I just read something interesting:

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I was on Okcupid and read this saying in someone's profile: belief causes the mind to stop functioning

Do you think it's true? Do you think that knowing all the things that are... "expected" of an autistic person make you more inclined to do those things?

It's interesting to me becuz, since learning about AS, I have made a point of AVOIDING AS behaviors whenever possible, and have almost eliminated the things that only a few monthes ago were extremely obvious to anyone taking the time to talk to me. But I read in the literature things like becuz of "theory of mind" issues, autistic people should not notice or care of the impressions they make on other people, or have the skill to analize themselves and thier behavior, and maybe I am not AS, I dont know yet, but it seems to me that changing is easier when what you are isnt thrown in your face as a trap to keep you down...


I dunno if I'm making any sense here ;p

I'm not sure where you are going here but I think we as a whole are probably the most self analysizing people in the world as we are in many ways our own 'special interests' for life. (primarily because we are often alone in that life). Is that kind of what you're getting at? I've learnd to be more specific just by being here than I used to be. People need parameters. I like that word for some reason.

What is the CONTEXT? If you REALLY believe something, you may not look for other reasons, etc... and it WILL stop your thinking about THAT issue! For example, the idea that 2+2, 2^2, 2*2 ALL equal 4 will cause you to not consider other answers. Just don't come to the conclusion that things like 3+3,3^3,3*3 all equal 4, or even 9, because they don't. But HEY, finding a pattern like 35*35=1225 and 45*45=2025 is worthwhile. Just don't think that 33*33=1209!

Somehow, I think most of us know, for the most part, when we can "stop thinking".

I think I get what you're saying... but maybe not?

yes kind of (special interests' for life), but also that we limit ourselves, by believing the limits other peopl impose upon us? if that makes sense? I do what I am told far too often...

That's a huge mistake. don't ever, ever do that. By and large most of us are far more 'advanced' (whatever that means ) than most people so you have to kind of chart your own course in life.

Well, when I was first diagnosed with Asperger's and I read books about all of the symptoms, I became very self-conscious. I began to notice where I was behaving in an autistic way in my every day life and it made me feel embarrassed. I don't feel that way now, though.

Let me get this straight....

If I have a belief that the above statement is true - then my mind has stopped functioning.

On the other hand....

If I have a belief that the above statement is false - then my mind has stopped functioning.

Seems like a lose/lose situation for my mind.

I believe I'll have another drink.....

ahh, I think you took that too literally? at face value? your post confuses me...

I'm not sure but I think the quote is perhaps mostly aimed at religion and absolute certainty based on poor reasons for that certainty like tradition and such.

IMO having a belief means that once you have accepted something as fact, you stop considering other information that might change your mind, people find a level of safety and security in their beliefs and don't want to examine them (the mind stops questioning the belief.. the mind stops functioning), because (they believe) that if they do their world will fall apart.. the story they tell themselves is.. "this is what I believe and this is who I am as a result and I am right therefor you have to be wrong if you disagree with me because if you aren't wrong then I am and then I don't know who I am anymore"

Personally I don't believe in facts, I don't have any firm beliefs, just theories and after all everything we believe, scientific or otherwise is really just a theory, because when new discoveries (either personal or universal) occur it will change what we think we know, it is called growth or evolution (or whatever label one wishes to attach) and if we aren't growing then we are stagnant.

Last edited by Aufgehen on 14 Feb 2009, 4:44 am, edited 1 time in total.

It depends on the belief itself and what you cannot help. I don't know what is really expected in autistics because they vary.

I know for me, I try to do the very opposite once it's been pointed out such as hyperfocusing. I tend to hyperfocus too much with my interests and people. With people, I only hear what I reflect but have trouble hearing or getting into their personal experiences and interests. I've been told and have read it to be very common among aspies. So I'm trying to look outside the box so to speak which I think is working. I use to get ignored whenever spoken to and I think it was because of this...."belief" or quirk as I put it. Still something I'm working on.

I think thought it is very easy though to put beliefs and actions into perspectives. Beliefs may be bad but also good...not sure if this makes any sense. I do tend to notice that I do let labels get to me in such a way that it does block how I truly define myself. I think this can happen to anyone depending on their self-esteem and behavior.