Very interesting! I came across this concept years ago and had more or less forgotten about it, but I am now wondering if many of the young people who self-diagnose themselves as being autistic are, in fact, intense abstract persons. (The relevant difference is, I suppose, the lack of pathology associated with the latter term.) In this case, what this theory refers to as overexcitabilities is probably what would be referred to in autistic circle as special interests.
It seems there are so many groups with unique vocabularies for experiences that are more common in humans than they realize. Maybe "trans" itself is another one, actually, in many cases, meaning "I feel different; nobody understands me and I crave belonging". It seems to be that we so much need a common language.
Very interesting! I came across this concept years ago and had more or less forgotten about it, but I am now wondering if many of the young people who self-diagnose themselves as being autistic are, in fact, intense abstract persons. (The relevant difference is, I suppose, the lack of pathology associated with the latter term.) In this case, what this theory refers to as overexcitabilities is probably what would be referred to in autistic circle as special interests.
It seems there are so many groups with unique vocabularies for experiences that are more common in humans than they realize. Maybe "trans" itself is another one, actually, in many cases, meaning "I feel different; nobody understands me and I crave belonging". It seems to be that we so much need a common language.
You're right, this was a fun one! I'm hanging onto some new concepts that are blowing my mind: "twice exceptionality" and "positive maladjustment."
Wonderful talk, as always.
Yep--I’m an ally, for sure. 💚