I have been trying for a while to come up with a fairly accurate and workable metaphor for explaining Aspergers Syndrome to most people. I finally did tonight
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Still go with the computer analogychessdevJanuary 3 2005, 02:09:39 UTC
In computers there is thing known as multi-threading, where a single process can do several things at once.
With threading and pre-emptive multi-tasking, there is a certain amount of time that the CPU shares with each task, so that everything can get done.
With ADD I would assume that the CPU doesn't always give equal tasks the amount of time they would other wise get -- resulting in hyperactivity in some tasks, sluggishness in other tasks, and overall not being consistent in getting things done.
Hit the nail on the head. I find ADD to be best explained to people in this way, also. Although I personally use 'replicant vs. human' instead of 'win vs. linux'
I don't think many people know that ADD, Autism, and Asperger's are all in the same vein either, but with a progression of severity from the first to the last.
Thanks for this. It's good to read stuff like this.
You are correct about the list order. That was a typographical error on my part.
Good on you for understanding this about someone who's important to you, and for passing that understanding on. It's so hard to communicate this stuff to NT folks. It's wonderful when they really get it. :)
well, to my own credit, I did study Psych for 20 years. So I didn't walk into the situation completely cold. Well, I didn't walk into it really either, he was diagnosed 4 years into our relationship.
I am just proud of him that he ADMITS it now. He is no longer *ashamed* of having Asperger's. It's not something *anyone* should be ashamed of. It's just part of who they are. Like having ADD. Or even like having CFS/FM. It's just something that changes how you deal with every day life a bit from a perfectly normal person.
I have this goal in my life of making it easier for everyone I know to understand each other. It's a lofty goal, but not impossible if I go one person at a time. :D
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With threading and pre-emptive multi-tasking, there is a certain amount of time that the CPU shares with each task, so that everything can get done.
With ADD I would assume that the CPU doesn't always give equal tasks the amount of time they would other wise get -- resulting in hyperactivity in some tasks, sluggishness in other tasks, and overall not being consistent in getting things done.
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I don't think many people know that ADD, Autism, and Asperger's are all in the same vein either, but with a progression of severity from the first to the last.
Thanks for this. It's good to read stuff like this.
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But yeah. they are all in the same vein. :)
and no problem. I end up doing a lot of translation of Aspie into NT (neuro-typical) and vice-versa in my life. My boyfriend has Asperger's. :)
Everyone once in a while I try to come up with ways for people to understand him better (along with all the other Aspies I know).
thanks for the compliment. :D I am surprised that you found it in the first place. It is a few months old.
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Good on you for understanding this about someone who's important to you, and for passing that understanding on. It's so hard to communicate this stuff to NT folks. It's wonderful when they really get it. :)
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I am just proud of him that he ADMITS it now. He is no longer *ashamed* of having Asperger's. It's not something *anyone* should be ashamed of. It's just part of who they are. Like having ADD. Or even like having CFS/FM. It's just something that changes how you deal with every day life a bit from a perfectly normal person.
I have this goal in my life of making it easier for everyone I know to understand each other. It's a lofty goal, but not impossible if I go one person at a time. :D
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