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In Reply to: Re: Aspergers? posted by susie on September 14, 2005 at 20:17:45:
Some quotes from article in Chronicle of Higher Education on Nutty Professors--remember Professor of Love?
And hey, this is just an hypothesis, it's serious business these cult manipulators, lives do seem to be at stake, would you prefer I give prophicies instead from Flibbertigibbit or the White Rabbit, perhaps:
http://chronicle.com/free/v52/i04/04b00701.htm
"According to the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria, those with Asperger's syndrome will often manifest "marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction," a "failure to develop peer relationships," a "lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people," and a "lack of social or emotional reciprocity." In addition, those with Asperger's may be preoccupied with "stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest" that are "abnormal either in intensity or focus"; they may stick to "specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals"; they may manifest "stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms," or a "persistent preoccupation with parts of objects."
Asperger's is most commonly found in people of above-average intelligence, who may have unusually good memories or a natural affinity with computers, and often have problems with casual social conversation. Apparently, in his 1944 paper identifying the syndrome, the Viennese physician Hans Asperger suggested that academe might well be the natural home for those who experience the disorder. If these symptoms sound familiar, it is probably because they are part of the spectrum of ordinary behavior that is accepted -- even rewarded -- in academic life. Consequently, like most character disorders, Asperger's is a controversial diagnosis.
As with other kinds of autism, there is no cure for Asperger's, although some of its more oppressive manifestations, such as depression and social anxiety, may respond to medication. But most people who have been diagnosed with Asperger's simply have to be taught, through years of counseling and therapy, how to conduct themselves appropriately in social and public situations. In most academics, I would imagine, the syndrome goes undiagnosed. Like other professionals who pride themselves on their intellectual acumen, academics may have difficulty accepting that they are in need of clinical help, and prefer to cast themselves as the victims of jealous rivals or narrow-minded opponents.
Such quirky individuals are often exceptionally talented in their field, and initially -- in an interview situation, for example -- their dysfunctional behavior may seem no more than everyday nerves, or social discomfort. In my own academic career, I can recall two instances where candidates were hired who, in retrospect, appear to have had many of the characteristic personality traits of Asperger's. Both had stellar résumés and impressive lists of publications; they were dedicated and professional teachers, with superlative references. Both were midcareer with a history of short-term positions, but in today's humanities market that is not unusual, even for those with the strongest credentials, and it's no longer considered a reason for doubt. Both candidates gave wonderful interviews and tremendous presentations, and were hired with unanimous support.
Neither lasted more than a year in the job. In the first case -- and I'm disguising some details to protect their identities -- the new hire turned out to be dismissive of any student incapable of meeting her impossibly high standards, disturbingly fastidious, bad-tempered, and intractable in meetings. She was also arrogant, petty-minded, and obsessed with such matters as the relative size of her office and quality of its furniture. In the second case, the new star revealed himself to be an abstemious hermit and hypersensitive to imaginary slights; he was also a compulsive hoarder, and frugal to an unusual extreme. He was discovered to be actually living, Bartleby-like, in his office.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, neither candidate's referees mentioned their asocial habits, emphasizing instead publication records and certain exceptional student evaluations. We all tend to request references from those who like us, or who are familiar with our strong suits. It's hard to imagine any midcareer candidate so completely dysfunctional, or so universally disliked, that he is unable to get decent recommendations. The difficulty is not getting hired, but remaining in a position once the flaws become obvious."
