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

[Jesse E]

I found this article on Asperger's described Steve Pavlina very well:

Most of the differences relate to the way that aspies (a term that people with Asperger's Syndrome use to describe themselves) communicate with others. They tend to have a rather straightforward style, and that has several implications. First, the roundabout way in which normal (neurologically typical, or NT) people communicate is replaced with a rather blunt, sometimes apparently tactless approach. Aspies say what they are thinking, and there is no such thing as beating around the bush. They don't "say things without saying them," or lace their words with innuendo or hidden meaning. There's no subtext... what is said is what is meant, and it is that simple. NTs often have a hard time figuring out what an aspie means, simply because he (the NT) is not accustomed to interpreting the words completely at face value. They often refuse to believe that there is no hidden meaning, or that the comments they interpret as rude or harsh are actually meant to be helpful. This can cause hard feelings and misunderstandings, and unfortunately the aspie is usually on the losing end of the exchange.

Source: What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Steve has the typical asperger's profile of someone who does great in school, is extremely logical, and has trouble with humor (although he does try ).

I know Steve posted this blog post on autism which is related to asperger's, but I believe he misinterpreted autism as an extreme form of introversion, which it is not.

The autism quotient test in that post is flawed in many ways, mainly because it seems to test more for introversion and not for autism. Autistic people or people with asperger's are not always introverts. They are usually introverted not by choice, but by the fact that everyone else around them is different, so they have very few people they can relate to and have learned that interacting with others gets them nowhere. It's as if they speak a different language.

So do you think Steve has asperger's? I encourage everyone to read the full source article on asperger's to get a real sense of what it is. Does anyone else out there think they have asperger's?

[Savage]

LOL... adding Asperger's to my ever-growing list of online diagnoses from people I've never met.

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

LOL... adding Asperger's to my ever-growing list of online diagnoses from people I've never met.

Does that mean you think you have it?

[Michelle]

Good grief.

[Savage]

No, I don't have Asperger's. Nor am I a satanist, a serial killer, a cocaine addict, or an alien-human hybrid.

[dreki]

Sorry, but this is too funny! Heheh... Maybe Steve is psychotic too? Or even manio-depressive? Or a passive-agressive personality disorder? Pick which ever! They probably all fit well!

It is strange that it is so comfortable putting people in boxes just to know where we have them.

Jesse, if you decide that Steve has Aspergers he will have Aspergers! But I wouldn't make such a judgment never even having met him. Just my opinion.

[Adam]

I hate labels. I'm a person. I happen to have some aspects of my personality that coincide with high-functional autism, but that's not who I am. I am a unique being who can fit into many labels at many different times, including the label Adam.

If researchers want to label people based on their personality traits, let them. Those researchers are simply missing out on the person behind the label.

If you can't tell, I've been labeled many things in my life, ranging from genius to moron, and even as far afield as schizotypal (not schizophrenic, but most doctors don't know the difference, just as they don't know whether their ivory towers are the whole of their existence). Those labels, even the 'good' ones, have not brought me joy... only pain. I recognize the value of labels... It is an easy way to communicate abstract, complex topics, but it doesn't mean that I can like them when they are applied to me.

Sorry for the rant, Jesse... You've just unwittingly hit a nerve that I didn't realize was sore until just now. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[Jesse E]

Sorry, I didn't mean to try to label people or put people in little boxes.

I just find it interesting how everyone's brain works differently and how there are ways to describe these differences. Unfortunately these labels like asperger's or autism are large generalizations, but it is a very interesting way to see how all of us are built differently.

And Steve, I wouldn't put satanist, serial killer, cocaine addict, or alien-human hybrid in the same group with asperger's . In fact, there are a lot of people with asperger's who consider themselves far superior to those without it because in many ways their brains are much better at certain activities.

I think everyone here would agree Steve's brain does seem to perform far above average in many ways.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Jesse E

Sorry, I didn't mean to try to label people or put people in little boxes.

No, no. I'm actually glad that you posted it. My sensitivity to labels is another challenge that I have the opportunity to overcome. You just happened to be in the right place at the right time to be a catalyst so that I can realize that I have that sensitivity.

Trust me, I'm grateful. There is nothing to be sorry about at all.

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by Adam

No, no. I'm actually glad that you posted it. My sensitivity to labels is another challenge that I have the opportunity to overcome. You just happened to be in the right place at the right time to be a catalyst so that I can realize that I have that sensitivity.

