Does Steve Have Asperger's? Do You Have Asperger's?

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Jesse:

Steve does not have Asperger's. He is probably an ENTJ or INTJ with high scores on the "NTJ"; and a moderate score on the E or I.

The "NTJ" characteristics have confused you into mistaking him for a potential Asperger sufferer.

There are some similarities but you should note that the typical ENTJ/INTJ does not actually have "disabilities" the way that Aspies have.

When Aspies come across as blunt or rude, it's because they lack the ability to read other people's body language, facial expressions etc, and don't know that they are coming across as blunt or rude.

When ENTJs/INTJs come across as blunt or rude, it's because they have decided to be blunt or rude. ENTJs and INTJs are often very smart, very forceful, very decisive people with little patience for fools. When dealing with fools, idiots and nincompoops, the ENTJ/INTJ's tolerance will run thin very quickly and this is when his famous bluntness/rudeness will begin to manifest.

Famous ENTJs/INTJs include General Norman Schwarzkopf; Margaret Thatcher; Rudy Giuliani; Donald Rumsfeld; General Colin Powell (I think this selection of people may give you some idea of what I mean).

Note that Aspies have a problem understanding language in any way except literally. However, ENTJs and INTJs have no such difficulty.

In situations requiring immediate action / decision, ENTJ/INTJs will communicate in clear, direct, literal terms, because that's their operating style - it springs from the "J" aspect of their personality. But on other occasions, if an ENTJ/INTJ does decide to hit you with the full force of his sarcasm, then you will unmistakeably come to understand that he has no difficulty whatsoever with metaphor and simile.

I don't see how being an ENTJ makes someone not have asperger's. Asperger's, like the Myers-Briggs system, is just a way of describing someone's personality. You can both be an ENTJ and have asperger's.

And it's rather derogatory to call people with asperger's "sufferers". Like I mentioned, many of them consider themselves blessed.

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by Jesse E

You can both be an ENTJ and have asperger's.

Theoretically possible, but mathematically unlikely. ENTJs are rare; and Aspies are rarer; thus it would be extremely rare to find an ENTJ who is also an Aspie.

In contrast, the probability that you've made a mistaken diagnosis appears to me to be quite high.

It's fairly easy to mistakenly diagnose my personality type as exhibiting signs of psychopathic behaviour too. But I am quite sure that I am not a psychopath. A police psychiatrist comments here. Although INTJs are not ENTJs, and psychopaths are not Aspies, you may, upon reading the article, realise how you have come to mistake an ENTJ for an Aspie (more or less in the same way that an INTJ may be mistaken for a psychopath).

[Acting Like Godot]

It just occurred to me that with a moderate score on the E/I, and a high score on the NTJ, Steve could be mistaken for .... a psychopath with Asperger's Syndrome!

[Steve Pavlina]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

It just occurred to me that with a moderate score on the E/I, and a high score on the NTJ, Steve could be mistaken for .... a psychopath with Asperger's Syndrome!

In other words... I'm a blogger.

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Theoretically possible, but mathematically unlikely. ENTJs are rare; and Aspies are rarer; thus it would be extremely rare to find an ENTJ who is also an Aspie.

In contrast, the probability that you've made a mistaken diagnosis appears to me to be quite high.

It's fairly easy to mistakenly diagnose my personality type as exhibiting signs of psychopathic behaviour too. But I am quite sure that I am not a psychopath. A police psychiatrist comments here. Although INTJs are not ENTJs, and psychopaths are not Aspies, you may, upon reading the article, realise how you have come to mistake an ENTJ for an Aspie (more or less in the same way that an INTJ may be mistaken for a psychopath).

You may think that you're not a psychopath, but that doesn't mean you are not a psychopath. In fact, I would say you're probably the least qualified person to diagnose yourself .

[shesaboutspirit]

I think the issue for me is that labels feels so constricting. Years ago, I would proudly share that I was a vegetarian. Then at some point, I noticed other people being attached to my label more than I was. They would pounce on me if I considered something outside of my box. At that point I started to see how my ego's need to be "a something" was keeping me from experiencing what else was out there.

Anyway, I appreciate this thread and continue to look within to understand why the subject sparks me at all.

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

In other words... I'm a blogger.

Hehe, that's quite funny because it's almost accurate. Check out this article about the prevalence of asperger's and autism in the tech industry: Wired 9.12: The Geek Syndrome

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by shesaboutspirit

I think the issue for me is that labels feels so constricting. Years ago, I would proudly share that I was a vegetarian. Then at some point, I noticed other people being attached to my label more than I was. They would pounce on me if I considered something outside of my box. At that point I started to see how my ego's need to be "a something" was keeping me from experiencing what else was out there.

Anyway, I appreciate this thread and continue to look within to understand why the subject sparks me at all.

You're probably an Enneagram Type 4.

Sorry, could not resist . But you really could well be an Enneagram Type 4.

[shesaboutspirit]

I used to know about that...but I got so absorbed by all of it that I got totally confused and dumped it all.

I think it's not only the ego that likes labels, but the left side of the brain as well. Since life has swung me way over to the right side these days...I'm too freakin spacey to figure it all out anymore any how.

Best to all, and I appreciate the Spirit of this healthy debate.

Pam

[Shaden]

In other words... I'm a blogger.

Does that mean I'm a psycopath as well? I'm worried. And when I get worried I get... angry.

Now where's my knife...?

