The Seinfeld-Descartes Autism Diagnostic Tool: I Think I Am Autistic Therefore I Am Autistic
Many, especially many with very, very high functioning autism diagnoses have embraced Jerry Seinfeld's new test for autism "conditions" one that the great comic borrowed from philosopher Rene Descartes: "I think I am autistic, therefore I am autistic".
With the Seinfeld-Descartes diagnostic tool it is no longer necessary for those who want to join the truly amazing autism club to obtain one of those pesky medical diagnoses. Nor will it be necessary to demonstrate the presence of that nasty Criterion D in the DSM5 Autism Spectrum Disorder:
D. Symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning.
I am not aware of what limits or impairments that the extremely rich successful comic and family man Jerry Seinfeld has in everyday functioning. For that matter it is not clear what impaired everyday functioning has ever been exhibited by many claiming to be autistic, including former free ranging Aspergians but it doesn't matter in today's world. Jerry Seinfeld's speculation about being autistic is enough for him to receive a warm embrace from the very high functioning autism self advocacy world and the mainstream media.
Seinfeld-Descartes Autism Diagnostic Tool - I think I am autistic therefore I am autistic. JE Robison and Ari Ne'eman couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present.
Aspergers is the in thing today. Associated with intelligence and a strong self centered will. Even a rich comedian like Seinfeld needs to stay in the news to remain relevant. It's all a media money grab to sell his live shows.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tool!
ReplyDeleteBut wait - whatever happened to theory of mind? This is part of why I cannot understand how someone can credibly claim autism, and "hurt feelings" because no one else understands them.... way, way too complex and implying a level of self- and social-awareness that belies the claim of an autism disorder.
ReplyDelete@VMGillen theory of mind deficits may not necessarily universally apply in cases of HFA/Aspergers, and in any case need not have much, if any bearing on the ability to feel hurt because "no one else understands".
ReplyDeleteFrom my own perspective, I may not always be able to work out what you are thinking "live", while we are face to face, but I can and will go over every aspect of the conversation later, and am perfectly capable of a level of self-awareness sufficient to feel hurt about things people say or do. My brother, far more seriously affected by autism, is also capable of feeling hurt at the things people say and do, and at not being understood. I am somewhat hurt in fact by your implication that people like us are incapable of such feelings.