I've been playing with this analogy for a few weeks and just recently posted it on a thread or two. I just wanted to put it down as one solid thought and see how everyone else feels about it. I'm just searching for a comprehensive and somewhat simple way to explain the differences in how my (self dx'ed) AS brain works differently from the NT brain. Since I don't exactly know how the NT brain works I can't exactly comment too heavily on it but I think I finally found the analogy that both Aspies and NT can grasp.
Quote:
NT Thinking vs. AS Thinking
Apple vs. PC
Apple starts up with its operating system - it is integral to the system. Processing power is reserved solely for hardwired and downloaded functions. NT's have an integral operating system, they come hard wired, with a nice preloaded software package and are ready to get to work right out of the box without an initial loss of processing power or a need to upload new software or configure their systems.
PC's need to devote processing power to opening up their operating system in order to access the basic functions of navigating the system. PC's can operate on DOS alone but it takes a knowledgeable user to understand 'computer speak' - generally, only other 'computer geeks' speak this language. The general public needs Windows to make use of the system at all. With every new program that is opened in Windows, processing power is engaged. Once you have too may functions open and CPU usage is too high, programs start freezing up. If you don't start closing all those programs, you crash the system.
In order to interact socially, those with AS need to start opening up social 'programs' in order to leave the DOS prompt behind and become more user friendly. Every person with AS come preload with a different social software package as well as differing motherboards, graphic and sound cards, memory, etc... New software can be uploaded with success dependant on platform compatibility. Once the social programs are open, brain energy/computing power is engaged to maintain functioning. If too many programs are open - aka: too many social skills or sensory inputs are engaged simultaneously - brain computing power is maxed out and programs start freezing up - aka: meltdowns occur. A diligent, experienced user will monitor their CPU usage and know when to exit programs in order to prevent freeze ups - aka: meltdowns. When the user does not recognize or mistakenly ignores the warning signs of energy depletion they can crash the entire system - aka: a full, involuntary system shutdown occurs. The brain shuts off in order to recharge energy stores that were depleted below critical level. They need to reboot the system.
Therapies and interventions are add on software programs. First and foremost, these programs need to be compatible with the platform. You cannot download Apple software into a PC. You cannot teach NT social skills in an NT manner to someone with AS - it is a different language. Some programmers have access to sophisticated translation software that can make translation possible but there are usually glitches - they get a mostly functioning program but there are bound to be translation errors in the programming. It will not be a not be a perfect copy of the program but it will be basically functional. Some with AS can learn these skills despite the 'language' barrier but it is not a perfect translation. Others with AS may have varying degrees of skill in translating NT language and some may have no skill in it at all. In a best case scenario, the social skills programming should come formatted for the system they are being download to - aka: NT skills need to be taught from the AS perspective in order to be understood and incorporated. You simply cannot turn a PC into an Apple without physically replacing the motherboards - aka: you cannot rewire the AS brain with social skills programming alone. It is an entirely different, unique system capable of most of the same functions - it just gets there is a different way.
Well, that's the initial gist of it. I know not everyone can wrap their heads around computer speak but my goal is to appeal this message to the professional community. In this day and age most professional have a baseline understanding of computers and I'm hoping this analogy appeals to that understanding. It's a work in progress, a rough first draft.
Well, what do you think? Comments, critiques and suggested improvements welcomed.
12 May 2011, 11:36 am
