E
Elizabeth M. Ellis, Ph.D.
Guest
I continue to be exasperated with perfectly ordinary people posting accounts of their “hidden signs of autism” or “my weird behaviors due to autism,” or “These are things I do that are caused by my autism.” Really? They’re ridiculous! Give me a break!
So, I’ve been writing down some of them. You be the judge. Are these statements about oneself signs of autism? (I gave you an overview of the history of the diagnosis in my last post). Or are they commonplace quirks? Or even typical of most people? To find out, I went to ChatGPT for answers, asking it questions starting out with “What percentage of people ____.” The silly signs of autism have been taken from posts I’ve read on this website, Medium. They are written in bold font. The answers from ChatGPT follow each one and are written in quotes.
“I crack my joints every day.”
Some people really think this is a sign of autism! OK, here’s what ChatGPT said: “25% to 45% of people do this. As many as 40% of healthcare professionals do it.”
“When I’m watching a film, I need to read the subtitles.”
(OMG. I have the subtitles on for every film!). “A 2022 survey found that over 50% of GenZ and Millenials use subtitles ‘most of the time’ or ‘always. “
“I cover my ears when I hear a loud noise — like a smoke alarm.”
(Is this writer asserting that normal people don’t cover their ears when they hear a loud sound? Really?) ChatGPT says: “Approximately 10–30% of adults instinctively cover their ears, depending on the context,” i.e., whether it’s unexpected. “60–80% of children cover their ears when they hear a loud sound.”
“I won’t kill any bugs.
“Anecdotal and behavioral data suggests that 10–25% of adults may deliberately avoid killing bugs.” Among vegetarians and vegans, 50–80% report deliberately trying not to kill insects. (Does it then follow that all vegans are autistic? C’mon!)
“I struggle to say what I mean at times.”
Chat GPT says: “This is a common human experience.” “Studies in interpersonal communication show that around 60%-80% of people report regular difficulty expressing their thoughts clearly in some situations.” I am amazed when Chat GPT finds research on the internet that answers questions that you might think no one has actually researched.
“Sometimes I go into a monologue about one of my special interests.”
ChatGPT says: “Informally, about 20%-30% of people might occasionally go into a passionate, extended talk (or monologue) about a special interest.” For highly passionate hobbyists, it might be 30%-50%. I rattle on to friends about the silly signs of autism. Does that make me autistic? Just kidding.
“I don’t always get jokes, although I do enjoy a good joke.”
“People who like jokes still sometimes don’t get them — likely falling within the range of 20% to 40% range of occasionally missing a joke, depending on context.” Yes, Chat GPT found a study on this too!
“I’m introverted; my boyfriend is too. We’re both autistic.”
“In the U.S., the prevalence of introversion is notably high. A 2011 survey by the MBTI found that nearly half (49.3%) of participants identified as introverted. Additionally, a 2018 study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reported that 35% of respondents fell within the introverted spectrum.” (Essentially, a large number of people completed a survey, and 35% received scores indicating they were introverted.) So — many more people claim they’re introverted than really are. Why do people like that label?
“I’m autistic. My pre-school child is neurodivergent (like her mother and father). When the teacher asked the children to stop the activity they were engaged in and gather around for circle time, she initially resisted. She wanted to finish her painting first.”
Oh, c’mon! Chat GPT says: “Roughly 40% to 60% of pre-school children regularly show some resistance to transitioning from a preferred activity to a group activity… It is very common for at least half the class to show resistance at times.”
“I am autistic. When I was a child, I hated working on a project in groups with other students.”
“Around 30% to 50% of students often report disliking group work.” Within that group, often 70% or more say they would prefer to work alone.”
“I’m so autistic, I had no appreciation of danger when I was younger. As a teenager, I would sneak out of the house and go joyriding with friends.”
“Surveys show 15% to 30% of teens admit to sneaking out of the house at least once.” This is more common between ages of 14–17, “often tied to seeking independence or thrill-seeking.” (Note she says a group of friends to hang out with — that is not autistic.”)
