There are a number of well known characteristics associated with Aspies. (Those who know me personally will know how long it has taken me to reconcile my feelings about using the word "Aspie" but I suppose there is no denying that it takes less time to type.)
The media tend to focus on the easily characterised traits such as social awkwardness, capacity of long term memory, talents and 'Special Interests.' It is indeed the case that some are exceptional at maths; some can memorise huge quantities of numerical data (historical dates, the digits of Pi, train timetables etc.) But we are not all savants or exceptional in the eyes of our peers.
I have 'Special Interests' like most Aspies. Mine are numerous, but all share an important characteristic: They are data-heavy (there is a lot of detailed information available to absorb from lots of different sources). This means that when I research the subject I can do so exhaustively, and this can keep me busy for a great deal of time. (Anyone hoping to intimidate me with a huge pile of repetitive detailed work is going to be disappointed.) I have no control over what piques my interest - often they are subjects unlikely to come up in general conversation, and they are as likely to reflect my abilities or aptitudes as not - Theoretical Mathematics for instance. My poor working memory for numbers means I will never be able to calculate anything but basic sums, but I enjoy reading at length about concepts like the range of infinities and irrational numbers.
Those who know me will be aware that I will try to crowbar the subject of quantum physics into conversation at will (after all, it is relevant to every subject in some way!) or I may interject hopefully about the meaning of a prefix or common word, followed by a treatise on it's origin and evolution. I have amassed an encyclopedic (if incomplete) knowledge of many subjects to various levels of detail. Sadly none of them are the subjects that work well in informal chatter. Even when I talk about the weather, I feel bound to use the correct cloud classifications and wax lyrical about how global climate is affected by El Niño.
Airing these interests in public can be problematic. People can feel intimidated when unfamiliar with the subject and may seek to extricate themselves at the first opportunity. This is usually the point at which my 'conversation assassin' (enthusiasm) leaps in, pinning the hapless participant until it becomes clear that they are no longer 'participating' or have left without my noticing their departure. Enthusiasm occurs either in a desperate attempt to reengage the participant, or simply because the temptation to blurt out vast sections of the knowledge, which brought me such pleasure to acquire, is simply too great... So, my sincere apologies to any of my victims and, if it's any consolation, I hope at least you learned something! (Commence squirming at my utter tactlessness!)
The media tend to focus on the easily characterised traits such as social awkwardness, capacity of long term memory, talents and 'Special Interests.' It is indeed the case that some are exceptional at maths; some can memorise huge quantities of numerical data (historical dates, the digits of Pi, train timetables etc.) But we are not all savants or exceptional in the eyes of our peers.
I have 'Special Interests' like most Aspies. Mine are numerous, but all share an important characteristic: They are data-heavy (there is a lot of detailed information available to absorb from lots of different sources). This means that when I research the subject I can do so exhaustively, and this can keep me busy for a great deal of time. (Anyone hoping to intimidate me with a huge pile of repetitive detailed work is going to be disappointed.) I have no control over what piques my interest - often they are subjects unlikely to come up in general conversation, and they are as likely to reflect my abilities or aptitudes as not - Theoretical Mathematics for instance. My poor working memory for numbers means I will never be able to calculate anything but basic sums, but I enjoy reading at length about concepts like the range of infinities and irrational numbers.
Those who know me will be aware that I will try to crowbar the subject of quantum physics into conversation at will (after all, it is relevant to every subject in some way!) or I may interject hopefully about the meaning of a prefix or common word, followed by a treatise on it's origin and evolution. I have amassed an encyclopedic (if incomplete) knowledge of many subjects to various levels of detail. Sadly none of them are the subjects that work well in informal chatter. Even when I talk about the weather, I feel bound to use the correct cloud classifications and wax lyrical about how global climate is affected by El Niño.
Airing these interests in public can be problematic. People can feel intimidated when unfamiliar with the subject and may seek to extricate themselves at the first opportunity. This is usually the point at which my 'conversation assassin' (enthusiasm) leaps in, pinning the hapless participant until it becomes clear that they are no longer 'participating' or have left without my noticing their departure. Enthusiasm occurs either in a desperate attempt to reengage the participant, or simply because the temptation to blurt out vast sections of the knowledge, which brought me such pleasure to acquire, is simply too great... So, my sincere apologies to any of my victims and, if it's any consolation, I hope at least you learned something! (Commence squirming at my utter tactlessness!)
