“What cognitive and emotive capacities are necessary to engage in meaningful social interaction? How is social behavior affected by a disruption of these processes?”
(OK8)

Or by “nonstandard” processes, based for example on calculation rather than intuition?

If intuitive means aren’t available, then missing or contradictory data can bring calculation to a halt. There is the chance that calculation would include contingency actions, though, offering some means of continuing by offering “spare” or emergency alternatives.

Seems like engaging in social interaction would be harder without being able to calculate, although Williams Syndrome folks seem to do quite well (is there video available?). An extreme comparison would be all-cognitive vs. all-emotive (while noting the tactics of merely appearing one or the other). Does “cognitive” in this context mean “reasoning”? Irrationality can still use cognitive capacities (their “Dark Side”, perhaps?)

I am tempted to pull in my “Cautionary Tale” conference presentation in toto. Really, every autism-spectrum person could provide grist for this mill. In typical autistic fashion, we answer rhetorical questions literally - with our lived lives.

Last revised: June 17, 2007
(c)2007 Dave Spicer
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