An autistic analog to this would be the development/deployment of a “custom interface”. But this interface must not be confused with the “self” of the autistic person or mistaken for it.

Who would want a series of custom interfaces as a “self”? It’s a rare attribute to have, being able to do that, but it seems erroneous to elevate that ability to the status of “selfhood”.

I would prefer a self which is developing/unfolding/manifesting to one which is able to change social “colors” like a chameleon. If that is viewed as “selfhood”, no wonder some observers see some people as “shallow”...

My initial comments didn’t consider that the author may have meant “reproduced” rather than built from scratch. Using this differentiation, then neurotypicals “reproduce” - put forth, again, a standardized “self” while autistics build a custom model from scratch.

Or not. Those of us who don’t value compliance-of-style may just use Plain Vanilla everywhere and with everyone. Similarly, neurotypicals may custom-tailor “selves” for every occasion.

Whichever way it’s looked at, my hunch is that we autistic folks will be on the opposite side from the NTs...

Last revised: June 22, 2007
(c)2007 Dave Spicer
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