Jump to navigation

Egocentricity

  • Posted on August 26, 2008

“Most Asperger difficulties centre around social competencies. A characteristic of young children is egocentrism. People with Asperger’s remain in this egocentric state, unable to interpret the thoughts and emotions of others, just like people with Autism.”  — Autistic Society Organization

Isn’t it just lovely the way that the Autistic Society organization describes Asperger’s Syndrome in their encyclopedia? I’d love to ask them, “What the *#@% does egocentrism have to do with neurology?!”¹

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted about Aspie myths and I’d probably quit doing so if I could avoid seeing any more degrading remarks said about Aspies. To make my point on this myth, I’ll just throw the matching shoe onto the other foot for better balance:

“Most neurotypical difficulties centre around social competencies. A characteristic of young children is egocentrism. People with neurotypical brains remain in this egocentric state, unable to interpret the thoughts and emotions of others, just like unregenerate people.”  — Neurotypical Society Organization

Let me ask those ignorant NTs who act like they know it all (as found in many of the Autistic Society Organizations) this question:

If NTs grow up to be so free from egocentrism, then why the *#@% do they need seminars, textbooks, training, etc. if they are able to interpret the thoughts and emotions of others (like Aspies and Auties)?! That would be like a person telling cats to shut up (assuming cats had a way to communicate with people on their level) so he can write a book explaining how cats think!

¹egocentric — noun; a self-centered person with little regard for others. — adjective; limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs.

Sorry, the comment form is now closed.

Top


Creative Commons License
© 2008 - 2010 Sheila Schoonmaker