Posted on 06/01/2004 1:16:37 PM PDT by Born Conservative
At four years of age, my grandson can read, spell and operate his Dads's computer like a veteran. Nobody taught him. On his 5th birthday while the other kids were chowing on hot dogs and generally running themselves ragged, he snuck into his Dad's office, fired up the computer and the a/c, ( it was a hot day) and I found him surfing the net for Walt Disney action figures. He is diagnosed as mild Autistic but he is an absolute loner, hates to talk and displays classic autism. However he is so clever, I think he is more A/S than Autistic. What do you folks think?
I think that, too. From what I've read, and the few Asperger's children I've known, there's a lot of creativity and intelligence there.
I read a book a few years ago, called Touched by Fire, about the high incidence of depression and bipolar disorder in many famous artistic and literary figures, also how drugs like prozac can actually stifle creativity.
In all seriousness - How do you tell the difference between Asperger's and old fashioned misanthropy?
This is the first I've heard of poor communication skills. He was a poet and a prolific letter writer. He was also an extremely cagey real estate speculator. Maybe he just didn't like most people?
Sounds more like Asperger's to me. My 7 yr old son was diagnosed high functioning autism 3 yrs ago. He's enrolled in a special school program for autistic children. He speaks at about 3 yr level and writes at the kindergarten level. Asperger's (from what I understand) has more to do with how someone interacts with others than language/comprehension skills.
BTTT
PING
This correlates closely to my own theory an "Artists." Most I've come across are mentally unstable to some notable degree. It is this odd place they view the world from that allows them such unique insight...and as such they are very valuable. They are not, however, anyone you would want in charge of other people in more than a limited way.
Most of the "artists" who I knew who became more stable, lost their ability to "do art."
Hey!
Look here!
I have most of his paintings!
This is my favorite!
Some experts are saying that Benjamin Franklin may have had shy bladder syndrome.
The world is full of seemingly well-adjusted people who use their social skills to manipulate and abuse others--Ted Bundy and Bill Clinton, to name just two.
Thanks for the ping.
Sort of like...
"Have you heard about the crazy midget?"
"He was half nuts!"
In the land of low-acheivers genius is illness...
BTTT
My brother and cousin do not DISLIKE other people; they are simply bewildered by social cues and interactions most of us take for granted.
My brother is actually very friendly and wants to "get along" but of course is awkward and his idiosyncrasies make others wary of him.
As for my cousin, he retreated into his own world as others are a complete cipher to him. They don't follow logical rules that he can understand. He doesn't hate others though; not even those who take advantage of his condition.
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