Last edited Wed Mar 9, 2022, 05:04 PM - Edit history (1)
Great book. Bought it for my son who was not diagnosed until after college by a very astute psychologist. (It was not well known when he was young.) They decided not to perform the battery of tests to formalize the diagnosis because, as my son put it, it wouldn't change what he needed to do to change his behavior.
He is a certified genius but very socially awkward. He scored a perfect 1600 on the SATs as well as perfect scores on SATIIs in Biology, Chemistry, Math, History and Literature. These scores earned him a full ride to a prestigious private university where he did not flourish because he couldn't communicate with his professors or classmates. Then, he did somehow manage to earn a Master's degree at a lesser university where he only had to complete class work. Next, he obtained a fellowship to pursue a PhD, but dropped out after five years because he couldn't talk to his professors. Part of the issue was that he refused to tell anyone of his diagnosis due to embarrassment, so none of the professors knew what his problem was so they couldn't help him. (He was often considered rude because he didn't make eye contact or small talk, both symptoms of being on the spectrum. But far from being rude, he is the sweetest man you could meet.) Through some fate and luck, he's is now working on another Master's in teaching through a fully funded fellowship. He is the oldest person in the program but diligently working hard trying to make his way in a tough world. He has taught himself how to look people in the eye and speak up for himself (to a degree). He does work on overcoming his limitations, but is still so shy.
And now, Asperger's is no longer referred to as a separate condition. Instead, it had been lumped in with autism as being "on the spectrum":
"Doctors used to think of Asperger's as a separate condition. But in 2013, the newest edition of the standard book that mental health experts use, called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), changed how it's classified.Today, Asperger's syndrome is technically no longer a diagnosis on its own. It is now part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This group of related disorders shares some symptoms. Even so, lots of people still use the term Asperger's.The condition is what doctors call a "high-functioning" type of ASD. This means the symptoms are less severe than other kinds of autism spectrum disorders."
Also highly recommend watching the movie about Temple Grandin starring Claire Danes. Grandin is the poster girl for autism. Currently streaming many platforms.
"Before enrolling in college, famed animal husbandry expert Temple Grandin (Claire Danes) visits a cattle ranch owned by her aunt Ann (Catherine O'Hara) and demonstrates a brilliance for all things mechanical. Once classes begin, the autistic Grandin rises to meet the intellectual challenges -- though the social ones are a bit more difficult. Grandin triumphs over prejudice to become an innovator in the field of animal care, and a lifelong advocate for humane slaughtering practices."
I saw Grandin speaking at a talk. She wears her underwear inside out because the seams bother her. She is very open about her challenges and a good speaker. But still doesn't like being touched. Fascinating story.
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