(no subject)
If anyone wants a heavy but fascinating read on an alternate theory of autism, specifically that there are two types of empathy and autism follows as a natural consequence from a deficit in one but not the other--
who am I kidding, if you don't actually have aspergers or autism you're not going to click this link.
It's awesome, though.
The Empathy Imbalance Hypothesis of Autism
ETA: On further reading, if you have contact with autistic people (kids especially) this is probably the most useful conclusion:
If the EIH is correct, then the emotional status of other people can be expected to influence the behavior of children with autism. Indeed, displaying positive emotion in consistent and predictable ways could be one of the most therapeutic techniques that caregivers might employ. It might reduce the frequency of avoidant, stereotypic, or challenging behavior in people with autism.
He has plenty of evidence for this (and all the rest), I just haven't copied it.
who am I kidding, if you don't actually have aspergers or autism you're not going to click this link.
It's awesome, though.
The Empathy Imbalance Hypothesis of Autism
ETA: On further reading, if you have contact with autistic people (kids especially) this is probably the most useful conclusion:
If the EIH is correct, then the emotional status of other people can be expected to influence the behavior of children with autism. Indeed, displaying positive emotion in consistent and predictable ways could be one of the most therapeutic techniques that caregivers might employ. It might reduce the frequency of avoidant, stereotypic, or challenging behavior in people with autism.
He has plenty of evidence for this (and all the rest), I just haven't copied it.