The Benefits of Social Action and perhaps Distraction?

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Although I am no dog fancier, one acquaintance so predisposed stated that the more intelligent the breed, the more critical it is to keep the dog well exercised and stimulated. Otherwise, these tend to get into things - like shoes and gardens - and become somewhat "neurotic," as he stated.

Perusing some of our WP writings, a question presented:

As we AS-ers do not possess the neurocircuitry essential to a normal "give-and-take" social predisposition - are we perhaps in the same state as the quite intelligent (and therefore often understimulated and bored) Border Collie?

Are we, deprived perhaps, of the usual beneficial stimulations of social discourse available to the Neurotypical, endeavoring to maintain some degree of "artificial" stimulation?

Is this perhaps why it is we develop "special interests"?

Or perhaps become focused so inwardly upon every single thought or rumble or un-ease so that it fills the horizon? So that in the absence of distraction, these loom larger than life itself?
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wow, interesting thought!

Lack of social stimulation = special interest stimualtion. Correct?

This sort of reminds me of ADHD... certain brain functions are slowed down, so it compensates by being overly-excited (hyperactive).

I can see how there might be a correllation. I'd love to see some studies done on this!

In my case, I think that the whole fascination with objects is because I focus on these first. I see the details physical environment first before I see the social environment. The "priority queue" in my brain possibly the other way round compared to most people. I'm a task and object orientated person, not so much of a people person.

People are just in the background.
If there are too many of them or they expect things from me, it can be frightening.

Being isolated when I was younger probably didn't socially help.

It comes down to how can you know about what you don't know you're meant to see?

The thing is, when things happen right, I do get a tremendous buzz out of talking to people, the problem is knowing how to approach and talk to them.

I probably wouldn't feel as lonely if I didn't feel good when I talked to others who supported me.

So the motivation is there, but so is the social cluelessness.

What you've written has been alluded to by others - and I think you're right on the mark. There is quite a lot written (ie: Temple Grandin) about Aspies/HFA and the link between the animal mind. AmberEyes - great post too. Many say Autists are 'cat-like' and this is compelling.

About dog-breed? I LOVE animals, and dogs! I raised Borzois (Russian Wolf Hounds) - THE penultimate Aspie dog. Check out Borzoi.

Lab Pet has a connection with animals that cannot be matched with another human. And machines or lab instruments.

This is very interesting, not in the least because I've also found myself considering whether the opposite also happens - because NT people do not generally develop these very intense interests and therefore do/cannot stimulate themselves to the same degree, they continually look to other people to provide this. A lot of NTs become extremely bored if forced to be alone for long periods of time. No matter what activities are provided, they still cannot replicate the input they require from others. The average NT person is less bored locked in an otherwise empty room with another person who they get on at least reasonably well with than locked in the same room alone with a dozen items with which to occupy themselves.

I.e., neither way is necessarily 'wrong' or 'lacking', but simply different. An AS brain automatically looks inward to itself or to objects for stimulation; an NT brain automatically looks to other people.

Interesting.

When I was younger, I used to study and do science practical work.

I remember the teacher being pestered by students who'd ask:
"What do I do sir? Is this right sir? I'm worried it won't work sir. Can you help me sir?"

When asked to design their own experiments.
He told them to stop bothering him with questions and to work things out for themselves.

He told them that they were technically adults and not kids any more so should really make their own choices based on the theory he'd taught them.

Even after that, the students still pestered him. It was almost as if they needed his approval and could only access and use the equipment through him.

Funny. I never asked for help unless it was absolutely necessary e.g. if a piece of equipment was faulty, where to find things or if essential items were missing.

I always designed my own experiments. I kept talking to the teacher to a minimum because...well...I preferred to try and work things out for myself. It just seemed easier that way.

It really did seem like a lot of trouble to ask for help.
It's weird: I couldn't just easily walk up to people and ask.
If it was a fear factor, then I was equally "afraid" of the other students.
That was one of the reasons why I couldn't do group-work or find a partner that easily.

Fiddling about with equipment did seem easier to me than talking to the others. While everyone else nattered away, they drilled slides and dropped beakers of corrosive liquids. I just sat in the corner quietly and did things really carefully.


It's funny, but I tended to do much better in fieldwork assignments that required us to do the observation work first and then having a group discussion. A)

Than having a group discussion, then going out into the field to do observation work. B)


Unfortunately 80%, of assignments were A).

B) is more of an "object orientated" approach and I prefer this.