Can you understand poetry as a person on the spectrum?

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As well as the average NT does.

Just for fun, let's invert the question: "Can You Understand A Person On The Spectrum As A Poet?"

And last night while not sleeping a railway poem learned of in a train book my parents gave me at end of the 1970s came to mind.

Web source, http://centralvermontrailway.blogspot.c ... veler.html
Which includes commentary relevant to this thread.

I felt extremely stupid when reading a book full of aphorisms. But typically I understand poetry. Also, I was high on cannabis when reading it. That didn't help

Why are we supposed to be bad at interpreting poetry?

I think one of the biggest issue is all the reference used in poetry. Reading a poem from 1891 might be difficult for people nowadays because they won't get all the references.
I doubt that many people would understand this poem nowadays: https://johnirons.blogspot.com/2011/11/ ... f.html?m=1

The reference to guitar and accordion is probably not understood by most people nowadays.
I had to listen to people explaining it. Such a lovely poem. But I only line it when it is recited or sung.
This has nothing to do with ASD, I think.

I really disslike reading poetry. It must be recited or sung.


"They may have difficulties with interpreting both verbal and non-verbal language like gestures or tone of voice, or it may take them a little longer to understand. Some autistic people have a very literal understanding of language, and think people always mean exactly what they say. They may find it difficult to use or understand:

facial expressionstone of voicejokes and sarcasmvague or abstract concepts

These traits can express themselves in different ways. For instance, someone with Asperger syndrome may be very funny or sarcastic themselves, but they may not always pick up on sarcasm. 

People with Asperger syndrome usually have good language skills, but they may still find it hard to understand the expectations of others within conversations, perhaps repeating what the other person has just said (this is called echolalia) or talking at length about their own interests. "

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-gu ... they%20say.

When I read this I have to say that it sounds like they think that I cannot enjoy listening to people reciting poetry because I cannot understand prosody.
This is not true at all.
I can also see the emotions in people who recites with facial expressions.
This is very different from how people behave in a social situation.

But I guess interpreting things like Fawlty Towers can take longer time for us. We might not get social situations as quick as NTs but...I'm sure most NTs are confused about socializing and interpreting people or poetry or facial expressions.

Considering my experience with the Autism Spectrum, I sense that even the slightest understanding of poetry depended on context of how poetry is presented.

For example, the context which resonated was the 1990s TV Series, 'Northern Exposure' - the radio-host in the TV Series often recited poetry. I sense the excellent writing, and quirky nature of the TV-series is what resonated most.

Excellent-point that people on the Autism Spectrum might find it challenging to understand the dynamics of poetry.

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Any people on the Autism Spectrum who's poetry was published? - Poetry receiving ample interest online?

I understand the words
The metre and the verbs
I’ve studied it for years
For tranquil peace and tears

I don't understand poetry that doesn't rhyme.

I do love 'Ode to Spot' by Lieutenant Commander Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation:

Felis Catus
is your taxonomic nomenclature
An endothermic quadruped
carniverous by nature
Your visual, olfactory,
and auditory senses
Contribute to your hunting skills
and natural defenses.
I find myself intrigued
by your sub-vocal oscillations
A singular development
of cat communications
That obviates your
basic hedonistic predilection
For a rhythmic stroking of your fur
to demonstrate affection.
A tail is quite essential
for your acrobatic talents
You would not be so agile
if you lacked its counterbalance
And when not being utilized
to aid in locomotion
It often serves to illustrate
the state of your emotion
Oh Spot,
The complex levels of behavior you display
Denote a fairly well developed cognitive array
And though you are not sentient, Spot, and do not comprehend
I nonetheless consider you a true and valued friend.