'Theory of Mind'

I'm reading a great book just now by Cynthia Kim, which resonates with me on many levels.

www.amazon.co.uk/.../1849057575

My failure to accept compliments, my study of NT's mannarisms to try and understand them, the misreading of the expressions of an Aspie; by NT's, because our facial expressions don't always pair up with the signals NT's are used to taking ques from, as I think Longman describes.

Hope, the chances are people (NT's) are staring at you, but not perhaps because they can read your mind, but more likely because of your lack of expression perhaps or because the ques are misread by them. It's described as the 'flatt or blunted affect' and can also be construed by NT's as scary. As decibed in her chapter, 'You Scare Me!'

Cynthia described a similar misreading of another facial expression when she was quizzed by her lecturer, "You have a question for me?" (her answer being) "No why?" (Lecturers reply) "Because you are frowning at me!" (to which she replied,) "I'm not frowning, this is my consentrating face!"

Sarah Hendrickx also describes this quizzical look. In fact, many with ASD have a permanant crease between their eyes where they have been using this expression in concentration. in an effort to understand NT's. She (Sarah) wants this feature (although hardy scientific) described as the 'Hendickx effect.' Frankly I think it's a great observation and although not foolproof I've realized many of my Aspie friends also possess it. (Including myself.)

Re Eves comments, I wonder whether the above issue could also be to do with expectation. In reading the chapter of the book mentioned above, Cynthia described the disparity between gifted and tallented and the expectation of others who believe that an individual must be good at everything. It's when 'a strength isn't a strength.'

As she describes, it's like throwing a child baseball star into a pool and expecting him to swim. 'What do you mean he can't swim, He's athletic isn't he?'

I may have misconstrued this, but to me it does seem possible that although people are able to understand certain theorys and processes, it doesn't necessarily mean they can either apply them in the right context or recognise them when faced with a situation. The situation may have suble variences that don't compute with the application of what someone with ASD deems as similar enough to previous occurances or situations perhaps?

Some very good points raised above and really room for loads more contribution.

Thanks for the feedback and comments. Do give Cynthia a read, especially if you are a female on the spectrum.

Coogybear xx

I'm reading a great book just now by Cynthia Kim, which resonates with me on many levels.

www.amazon.co.uk/.../1849057575

My failure to accept compliments, my study of NT's mannarisms to try and understand them, the misreading of the expressions of an Aspie; by NT's, because our facial expressions don't always pair up with the signals NT's are used to taking ques from, as I think Longman describes.

Hope, the chances are people (NT's) are staring at you, but not perhaps because they can read your mind, but more likely because of your lack of expression perhaps or because the ques are misread by them. It's described as the 'flatt or blunted affect' and can also be construed by NT's as scary. As decibed in her chapter, 'You Scare Me!'

Cynthia described a similar misreading of another facial expression when she was quizzed by her lecturer, "You have a question for me?" (her answer being) "No why?" (Lecturers reply) "Because you are frowning at me!" (to which she replied,) "I'm not frowning, this is my consentrating face!"

Sarah Hendrickx also describes this quizzical look. In fact, many with ASD have a permanant crease between their eyes where they have been using this expression in concentration. in an effort to understand NT's. She (Sarah) wants this feature (although hardy scientific) described as the 'Hendickx effect.' Frankly I think it's a great observation and although not foolproof I've realized many of my Aspie friends also possess it. (Including myself.)

Re Eves comments, I wonder whether the above issue could also be to do with expectation. In reading the chapter of the book mentioned above, Cynthia described the disparity between gifted and tallented and the expectation of others who believe that an individual must be good at everything. It's when 'a strength isn't a strength.'

As she describes, it's like throwing a child baseball star into a pool and expecting him to swim. 'What do you mean he can't swim, He's athletic isn't he?'

I may have misconstrued this, but to me it does seem possible that although people are able to understand certain theorys and processes, it doesn't necessarily mean they can either apply them in the right context or recognise them when faced with a situation. The situation may have suble variences that don't compute with the application of what someone with ASD deems as similar enough to previous occurances or situations perhaps?

Some very good points raised above and really room for loads more contribution.

Thanks for the feedback and comments. Do give Cynthia a read, especially if you are a female on the spectrum.

Coogybear xx