Autism is a tough situation, where the person, though living at the high end of spectrum on certain skills is short on the emotional front. But people with such syndromes do have feelings. How do they navigate the world and express them? Can they live normal lives? Here is a one couple that’s navigating those challenges. And finding that their shared diagnosis helps them understand each other. This is a program by Tom Ashbrook on “On Point Radio.
Guests:
Amy Harmon, Pulitzer Prize-winning national correspondent for The New York Times, covers the impact of science and technology on American life, author of the E-book: “Asperger Love: Searching for Romance When You’re Not Wired to Connect“. (@amy_harmon)
Jack Robison, adult with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Kirsten Lindsmith, adult with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Dr. Max Wiznitzer, practicing Pediatric Neurologist at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Associate Professor of Pediatric Neurology at Case Western Reserve University Medical School.
References
New York Times “The months that followed Jack and Kirsten’s first night together show how daunting it can be for the mindblind to achieve the kind of mutual understanding that so often eludes even nonautistic couples. But if the tendency to fixate on a narrow area of interest is sometimes considered a drawback, it may also explain one couple’s single-minded determination to keep trying.”
Washington Post “A government survey of parents says 1 in 50 U.S. schoolchildren has autism, surpassing another federal estimate for the disorder. Health officials say the new number doesn’t mean autism is occurring more often. But it does suggest that doctors are diagnosing autism more frequently, especially in children with milder problems.”
The Telegraph “However, in Aston’s experience, this appeal can wear thin. ‘Women fall in love and want to nurture this unworldly, slightly vulnerable man and help him grow up. As the relationship settles, though, they often find their own emotional needs aren’t being met.’”
Featured Image shows: Jack and Kirsten. (Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times)
