I wish I were quick witted!

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I have no idea how some people can think so fast on their feet. I hate getting into debates with some people, because they're so darn fast. It's like, how can they just process things so quickly? It seems like magic to me.

yeah, me too! much better in text. guess it depends on the person.

Depends on whether or not they have autism. That's one of the major characteristics of the disorder, impaired processing speed. Particularly noticeable in social settings. I think that's partly what makes us miss a lot of nonverbal cues, they go by so quick they just don't register.

Seriously? That's the first time I've heard that.

One of the metaphors used to describe this (that I rather like), is that the brain is a bit like a city. A neurotypical brain has many large, wide and fast main roads that allow free access into and out of that city. An autistic brain has more labyrinthine streets; narrow long, convoluted detours that can mean we generally take longer to navigate from place to place.

Taking the scenic route can lead you to some interesting places that most people don't see

I think you can alter the way your brain works (and it is speculated that the physical structure of the brain can be changed) through certain practices like meditation, or check out the autism talk TV video on trans-cranial stimulation; a touted future treatment.

Its one of the things they test for when you're evaluated for diagnosis. Its what causes phenomena like temporary mutism when you're expected to interact socially and you suddenly can't speak because you can't run through the list of potential correct responses fast enough to know what to say. In 'Look Me In the Eye' James Robison mentions that its easier for him to deal with social interaction when the other person speaks to him first. I have the same problem. Once the other person makes it clear what the topic of discussion is, its easier for me to navigate through the possible responses because it narrows the list from infinity to a few dozen. That's all got to do with how rapidly your brain's 'processor' can handle all the input data, not just verbal but sensory too.

The psych evaluator didn't ask ME when she evaluated me. You know what, on top of that, she didn't even wait for me to return the assessment she sent me home with- she just said I don't have it. Jesus, our behavioral health system is incompetent. It's like it's in the f8cking dark ages still.

Anyway, I digress. Yeah, that is and always has been a HUGE problem for me. Putting my thoughts to words, thinking of what to say. I've seen people posting about it on this sight, just didn't know it was criteria. Maybe I can tell this to my evaluator when I see her on the 29th.

“Quotation is a serviceable substitute for wit.”
- Oscar Wilde


and with that out of the way

“Wit is a treacherous dart. It is perhaps the only weapon with which it is possible to stab oneself in one's own back.”
- Geoffrey Bocca

“Words may show a man's wit, but actions his meaning”
- Benjamin Franklin

and finally

“For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth, action nor utterance, nor the power of speech, to stir men's blood. I only speak right on. I tell you that which you yourselves do know.”
- William Shakespeare

being a fortunate possessor of a good brain is a moral/ethical test, which most souls fail utterly.

In a class situation or a meeting at work, I rarely ask questions because I can't think of them quickly enough. And I almost never make comments or suggestions. Only when I have a chance to consider the subject alone do I start to explore the deeper aspects. And then I usually think far deeper than my peers and ask far more complex questions.

Writing is the best way for me to communicate ideas. It allows me to work alone, with slow and careful attention to the complex aspects of the subject at hand.

i am never available for debate until i have formed my reply.
i am slow witted.
but the product of my wit will compete believably with the product of quicker witted people.
i do not really care anyway because i have a new problem to deal with.

The two variables have an inverse relationship I've noticed: The quicker the mind, usually, the less wisdom and compassion they have.

Cleverness is not wisdom.
- Euripides