Chris Packham: Asperger's And Me

[maggiebee]

Sorry if this has already been discussed. Did anyone watch this amazing programme on Tuesday night? I found it really moving. For most of his life, broadcaster and naturalist Chris Packham didn't tell anyone about the one thing that in many ways has defined his entire existence. Chris is autistic - he has Asperger's Syndrome, which means he struggles in social situations, has difficulty with human relationships and is, by his own admission, 'a little bit weird'.
Was on BBC2 and you can watch it on iPlayer.

[naomi24]

Jim, I didn’t say that going to university undermines his claim to be an Asperger’s sufferer, simply that his ability to complete his education at university together with his pursuance of his chosen career appears to me to contradict his claimed reluctance to interact with other people.

As for your imaginary follow-up question, I haven’t the foggiest idea what you’re talking about and I’ve no intention of trying to work it out.

[vetuste_ennemi]

Our Chris may be a minority case. Should we, perhaps, class Mr Packham (whom I and my wife rather like)and his condition as a new category of victim.

Special awareness courses for the police and others.
Campaigns to tackle "Packophobia".


You can fill in the rest...

[gness]

Maggie....I have watched it all now.....and I won't delete it...well worth another watch.

I like CP.......I'm grateful that he helped develop my child's passion for the natural world.....and I love the way he shares his passion on TV...

But this was something different......made me angry and joyous in parts.....

The guy who wants to "cure" all forms of autism sickened me....but Neil Barnett was fascinating.....his insight and the work he is doing with autistic adults is ground breaking......
And what about Jacob!.......A genius who wasn't allowed to move up a grade in school because he wasn't socially developed...nobody nurtured his great talents....and just look at where he is now!
I shall look at what Steve Silberman has written about what autistic people are bringing to us.....another man who thinks outside the box.......
A very thought provoking programme....x

[sunny-dave]

I've seen about half of it so far - and found it fascinating viewing (if rather uncomfortable at times).

It's almost an overload in one big bite - I think I'll watch in sections over the next few days.

[gness]

I think that's a good idea, Dave......there is so much to learn and to think about......and then to consider changing the way we think....

Mainly that not all forms of autism should be considered detrimental......or that because autistic person A can do this or that they can't possibly be autistic because autistic person B can't do those things....x

[ludwig]

// he struggles in social situations, has difficulty with human relationships and is, by his own admission, 'a little bit weird'. //

Big deal mate. Join the club. It's called being a human being.

[gness]

And that post, Ludwig....is why children with autism will suffer.

Because folk like you don't care.

[vetuste_ennemi]

//Because folk like you don't care.//

Please don't do it in the street. You know it frightens the horses.

[ludwig]

Not really. They'll suffer because they're autistic. Not because I don't care.

[gness]

No, Ludwig....they are autistic...they are different.....but the suffering comes from comments like yours.

Instead of accommodating the difference of another person you say....

Big deal mate.

[vetuste_ennemi]

More compassion for the horses, please, Gness.

[ludwig]

We all cope with our own problems. I suppose I'm just a bit fed up of people like Chris Packham telling us that we need to accommodate their particular differences.

[gness]

And were you not moved, Ludwig....when you saw the difference Neil Barnett was making by accommodating the differences we have....and impressed by what he was achieving?

You'd want to deny others that because you are fed up?

What impact is CP having on your life by letting us understand, through this programme, a little more about a condition that many have.....and looking at better ways of helping children who are autistic?

[Mick-the-Miller]

I saw the program and although in some aspects Chris Packham can be seen as a bit wierd, in his obsessions and single-mindedness but overall I felt he had come to grips with his 'disability' and was managing it well.

He is working in an area that interested him, making a living - stuff that he didn't fancy like parties or social occassions he ignored - sounds pretty sorted to me!

[Mamyalynne]

Accepting we are all different is really the only talent we need.

[ludwig]

Gness. You're right. It's late, I'm tired and I have problems and worries of my own, none of which are related to autism or Aspergers. Packham seems to be doing alright. Good luck and all the best to him though.

[gness]

Mick! You are a breath of fresh air!

I find him very sorted.....as I do our Chris on here.....

I am interested to know more about CP's childhood......I wonder how he would be now if he had parents who tried to change him....make him like his peers....had tried to curb his strong passions....

Partly because one of my children was a tiny bit different....and though I was advised otherwise I "indulged" those differences and encouraged the passions that were a bit odd for a child her age.....and it's turned out good.....:-)

[gness]

Thanks, Ludwig....and I hope you can get your problems sorted....xxx

[vetuste_ennemi]

/Accepting we are all different is really the only talent we need.//

Dear me. Christmas cracker? Fortune cookie?

How about "All things bright and beautiful?"

[kvalidir]

I didn't see the programme because I avoid anything with Chris Packham in it, not because he has Aspergers ( my one brother is on the Spectrum), but because I can't stand his general arrogance and charmlessness. That being said of course people need to make allowances and accommodate people who are autistic Ludwig, it's supposed to be part of the human condition to be able to empathise with a fellow person who is finding things difficult or awkward.
Chris you once ATE a PERSON, not out of necessity out of foolish curiosity, so quite how you think your opinion that you are in some way superior to others gels with us after that is beyond me. My brother has a miserable time being autistic as do a lot of people, if you don't that's your good fortune but don't say daft things like we'd all be better off if we were like you because that's just nonsense.