Are you an Asperger Chauvinist?

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Hello fellow Aspies and Auties! Do any of you folks ever entertain the fantasy that your autism or asperberism indicates that you are the next evolutionary step for the human race?

The condition is almost certainly genetic. If Aspies and Auties could only get dates we would soon be the nexus of the next great evolutionary leap for mankind.

PS: I am semi-serious about this.

Ha, I've entertained the idea both ways - that we could be a step forward, or a step back.

Long, long ago, humans were solitary creatures. Then, we evolved to become more sociable and to seek to group together. Arguably, we're what remains of the solitary human that never gained that ability to connect and group.

But then, I definitely think the world is working more in our favour at the moment. I don't think we're more advanced, but I do think that modern societies are changing to need, require and involve less face-to-face and social interaction, and that some NT people will struggle with that whilst it suits many autistic people quite well. So arguably we'll see a time in the not-too-distant future when people with autism actually might be amongst the strongest and most suited to society. Possibly.

We're neither a step forward or a step back.

We are merely variations on a general theme.

I tend not to believe that anyone's really quantifiably capable of knowledge at that level of detail. Yes we're good with detailed knowledge but we'ree still learning what it physically means.

_________________
"Standing on a well-chilled cinder, we see the fading of the suns, and try to recall the vanished brilliance of the origin of the worlds."
-Georges Lemaitre
"I fly through hyperspace, in my green computer interface"
-Gem Tos

I've seen these sorts of attitudes before. I find them absolutely disgusting.

No. I think it's elitist and, frankly, quite untrue.

As KraftieKortie said, we are just another variation of humanity. Over time and across populations we still fall into the "normal" bucket. As do low functioning Autistics. I'm not yet convinced that we are any different from them except for severity and that we got lucky and have some skills that allow us to have an easier time surviving in a NT world.

I do find it interesting that many animals have what would be considered Autistic behaviors if they were observed in humans. I also find it fascinating that NT's & extroverts have so many traits that would be detrimental to survival if not for strength in numbers.

There are far more NT people than Autistics - and we haven't "taken over" - genetically. That pretty much refutes us being the "next step" in evolution.

That theme crops up on WP now and again- usually quite seriously-that aspies are "the next step" in evolution.

One person even claimed contradictory things: that aspergers came from Neandethals, AND that aspergers is the next stage in evolution (thats its BOTH a step back AND step forward).

Gotta make way for the Homo Superior

No, I don't believe so...I imagine some autistics do have great talents, but considering not all of us do...its not looking like its simply 'the next step in evolution.' looks more like its a disorder that causes a lot of imbalance between your skills and weaknesses...which means maybe it enhances some skills, then enhances certain weaknesses. There isn't a single strength autistic in general have that neurotypicals in general lack...there is no constant like that. Some of us have talents most neurotypicals don't but those tend to vary.

Except of course that evolution doesn't work that way. It's just trial and error, and boy are there lots of errors.

Ironically feelings of self-superiority are a very "human" trait some Aspies and NTs share.

I feel different to normal people, some people cope with that feeling differently to others.

i try not to be insufferable.