“I know I’m autistic because I often pick at a cuticle.”
(This one is laugh out loud funny. My daughter had this nervous habit throughout high school. I kept gently taking her hand out of her mouth till she stopped. I can assure you she’s not autistic). ChatGPT says: “In a nonclinical sample of 354 people, 63% reported engaging in some form of skin picking…. Among German students, over 90% admitted to occasional skin picking…”
“I know I’m autistic because I feel empathy with fictional characters in movies.”
If you know anything about autism, (see my previous post), you will know that experiencing empathy with others is a skill that is deficient among autistic people. That is one of the defining traits of autistic people — the inability to understand what another person thinks and feels, to see things from someone else’s perspective. So — to have empathy like this means that you DON’T have autism.
ChatGPT says: “A 2011 study… found that over 90% of participants reported empathizing with fictional characters in novels or films.” Nuff said!
“I spent countless hours rehearsing conversations in front of mirrors, developing responses to hypothetical questions… This preparation helped me navigate social situations more successfully,” but made me feel my real self was unacceptable.
This is one of the silliest signs of autism. Psychologists have been studying this subject for at least 60 years — the phenomenon of how we make efforts to put on a pleasing front or social persona in order to be liked, to fit in, to impress others, etc. There are large bodies of research under the headings of: Social Desirability, Impression Management, and Self-Monitoring. Because it is so common, Chat GPT couldn’t come up with a percentage. It could only say that it is “a deeply ingrained and widespread behavior.” I would put a number on it of 100%. As a clinician, I have observed that it is more common among women than men, and more typical of younger people than older people.
I haven’t seen this mentioned, but suppose one of these writers cited “difficulty with eye contact.” I asked ChatGPT, “What percentage of people have difficulty maintaining eye contact in conversations with others?”
“Approximately 25% to 30% of people struggle with maintaining eye contact during conversations, often due to factors like social anxiety, discomfort, or lack of practice.” “The decline in eye contact has been linked to the rise of digital communication, where face-to-face interactions are less frequent.”
I could go on, but I’ve limited the list to my favorites.
_________________________________________________________________
Let’s step back and ask the larger question, “What is going on with these people who keep coming up with their “silly signs of autism?”
Cognitive psychologists would attribute it to the “false uniqueness” effect. This is a known tendency in people to think they are unique, that the things they do, or the little quirks they have, are special, meaningful. It is more common in young adults because it is a holdover from adolescence. Teenagers have a tendency to see themselves egocentrically — as unlike anyone in the world. Adolescent egocentrism is characterized by statements like, “I am the only one who feels this way.”
Why do these young adults want to join this big tent called “on the spectrum” with their silly signs of autism? For the answer to that question, read my first essay on Medium (“Why Do People Want Mental Health Diagnoses These Days?” April 15). To take a deep dive into what is, and what isn’t, “on the spectrum,” be on the lookout for an upcoming post.
There are people who genuinely are “on the spectrum.” They have significant struggles in life. Their families, like the families of Bob Smite (“Let’s Get Real About What Autism Is — A Brief History,” Aug. 8), have gone through shock, distress, mourning, and acceptance as they face each day with courage and patience. I have deep respect for them.
Entering the Ladies restroom on concourse A at our airport recently, I stepped back, startled to see a young man of about 20 walking toward me in search of an empty stall. In an instant, I saw that his mother was behind him, her arm on his shoulder, talking to him in quiet tones, directing him past the sinks to the next open stall. Her eyes looked straight ahead, not stopping to make apologies or give excuses. In that instant I also saw that he was “on the spectrum.” I saw that she had had to do this all this boy’s life, and that this was the way they got through it — eyes straight ahead, like no one’s staring. As a mother myself, my heart went out to her.
Elizabeth M. Ellis, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in Atlanta, GA, in private practice since 1977. She is the author of: Raising A Responsible Child (Birchlane), Divorce Wars (Amer. Psych. Assn.), and Parenting Your ADHD Child With Love, Laughter, and Neuroscience (forthcoming).