Trust me, I'm grateful. There is nothing to be sorry about at all.

Well then, glad I could be of service .

[Matthew Shea]

Having read Steve's writing, I can't imagine how you could come to the conclusion that he has Asperger's. His writing is filled with tact and forethought and never comes across as rude or harsh. I'm also in agreement with the others in that I would never pretend to diagnose someone with such a condition without having met them, especially if I wasn't personally experienced with the condition.

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by Matthew Shea

Having read Steve's writing, I can't imagine how you could come to the conclusion that he has Asperger's. His writing is filled with tact and forethought and never comes across as rude or harsh. I'm also in agreement with the others in that I would never pretend to diagnose someone with such a condition without having met them, especially if I wasn't personally experienced with the condition.

That's very interesting. I think Steve writes very well and definitely puts lots of thought into his posts. The topics he writes on are fascinating and unique, which is why I've been visiting his site since...well, since before there was a StevePavlina.com and there was only Dexterity.com .

However, I guess we disagree about the tact and harshness part.

[RT Wolf]

It's hilarious that talking straight is a sign of a neurological issue.

I realize that there are some people that don't give emotions and other people's emotions the proper respect, in terms of tactfully telling them something (House comes to mind), but I haven't felt Steve doing that. I recall him apologizing in one of his early posts on spiritual issues, saying that he realizes it can strike a nerve with some people but its an important part of PD.

Another thing, are you a doctor, or someone familiar with people with Aspreger's? It's entirely possible that Steve falls within the normal range of human personalities but you might be misdiagnosing him based on your subjective evaluation of one symptom. BTW, Aspreger's is a lot more serious than just "talks straight".

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by RT Wolf

Another thing, are you a doctor, or someone familiar with people with Aspreger's? It's entirely possible that Steve falls within the normal range of human personalities but you might be misdiagnosing him based on your subjective evaluation of one symptom. BTW, Aspreger's is a lot more serious than just "talks straight".

I have a couple of close friends with Asperger's. It's really not that serious and quite common. Some people actually consider it an advantage.

[The David]

Trouble with humor? He can be quite the jokester, sometimes (mostly on the forums). I don't know him personally, but that label doesn't seem to fit. He's honest and upfront, but the words he uses aren't necessarily blunt.

I think he is unique. However, I don't think he is as 'far-off' from the norm as some of you make him sound.

[Shaden]

Trouble with humor? He can be quite the jokester, sometimes (mostly on the forums). I don't know him personally, but that label doesn't seem to fit. He's honest and upfront, but the words he uses aren't necessarily blunt.

He certainly put a smile on my face sometimes when I listened to his podcasts. He just has that enthusiastic, life-loving kind of voice and when he makes a funny point you can't help but grin along with him.

I don't think you need to be particularly witty or intelligent to make people laugh. Some people just have the capability to make people laugh naturally. Like me for example

[/flatuous self-absorbtion]

[Baltar]

Originally Posted by Jesse E

However, I guess we disagree about the tact and harshness part.

Have you considered the fact that Steve writes things this way on purpose? If he had Asperger's he would be doing it unknowingly. Yet from what he has said on the forums, he knows very well what kinds of buttons his blog posts are likely to push in people.

[RandomGuy101]

You do realize that napoleon dynamite has aspergers? I don't think Steve is anywhere CLOSE to having aspergers. Although that movie is awesome lol

[ticktockclok]

Originally Posted by RandomGuy101

You do realize that napoleon dynamite has aspergers? I don't think Steve is anywhere CLOSE to having aspergers. Although that movie is awesome lol

The character or the actor?

[Jill]

I don't think I have Aspergers as I think there's a lot more to it than the description in the first post.

That said, I definitely fit the description posted and get myself in trouble a lot online because of it.

Hmm...maybe next time someone says they're going to put up yet another hate site about me I'll say, "Don't mind me, I have Aspergers."

[shesaboutspirit]

I believe we will see what we want to see no matter where we look. At one point, I pinned myself with the ADD label, and you know what? I suddenly became the ADD poster child. I've since been working to let this vision go so that I can open to a more satisfying experience in life. During that time however, I saw it on everyone...and was quick to "enlighten" them.

Some of my favorite qualities that I enjoy in myself and in Steve Pavlina, is his profound wit and compassion. But you know what? He's mirroring my favorite qualities in myself. He's way better at putting them down in writing though...but I'm working on it

blessings,

Pam

[Kiba]

I have Asperger's Syndrome.

