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.

[vetuste_ennemi]

"?

[ludwig]

// 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, //

But that's the whole point isn't it? You interpret him as being arrogant and charmless and then accuse me of not making allowances for his condition - For Funks Sake?

[gness]

I was puzzled by that too, Ludwig..... ;-)

[ludwig]

going to bed. goodnight all.

[kvalidir]

I don't think he's arrogant and charmless because he has Aspergers, but like any other person I'm not obliged to like him in his own right. Some Austistic people I think are great and lovely and I'm firm friends with ( at the moment there are four autistic spectrum people on the crew of the film I'm on and three are fabulous) but some I think are utter twerps entirely aside of their condition. That is absolutely fair enough.

[vetuste_ennemi]

//Some autistic people I think are great and lovely and I'm firm friends with...//

And very grateful the "some" will be for being patronised by such an intelligent, talented and beautiful young woman.

[kvalidir]

and the of course there's you who are impossible to like whether you have Aspergers or not ;-)

[gness]

Night, Ludwig.....sleep well....xxx

[gness]

Chris Packham himself puts his arrogance and lack of charm down to his condition, Kval....as does his partner but you know better?

He'd be interested to hear that!.... :-)

[kvalidir]

How would he know what causes his arrogance and lack of charm Gness since he's always been on the spectrum? Don't try to twist what I am saying, and imply in some way that I don't make allowances for certain spectrum traits, I do, but equally I don't believe that Aspergers is an excuse to behave however the hell you like, yet according to you I must like everyone with Apsergers because they have it? Does that also include the crew member with the Swastika tatoo and dubious political leanings then too, is that because he's autistic, or perhaps he's just a dick?

[gness]

Goodness! Not much one can say to that, Kval..... :-)

[cassa333]

Admittedly not a lot but the people I know with Asperger all have an arrogant and or superiority streak. I think it is the disassociation from emotion and empathy.

One chap I knew when I worked at Winchester university thought we were all idiots and we were all rather insignificant and beneath him. He only tolerated us (which equated to the whole of the human race) because he had been taught he had to.

I thought the programme was very good and he did explain about his struggles at university and in life in a very self depreciating way. He stated the facts. He didn't sensationalise it. But what he said might have appeared to be nothing but minor niggles were probably much more pronounced.

There was even a small clip of him going off on a tangent while presenting and the other persenter had to get past it.

He has had his girlfriend for ten years but they still live apart. Perhaps she should take a leaf out of Amy Farafowler's book?

[hereIam]

Couldn't watch it lb, my computer is quite old and I struggle to watch iplayer on it, but thank you anyway x

[maggiebee]

I'm sorry I ever put up this post. Some have turned an interesting programme about Aspergers into a character assassination and an opportunity to squabble amongst yourselves. Sad about this.

[douglas9401]

This whole 'spectrum' thing gives carte blanche to any roaster who can't raise children or, when older, decides that the rules don't apply to them.
That's not to say that there isn't a condition of autism or Aspergers but when every second home has someone 'on the spectrum' it's time to get a grip.
I recall the MMR jag being held responsible for the 'epidemic' until the chief doomsayer was run out of town but were diagnoses made
on the back of his 'research' ever looked at again and relabelled 'bad behaviour'?

[hereIam]

But this almost always happens doesn't it maggie ?

[Eleena]

Maggie, I was totally absorbed in the programme. I have total empathy for the condition. Can someone explain to me though why Chris speaking to the man who had electrical impulses to his head said ... keep coming back won't you ... then Chris ... would I have it? .. not a chance.

[kvalidir]

I'm sad I ever bothered commenting in that case MaggieBee, I assumed it was a thread where people could discuss Aspergers and their experiences of it, and since my brother has it that obviously interested me, I didn't realise it was a 'Chris Packham love in', but this site is increasingly like this where people get told off for running against the cliques or OP and their opinions. Absolutely had enough of it tbh, some people have zero respect for anyone with an opinion different to their own and go out of their way to try to make people feel bad or wrong in some way even when they have posted perfectly politely.

[ladybirder]

Sorry to hear that hIa, you would have enjoyed it I think. I take it you don't have a Smart TV to watch player on?

[hereIam]

No lb, but I feel it may be repeated on TV at some stage and I'll look out for it ..