Continue reading...
So, I’ve been writing down some of them. You be the judge. Are these statements about oneself signs of autism? (I gave you an overview of the history of the diagnosis in my last post). Or are they commonplace quirks? Or even typical of most people? To find out, I went to ChatGPT for answers, asking it questions starting out with “What percentage of people ____.” The silly signs of autism have been taken from posts I’ve read on this website, Medium. They are written in bold font. The answers from ChatGPT follow each one and are written in quotes.
“I crack my joints every day.”
Some people really think this is a sign of autism! OK, here’s what ChatGPT said: “25% to 45% of people do this. As many as 40% of healthcare professionals do it.”
“When I’m watching a film, I need to read the subtitles.”
(OMG. I have the subtitles on for every film!). “A 2022 survey found that over 50% of GenZ and Millenials use subtitles ‘most of the time’ or ‘always. “
“I cover my ears when I hear a loud noise — like a smoke alarm.”
(Is this writer asserting that normal people don’t cover their ears when they hear a loud sound? Really?) ChatGPT says: “Approximately 10–30% of adults instinctively cover their ears, depending on the context,” i.e., whether it’s unexpected. “60–80% of children cover their ears when they hear a loud sound.”
“I won’t kill any bugs.
“Anecdotal and behavioral data suggests that 10–25% of adults may deliberately avoid killing bugs.” Among vegetarians and vegans, 50–80% report deliberately trying not to kill insects. (Does it then follow that all vegans are autistic? C’mon!)
“I struggle to say what I mean at times.”
Chat GPT says: “This is a common human experience.” “Studies in interpersonal communication show that around 60%-80% of people report regular difficulty expressing their thoughts clearly in some situations.” I am amazed when Chat GPT finds research on the internet that answers questions that you might think no one has actually researched.
“Sometimes I go into a monologue about one of my special interests.”
ChatGPT says: “Informally, about 20%-30% of people might occasionally go into a passionate, extended talk (or monologue) about a special interest.” For highly passionate hobbyists, it might be 30%-50%. I rattle on to friends about the silly signs of autism. Does that make me autistic? Just kidding.
“I don’t always get jokes, although I do enjoy a good joke.”
“People who like jokes still sometimes don’t get them — likely falling within the range of 20% to 40% range of occasionally missing a joke, depending on context.” Yes, Chat GPT found a study on this too!
“I’m introverted; my boyfriend is too. We’re both autistic.”
“In the U.S., the prevalence of introversion is notably high. A 2011 survey by the MBTI found that nearly half (49.3%) of participants identified as introverted. Additionally, a 2018 study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reported that 35% of respondents fell within the introverted spectrum.” (Essentially, a large number of people completed a survey, and 35% received scores indicating they were introverted.) So — many more people claim they’re introverted than really are. Why do people like that label?
“I’m autistic. My pre-school child is neurodivergent (like her mother and father). When the teacher asked the children to stop the activity they were engaged in and gather around for circle time, she initially resisted. She wanted to finish her painting first.”
Oh, c’mon! Chat GPT says: “Roughly 40% to 60% of pre-school children regularly show some resistance to transitioning from a preferred activity to a group activity… It is very common for at least half the class to show resistance at times.”
“I am autistic. When I was a child, I hated working on a project in groups with other students.”
“Around 30% to 50% of students often report disliking group work.” Within that group, often 70% or more say they would prefer to work alone.”
“I’m so autistic, I had no appreciation of danger when I was younger. As a teenager, I would sneak out of the house and go joyriding with friends.”
“Surveys show 15% to 30% of teens admit to sneaking out of the house at least once.” This is more common between ages of 14–17, “often tied to seeking independence or thrill-seeking.” (Note she says a group of friends to hang out with — that is not autistic.”)
“I know I’m autistic because I often pick at a cuticle.”