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Jesse:

Steve does not have Asperger's. He is probably an ENTJ or INTJ with high scores on the "NTJ"; and a moderate score on the E or I.

What is ENTJ please?

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

What is ENTJ please?

ENTJ - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Cassie]

Oh good grief. You can pin a zillion 'medical conditions' on each and every one of us. We're all wired differently and that's how the universe intended it to be. Just as each of our bodies are unique, so are our defects .. *cough*.. err, personalities.

Hey Steve, out of curiousity, what is your technical title when you introduce yourself to someone? Motivational speaker? Writer? Blogger?

[Andrew Brunelle]

I do not have Asperger's syndrome, although I have been cursed with Restless Leg Syndrome and Social Anxiety Disorder, not to mention adult ADD. I was supposed to go get tested for it, but I got distracted.

[Steve Pavlina]

Originally Posted by Cassie

Hey Steve, out of curiousity, what is your technical title when you introduce yourself to someone? Motivational speaker? Writer? Blogger?

My business card lists my job title as Seeker of Truth.

My first choice was Asperger's ENTJ Psychopathic Blogger, but Erin thought I should keep that part a surprise and allow it to come out in conversation.

[shesaboutspirit]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

My business card lists my job title as Seeker of Truth.

My first choice was Asperger's ENTJ Psychopathic Blogger, but Erin thought I should keep that part a surprise and allow it to come out in conversation.

LOL!!! See? How can anybody say Steve doesn't have a great sense of humor?

Sometimes, you just gotta laugh.

[Cassie]

Haha, man, good stuff.

[Shaden]

Do psycopaths neccessarily have conversations? I mean between maiming and killing people and sharpening they're knifes they can't have much time to strike up conversation.

[Chado2423]

I have ADHD.... but I don't have it. What I mean is that I don't live by that modality and labeling structure. Sure understanding the quirks and what not of my symptoms has helped me grow... but once I stopped saying that I had a disorder, my life started to change. I no longer think of myself as ADHD, but rather a deep thinker. This has caused some, although minimul, momentum in the way my life has slowly begun to change. I studied asperburger and it never occured to me how similar Steve is to someone who has asburgers. But I can label anyone... if you blink too much I can say that you have impulse control defiencies.... I think we should rid ourselves of these "diagnoses", especially when they make the patient or person feel down rather than uplifted. It is quite defeating and non-empowering the way society uses labels. "He's mentally retarded..." No... "His name is Jack!" When someone talks about my cousin who has downs I say "Her name is Esther, and she is a very nice person."

[Algernon]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

I am ENTJ (with a moderate E and more extreme on the NTJ).

Finally an accurate diagnosis.

Now what is Erin?

This is an old question, I know, but I'll take a shot:

INFP a.k.a. The Healer.

Healers are introspective, cooperative, informative, and attentive. They are highly compassionate and empathetic to the needs of others. Healers care deeply about a few favorite individuals or causes and they desire to bring about peace and integrity to their companions and to the society at large. They want to heal the problems that trouble individuals and correct the conflicts that divide groups in order to bring health to themselves, their companions and to the society.

Healers tend to be private individuals who have a strong sense of right and wrong and an idealistic worldview. They are deeply committed to things that are positive or good and may be inspired to make extraordinary sacrifices in attempts to achieve their ideals.

[Jennihul]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

Jesse:

Steve does not have Asperger's. He is probably an ENTJ or INTJ with high scores on the "NTJ"; and a moderate score on the E or I.

The "NTJ" characteristics have confused you into mistaking him for a potential Asperger sufferer.

There are some similarities but you should note that the typical ENTJ/INTJ does not actually have "disabilities" the way that Aspies have.

When Aspies come across as blunt or rude, it's because they lack the ability to read other people's body language, facial expressions etc, and don't know that they are coming across as blunt or rude.

When ENTJs/INTJs come across as blunt or rude, it's because they have decided to be blunt or rude. ENTJs and INTJs are often very smart, very forceful, very decisive people with little patience for fools. When dealing with fools, idiots and nincompoops, the ENTJ/INTJ's tolerance will run thin very quickly and this is when his famous bluntness/rudeness will begin to manifest.

Famous ENTJs/INTJs include General Norman Schwarzkopf; Margaret Thatcher; Rudy Giuliani; Donald Rumsfeld; General Colin Powell (I think this selection of people may give you some idea of what I mean).

Note that Aspies have a problem understanding language in any way except literally. However, ENTJs and INTJs have no such difficulty.

In situations requiring immediate action / decision, ENTJ/INTJs will communicate in clear, direct, literal terms, because that's their operating style - it springs from the "J" aspect of their personality. But on other occasions, if an ENTJ/INTJ does decide to hit you with the full force of his sarcasm, then you will unmistakeably come to understand that he has no difficulty whatsoever with metaphor and simile.

Thanks! You saved me the trouble of posting.

Jennifer

[votoshka]

Hmm I did the Myer's Briggs test the other day to find out whether I've changed since I first did it about 10 years ago...

And today I learn that I could well be a psychopath



On the subject of Asperger's and other borderline disorders... I suspected that my oldest son could be borderline Aspie for various reasons. My husband got very upset about me "Labelling" him!

As it is, he doesn't have many of the Asperger's traits... but he's still a child who marches to the beat of his own drum

[VetTechJess]

I think the proper "diagnosis" for Steve here would be......

Genious...