I know this topic can be...contentious? Which I do not mean to stir-up. But I do know plenty of Autists most certainly CAN succeed and thrive, in whatever they choose. I acknowledge this can be hard or different but it's doable.
Those who have Asperger's Syndrome are likely not to be 'advertising' their neurology, nor should they. I think we all know many Aspies do not overtly show their traits and can appear quite normal in certain circumstances.
I am just one so I don't really count but I do a lot in my given field. Yet there are always those few (like when I was a kid, and, sure, still now) who say, "She wouldn't be able to." But I do. For one ex: I am in a rigorous academic program and partially/functionally mute. BUT I teach 2 chem lab sessions. And I do well in this capacity. For me the trick is that I foremost know my chemistry - I lack personal confidence but I have 100% faith in the science and this is my strength. About the speaking part: Here's what 'they' don't know, I have a script written and everything I will speak is outlined on the board. Mostly in lab it's SHOWING and doing - this I can do. About science matters I sure can answer questions - that's ok.
Do my students 'know' I am Autistic? Well, I don't know. Maybe....but that's a moot point. The topic is the SCIENCE, not my difference. In some ways this is an attribute.
About Bill Gates: I doubt he would ever show his diagnostic paperwork - and why should he? This would be deletorious for his position. But I have read from various sources that he functions well and does have that work-able personality - he's likeable. Further, he does have an optimal support system that can buffer for him. In some ways I definitely do this too - in a major way! I align myself closely with (ok, I might anticipate I will get creamed for saying this but it's reality for me) older men who are on the opposite end - NTs who are science-gifted AND have those people skills. I am shy/socially akward but this is buffered by whom I align myself with. Those men are like father-figures to me and I have blind admiration for them. I am young BUT I have learned certain strategies from necessity. I don't rely upon myself, but the science. And I try very very hard.
I can tell you Autists can and do function, and contribute. About those forensically Dxed; I accept this since there are independent assessments who are reputable. Diagnostics, as far as Autism, are better refined now, thankfully.
Just have to add....my paternal uncle was a low-functioning Autistic who lived his entire life (from the age of a little child, like 4ish) in an institution. He was entirely mute and never knew to hold a writing implement - zero communication. But I think of him often. When we met there was recognition - I don't need to add specifics here and this is hard for me to write/process. He loved to go for walks in the courtyard (this was not in AK). He was uncanny at spotting any animal movement - much like a sighthound. If a rabbit would pass even peripherally he would 'spot' and point. I observed his remarkable observation skills. So, was he mentally ret*d? I don't know, maybe. But also locked inside - I can recognize many of his traits in me too. And in my own father who looked like his twin.
lau - I cannot know 'who' or 'when' for Bill Gates and this could not be advertised for public gawking. I understand your point, being a skeptical individual myself. I don't carry my papers myself and don't feel the need to divulge. I am in the neurosciences and they DO know (they better, that's their field of expertise). But those amongst Bill (and others like him) SEE and know his difference, with the pedigree - I believe this has been addressed. Discretion is best.
I read, with interest, about the Poincare Conjecture. The mathematician who solved is Grisha Perelman - and in fact he has revealed. But keeps this in check; the math matters, not his condition.
Must note too: Of course not all Autists are smart of gifted! I don't mean to imply this - some have real developmental detriments and just cannot thrive in 'normal' settings. In the Neurosciences we know that autism may be analogous to cancer. But this I mean there are many forms of cancer but with an underlying demoninator. Breast cancer has a different treatment and prognosis than prostate cancer, osteosarcoma, leukemia, skin melanomas, etc. Autism is much like this too - the whole variety. Don't know if there's a 'typical' autistic! Just like there's no 'typical' neurotypical - we are all individuals.
Anemone: I never try to 'figure out' how anyone accomplishes anything (Autist or not) - they just do. But humans do accomplish and can beat the odds. In some ways, for me, my autism IS my strength! I deeply mean this - I simply could not without. I met a friend (from Wrong Planet) at the Neuroscience Conference - she's awesome! She's an epigeneticist and gifted. I really liked what she said too. Hope it's ok to say (I'll not reveal names) but she said when she was a kid in school teacher said "Not all of us can be the cream of the crop," meaning she just didn't 'have it.' Hah! Trust, the Aspie I refer to has totally killed THAT erroneous misconception! Sometimes teachers, others, can be quick to judge. But what is their authority?
Autistics DO have strengths but this can be untapped. There are channels outside. I admire Dr. Temple Grandin and she's written about this; she visualized this as a door opening and she then progresses through. I don't think it's a 'secret' but maybe just tenacity and faith in our field of interest.
Sigh....I hope I stated this all right.
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The ones who say “You can’t” and “You won’t” are probably the ones scared that you will. - Unknown
03 Jan 2009, 3:17 am