(This one is laugh out loud funny. My daughter had this nervous habit throughout high school. I kept gently taking her hand out of her mouth till she stopped. I can assure you she’s not autistic). ChatGPT says: “In a nonclinical sample of 354 people, 63% reported engaging in some form of skin picking…. Among German students, over 90% admitted to occasional skin picking…”
“I know I’m autistic because I feel empathy with fictional characters in movies.”
If you know anything about autism, (see my previous post), you will know that experiencing empathy with others is a skill that is deficient among autistic people. That is one of the defining traits of autistic people — the inability to understand what another person thinks and feels, to see things from someone else’s perspective. So — to have empathy like this means that you DON’T have autism.
ChatGPT says: “A 2011 study… found that over 90% of participants reported empathizing with fictional characters in novels or films.” Nuff said!
“I spent countless hours rehearsing conversations in front of mirrors, developing responses to hypothetical questions… This preparation helped me navigate social situations more successfully,” but made me feel my real self was unacceptable.
This is one of the silliest signs of autism. Psychologists have been studying this subject for at least 60 years — the phenomenon of how we make efforts to put on a pleasing front or social persona in order to be liked, to fit in, to impress others, etc. There are large bodies of research under the headings of: Social Desirability, Impression Management, and Self-Monitoring. Because it is so common, Chat GPT couldn’t come up with a percentage. It could only say that it is “a deeply ingrained and widespread behavior.” I would put a number on it of 100%. As a clinician, I have observed that it is more common among women than men, and more typical of younger people than older people.
I haven’t seen this mentioned, but suppose one of these writers cited “difficulty with eye contact.” I asked ChatGPT, “What percentage of people have difficulty maintaining eye contact in conversations with others?”
“Approximately 25% to 30% of people struggle with maintaining eye contact during conversations, often due to factors like social anxiety, discomfort, or lack of practice.” “The decline in eye contact has been linked to the rise of digital communication, where face-to-face interactions are less frequent.”
I could go on, but I’ve limited the list to my favorites.
_________________________________________________________________
Let’s step back and ask the larger question, “What is going on with these people who keep coming up with their “silly signs of autism?”
Cognitive psychologists would attribute it to the “false uniqueness” effect. This is a known tendency in people to think they are unique, that the things they do, or the little quirks they have, are special, meaningful. It is more common in young adults because it is a holdover from adolescence. Teenagers have a tendency to see themselves egocentrically — as unlike anyone in the world. Adolescent egocentrism is characterized by statements like, “I am the only one who feels this way.”
Why do these young adults want to join this big tent called “on the spectrum” with their silly signs of autism? For the answer to that question, read my first essay on Medium (“Why Do People Want Mental Health Diagnoses These Days?” April 15). To take a deep dive into what is, and what isn’t, “on the spectrum,” be on the lookout for an upcoming post.
There are people who genuinely are “on the spectrum.” They have significant struggles in life. Their families, like the families of Bob Smite (“Let’s Get Real About What Autism Is — A Brief History,” Aug. 8), have gone through shock, distress, mourning, and acceptance as they face each day with courage and patience. I have deep respect for them.
Entering the Ladies restroom on concourse A at our airport recently, I stepped back, startled to see a young man of about 20 walking toward me in search of an empty stall. In an instant, I saw that his mother was behind him, her arm on his shoulder, talking to him in quiet tones, directing him past the sinks to the next open stall. Her eyes looked straight ahead, not stopping to make apologies or give excuses. In that instant I also saw that he was “on the spectrum.” I saw that she had had to do this all this boy’s life, and that this was the way they got through it — eyes straight ahead, like no one’s staring. As a mother myself, my heart went out to her.
Elizabeth M. Ellis, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in Atlanta, GA, in private practice since 1977. She is the author of: Raising A Responsible Child (Birchlane), Divorce Wars (Amer. Psych. Assn.), and Parenting Your ADHD Child With Love, Laughter, and Neuroscience (forthcoming).
Continue reading...
