DISPATCHES FROM AN ANGRY AUTISTIC MIND
The Other Side of Autism: Intense World Theory
Social difficulties in autism are usually attributed to poor theory of mind. That’s not always the case.
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In my early thirties, I was diagnosed with what was then known as Asperger’s syndrome. Like many on the spectrum who receive a diagnosis fairly late in life, this was something of a revelation, not to mention a relief. It allowed me to look back on all the difficulties I’d experienced and not only fully understand them but put them in a proper context. Only through this lens did my college experience in particular finally make sense.
For example, one day during freshman year, I was eating lunch with my roommate, and he made a subtle crack at me. I wish I could remember what he said, just to be able to give a more illustrative example. Rest assured, though, that it was a mostly playful comment. There was a slight edge to his voice but no real malice in his intent. In response, I just sat there, immobile and stone-faced.
“One of these days,” he said to me, “you’re finally gonna realize I’m joking.”