To me, it is not a personality "disorder", it is more of a neuronological condition.

It seem that Asperger's Syndrome are quite common and do have heredity factors into it. Look at places like Silicon Valley(Which is basically a mecca for geeks), they have very high concentraction of AS.

Yep, some consider it an advantage, others think it is a curse, and some think it is both.

Regardless, I don't want to be cured of AS. Asperger's Syndrome is not mental retardation.

I am a quite normal human being... With a different neurological configuration that may give me advantages/disadvantages, but I can learn how to function in society pretty easily.

[Shaden]

Glad to hear it Kiba. I think it is a bit unfair the social stigma that is attached to Asperger's these days. People can be so ignorant sometimes. Society can warp perceptions so negatively.

[Isis Kali]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

No, I don't have Asperger's. Nor am I a satanist, a serial killer, a cocaine addict, or an alien-human hybrid.

That's awesome. Are you part of the great cabal that's keeping us all down?

[Dani]

I dislike how people have to try and put other people into little boxes which safely define their behaviour and label it.

As someone mentioned above, when you pin such a label to yourself you will very quickly become the poster child for that 'disorder'.

You adopt it as an identity. You stop being James and become James the ADD sufferer. Soon everything in your life will revolve around it, as it does with my younger brother.

He uses it as an excuse for anything that he does, or doesn't do. The worst part is that he believes it and uses it as a reason not to do anything. e.g. "I shouldn't bother applying for jobs, I won't be able to keep them because I have ADD" ,"Oh I could never do that I have ADD"

Why can't Steve just be someone who doesn't mince words and tells it like it is? Why does he have to have a 'syndrome' to explain why he doesn't behave exactly the same as you?

[Jesse E]

I think the value in these labels is that they allow us to better understand how all of us are different, both genetically and environmentally.

For me at least, understanding differences like Asperger's helps me understand other people better. And through better understanding, I can appreciate them more for the unique person that they are.

Instead of asking "Why is that person doing something like that? Are they stupid or something?" my internal dialogue changes to "Oh, I see exactly why they act that way. I understand now and appreciate the good and the bad. That's cool."

It takes me from a state of judgement to a state of understanding and appreciation.

[shesaboutspirit]

oh my...

Jesse...Not sure I should even touch that statement about people being stupid or something... It just seems to me that when you label anyone, you limit yourself and them from what may become a much deeper understanding.

Have you ever had someone say to you that they know exactly how you feel, and you know they don't have a clue? But they've already decided...so you can't really reach the level of communicating that you want to. This is probably what most people do all of the time.

Only when you let yourself and others out of their boxes and give them room to be whomever or whatever they are and are becoming, can you enjoy growth, freedom and a new level of understanding that constantly flows into something new.

Just another idea to consider if you like...

blessings all,
Pam

[Jesse E]

Originally Posted by shesaboutspirit

oh my...

Jesse...Not sure I should even touch that statement about people being stupid or something... It just seems to me that when you label anyone, you limit yourself and them from what may become a much deeper understanding.

Have you ever had someone say to you that they know exactly how you feel, and you know they don't have a clue? But they've already decided...so you can't really reach the level of communicating that you want to. This is probably what most people do all of the time.

Only when you let yourself and others out of their boxes and give them room to be whomever or whatever they are and are becoming, can you enjoy growth, freedom and a new level of understanding that constantly flows into something new.

Just another idea to consider if you like...

blessings all,
Pam

Hey Pam,

I don't think labels limit at all. Similar to what you said, if you want to think that labels limit, then they will for you.

But for me, labels are a gateway to further understanding.

For example, I have friends with asperger's. I knew they had asperger's, but I didn't understand what that meant. And sometimes I would wonder why they were acting in certain ways. It didn't make sense to me. I would think "I wouldn't do something like that. I wonder why they did it?" I wanted to understand the motivation behind their actions. But I just couldn't figure out an explanation.

Well, lo and behold, I come upon some information about asperger's, start doing more research, and it all makes sense. I gain further understanding, all because of this useful label called asperger's. Now I can communicate better with my friends and we have much closer relationships.

[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.

[Savage]

Originally Posted by Acting Like Godot

He is probably an ENTJ or INTJ with high scores on the "NTJ"; and a moderate score on the E or I.

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

Finally an accurate diagnosis.

Now what is Erin?