like gaydar for people with ASD?

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It was kind of odd--this morning, I ended up in a group of about 10 people that included a 9-year-old boy with HFA and his mother. He pretty much ignored all the other strangers and was playing by himself, but when he saw me he came right up to me and tried to get me to play with him. The first time, he actually scared me because he came up behind me and touched my hands, then ran away. I usually avoid kids, but I liked him. Maybe it was a coincidence that he decided to interact with me and not the others, but it didn't seem like it. What was it that tipped him off, I wonder?

Anybody else had a similar experience with little kids on the spectrum?

I have. in the kindergarten I was working there was a kid who was always in trouble, always moving and talking a mile a minute and would not play with the other kids. The teacher and other paras did not know what to do with him. As soon as I enterd the class room the kid locked onto me. He would only work with me, He would only want to play, talk and show me all the work he does. I think kids are more tuned into other poeple like them.

I think there is something in movement, behaviour or stance that can trigger people that recognize it.

In my volunteer work I worked a lot with autistic children and people (a bit ironic for an Aspie). Now when I stand before a group with supposedly 'normal children', I can pick out certain children. A lot of the time other leaders do not like them or think they are strange. When I interact with the children I find they often have certain autistic behaviours, probably I get a feeling for 'seeing it'. The children also seem to bond better with me in half of the cases compared to other leaders, while other leaders are more popular with the rest of the children. There seems to be a certain recognition or it is that autistic people like the behaviour of other auties better.

Luckily I have some success with them, because with other children with problematic behaviour my track record is not that good.

One of my best friends, I swear, now that I think about it, is on the spectrum (though VERY mildly).

Autdar

Oh yeah, there's a radar for similar people. I think it's clouded by the intellect in adults, but it's still there. I was working as an audio schlep one time at this huge charity dinner for a local home for developmentally disabled adults. The disabled people were there, too, and one of them looked right at me as I was passing and waved enthusiastically, with a big smile on his face, as if he knew me. I smiled and waved back automatically because I was distracted, but it sunk in a moment later that the guy identified with me.

Later on, they - the disabled adults - were briefly paraded on the dance floor. They appeared to be enjoying themselves, but I was poignantly aware of how they were kind of being exploited. The band leader, who I guess knew something about social rejection since he was bald, said "it sucks to be dyslexic." I looked at him, failing to veil my anger, and he gave me a wink.

I think people naturally are able to pick out people who are similar to themselves. It makes sense.

I was spazzing out at Ikea and pretty sure I was flapping and making wierd mouth noises...and I noticed a sort of ASish person seem to sort of notice me, but I am not sure what it was that made me think that he was ASish..other than a posture thing...

Our 8th sense.

Thanks for all your responses! Kiley--he gave me the nicest, warmest smile that lasted just for a second. Lagniappe. I actually smiled back at him, a real smile instead of the usual plastic fake one that looks more like a grimace, and I don't even like kids.

It's very interesting to think about this in light of the diagnostic criteria, don't you think?

My friends have made comments about how "strange" people are attracted to me like a lightning rod. They always go ohoh here come anotherone when someone walks up to me. Crazy homeless seem to home in on me too. I guess they know something I do not.