The Real Rain Man

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Na, some of us are hyperlexic Early reading, not so much with the comprehension... though that could be age-level if you're also gifted.

There's that, and yeah, that is actually associated with Autistic Disorder (hyperlexia that is). I'm guessing it's quite rare to have hyperlexia, calendar calculation and an eidetic memory all at once (that's massive verbal ability and visual-spatial ability together).

But anyway, his disorder is known, and it does give him many behavioural characteristics of some people with Autism. It's easy to see. I'm confused why they feel that he could suddenly make eye-contact all of a sudden..., if it was due to "confidence", then that's not the same as the lack of eye contact in autism (i.e., the slave not looking into the master's eyes).

Kim's original diagnosis was autism but his parents declared it must not be autism because of his warm and caring attitude although Kim does have alot of autistic traits. Pacing back and forth while answering questions, slapping hands together, odd speech, getting upset if can't stand in place that he wants, is becoming a little more extroverted due to crowds but still doesn't respond greatly.

Fran Peek, father of Kim Peek, describes his son in these words: "Kim is not behaviorally autistic. He has a warm, loving personality. He truly cares for people and enjoys sharing his unique skills and knowledge capacity.


So according to his father, autistics cannot be warm, loving or caring.

WRONG!

There seems to be that old 'catagory' thing again that 'they' tend to want to put people into. I'm a little surprised to see it on this type of discussion board where none of us fit into preconceived molds.

My (Aspie) friend met the real rainman one time. When my friend walked into a room full of people, the real rainman walked right over to him. My friend gave him two photos of his cat, and he got mailed back two beautiful watercolor paintings!