they're talking about, or appear to, and the "aspie" who's obsessed, and has good cognitive development will know what he/she is talking about. This "certainty" of words makes leaders.

They'll also have little problems talking "at" people as a whole, a crowd
one can learn what to say to a camera, to a crowd; an "aspie" will have observed, and perhaps learnt the social graces, and applying it mechanically in a political setting is completely different to interpersonal relations (and far easier for someone who, by definition can speak mechanically)
an "aspie" may be totally unfazed by political bickering depending on how his or her emotions are affected; a calm demeanour due to a lack of nonverbal cues
the aforementioned "certainty" of words

I can see it, and I remember my mother telling me that there are arguments stating Hitler may've been on the spectrum (this is of as much use as saying Einstein was--none at all, but it provokes thought).

Odin said:

I certainly agree with this. It has its down side, though. With no clue about social norms and power structure to distract me, the hypocrisy of some situations comes across as overwhelming. When much younger, I got into much trouble with this and was dressed down as being stubbornly naive and over-idealistic. Now, in contrast, I probably let more of this sort of thing go by than I should. I find it very difficult to assess how much apparent contradictions of ethics are based on general social norms (invisible to me). I can only feel confident in assessing my own personal behavior.

That article made me happy.

Do you guys think that, since having AS is obviously a different-ability instead of a disability, you would want it to be eventually removed from the diagnostic books? That's the attitude that I am leaning towards. One reason that I would want to get a diagnosis is that then I would be one more case to show how common we are and that we're just as talented as NT's. You think?

I still think Asperger's counts as a social disability, just as being an NT counts as an Asperger's-disability. While we may function differently than NTs, many of us still require therapy to probably fit in - if we want to, that is. I love to socialize, but my AS makes it incredibly awkward, and people usually get the impression that there's something wrong with me.

But I love the fact that our inability to socialize is made up for in talent and genius.

Great little article there. I do feel us Aspies can and probably are a driving force in this world creatively. I once read Keanu Reeves was an Aspie.

Doesnt the second statement negate your first?

But I enjoy his movies.

My father's a diplomat and he isn't too good with social.

I love being able to learn things at an incredible rate,
but it drives me nuts as well, when I start obsessing on something I can not seem to turn it off.
god I have no idea how many times I wished I could just be left alone and do nothing but study my hearts desire,
I hate how it makes it so hard to have a social/love life, life gets so damned lonely at times.
but on the other hand, its damn nice to be able to basically ignore others negative reactions without meaning to,
and its damn nice seeing others now and then envy me because of my seeming intelligence,
ya know, I do not think its so much the higher IQ, I think its mostly that we put so much focused thought into a subject.

I find that ironic- everyone refers to me as an "intellect and a scholar", and my girlfriend is the sociable bubbly one

You know what I hate being called "Little Professor."

Don't you hate that, I do find it annoying.

I don't know the benefits, but I can assume the underweigh the detriments.

a natural immunity to herd mentality.

sexy eyes (apparently)

fast learner..