Asperger's Diary

In a 2001 research paper, Simon Baron-Cohen describes Theory of Mind as "...being able to infer the full range of mental states (beliefs, desires, intentions, imagination, emotions, etc.) that cause action. In brief, having a theory of mind is to be able to reflect on the contents of one's own and other's minds." 

For many of those with autism or Asperger's, mindblindness, or lack of Theory of Mind creates major barriers to communication and closeness.  These barriers often lead to those nearest to the individual feel, whether real or perceived, a lack of empathy from the individual. 

But is that really the case? Read More

In her recent post The Art of Neurodiversity, fellow PT blogger Cathy Malchiodi discusses the work of Stephen Wiltshire, an artist with autism known for his remarkable talent for duplicating scenes with photographic accuracy.

Ms. Malchiodi asks the very real question - should any type of diagnosis, psychological or neurological, come into play when looking at art, or is art just art? Read More

Unless a person personally knows someone with autism or Asperger's (and has experienced just what we can do), the first thing that doesn't jump to mind isn't talent, it's disability.  It's what people with autism or Asperger's Syndrome can't do, not what they can.  HBO's recent documentary Autism: The Musical, follows a mother's quest to challenge those pre-suppositions, both for her child and others like him. Read More

Caustic comments, humiliating putdowns, callous behavior.  Lately, mainstream media seems to depict the worst in human nature.  Read More