Jason Arday

[glasgowspur]

FWIW your graphic is a bit of a 101 'bluffer's guide' to an area of psychiatric medicine which is complex, deep and certainly not 'one size fit all'. The graphic is an iceberg tip at best. The condition requires considerably more understanding. It's actually a fascinating condition, as is the increasing amount of diagnosis. I know there are various reasons put forth for this - I have a (wholly unproven BTW) feeling that the proliferation of electronics, social media and shortened human attention span has added significantly to the load.

With regards to Aday, I really know very little about him. The story you posted does not present him in the best light.

Not to take it hugely off topic or anything, but I find the approaches to people on the spectrum really weird.
The one size fits all is doesn't work at any level of life, and those who are speaking up for or "defending" (sorry, horrible phrase, best I can explain it though) rightly will flag up that you can't place those on the spectrum into nice little pigeon holes.
However, when those on the spectrum are portrayed in the media there's always cries of "oh they wouldn't do that or behave like that".
Well isn't that pigeon holing?
Isn't the fact that they are all individuals with their own quirks and behaviours what you (not you per se steph) trying to tell us.
We're all different, enjoy it, embrace it, stop analysing it.

Sorry for taking it down another route and hopefully my babbling is semi coherent.

 

[thfcsteff]

Well we can. He has shown a clear pattern of behaviour.

I am not sure what you are looking for in this discussion?
You posted the story.
It seems most people (well, I'll speak for myself here) have said they know little about the specifics of the case, that based on the story it is indeed poor form, and that overall there is more info to be ingested for a true overall viewpoint.
I am not sure you fully gauge what autism, and it's wide-range of potential affects/conditions/scenarios, is about TBH? I could be wrong, however all your comments on it suggest a cursory take on the subject.

 

[thfcsteff]

Not to take it hugely off topic or anything, but I find the approaches to people on the spectrum really weird.
The one size fits all is doesn't work at any level of life, and those who are speaking up for or "defending" (sorry, horrible phrase, best I can explain it though) rightly will flag up that you can't place those on the spectrum into nice little pigeon holes.
However, when those on the spectrum are portrayed in the media there's always cries of "oh they wouldn't do that or behave like that".
Well isn't that pigeon holing?
Isn't the fact that they are all individuals with their own quirks and behaviours what you (not you per se steph) trying to tell us.
We're all different, enjoy it, embrace it, stop analysing it.

Sorry for taking it down another route and hopefully my babbling is semi coherent.

100% agree on pigeon holes. Or the subsequent actions and reactions of people on the spectrum. As you said, every person and situation is different. There are shared patterns and traits, absolutely, but there are broad assumptions made in general public perception and media as to how autistic people behave and 'are', which are not intentionally harmful of course, but do add to the clouds of misinformation surrounding the subject.

FWIW, I think a fuller understanding of the various elements and ingredients along the autism spectrum can often lead to massive relief for many who have struggled unnecessarily for years (anxiety, for example, often has relation to HFA). And I agree that we are all different, and that we should celebrate that more.

 

[robp135]

I am not sure what you are looking for in this discussion?
You posted the story.

It’s an interesting story.

It seems most people (well, I'll speak for myself here) have said they know little about the specifics of the case, that based on the story it is indeed poor form, and that overall there is more info to be ingested for a true overall viewpoint.

I think specifics are quite well detailed now to be honest. Certainly to the point where we can make a judgement that he is a pathological liar vs someone that just exaggerated in a few places. Still think Cambridge is the biggest villain here though.

I am not sure you fully gauge what autism, and it's wide-range of potential affects/conditions/scenarios, is about TBH? I could be wrong, however all your comments on it suggest a cursory take on the subject.

Can’t agree with that. Suspect if we discussed Autism further we would have a lot more agreement than disagreeent.

I have several family members who are autistic and their place in the spectrum is wide ranging. Beleive I have mentioned nephew is on the extreme end of the spectrum although I question that.

I actually think I have Autistic traits myself and had I been born earlier I may hage been diagnosed I guess as high functioning. But I am 40 so pre date that being common. Which is another reason to be suspicious of Ardays detailed diagnosis that would have happened in 1988 based on his story.

I said that Arday may have been lying about this as well based on something I had read years ago. You challenged that which made me research further and everything I am reading suggests the type of lies and actions of Arday would be extremly uncommon for someone that’s high functioning autistic and that fits with.

Lying and manipulating people as effectively as Arday did for decades requires social nuance and ability to manage people’s expectations that would be uncommon for anyone that high functioning Autistic. Typically there would be a preference for clear rules, consistency, and straightforward communication. Would also not be the only traits he has shown that are inconsistent with high functioning autism.

Add in the clear pattern of telling lies, it’s completely fair to question whether or not the autism diagnosis is a reality. And I am doing that within a sub forum of a Spurs forum that he will never read nor will anyone with any influence over his life beyond this weeks exposure.

I actually think it’s a compliment to Autistic people. Lying is not a skill that should be celebrated. If anything its noble that they are are often honest to a fault.