Autism = INTP???

[Shai Gar]

these autism things are probably written by an esfj

au·tism Audio pronunciation of "autism" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ôtzm)
n.

A psychiatric disorder of childhood characterized by marked deficits in communication and social interaction, preoccupation with fantasy, language impairment, and abnormal behavior, such as repetitive acts and excessive attachment to certain objects. It is usually associated with intellectual impairment.

au·tism (ôtzm)
n.

1. Abnormal introversion and egocentricity; acceptance of fantasy rather than reality.

autism

n : (psychiatry) an abnormal absorption with the self; marked by communication disorders and short attention span and inability to treat others as people




(22:29:45) Shai Gar: these ones floored me
(22:32:26) Shai Gar:
Bertrand Russel
Friedrich Nietzsche
Nikola Tesla
Henry Thoreau
Thomas Jefferson
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Isaac Asimov
(22:32:30) Shai Gar: they are all INTP
(22:32:40) Shai Gar: and men i respect
(22:33:42) bmw318tiChic: i wonder if being intp has any correlation with things like autism
(22:34:28) Shai Gar: au·tism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ôtzm)
n. A psychiatric disorder of childhood characterized by marked deficits in communication and social interaction, preoccupation with fantasy, language impairment, and abnormal behavior, such as repetitive acts and excessive attachment to certain objects. It is usually associated with intellectual impairment.
(22:35:20) bmw318tiChic: it's so ironic that they say intellectual impairment, when so many people who have had it produce such great work
(22:35:31) Shai Gar: deficits in communication and social interaction?
preoccupation with fantasy, abnormal behaviour?
excessive attachment to certain objects?
sounds like me
(22:35:37) Shai Gar: heh, aye
(22:35:52) Shai Gar: especially bertrand russel
(22:35:56) bmw318tiChic: i don't believe that it is impairment, people with it just think in a very different and creative way
(22:35:57) Shai Gar: with his "my america"
(22:36:01) Shai Gar: exactly
(22:36:07) Shai Gar: and thomas jefferson
(22:36:26) bmw318tiChic: yeah
(22:38:18) Shai Gar: however, since current psychological thought is that Autism is a disease and current social thought is that those inflicted with mental diseases should be treated with courtesy, :D i am going to SERIOUSLY milk this
(22:38:45) Shai Gar: autism = INTP
me = INTP
therefore
me = Autistic
(22:39:03) bmw318tiChic: haha :)
(22:39:52) Shai Gar: i wonder if i am entitled to anything special

[nonsequitur]

;) Well, I would probably be classified as having Asperger's, which is a less "crippling" form of autism. But I agree that the definitions above are total rubbish. I've worked with Autistic kids before, and they are much more extreme than those descriptives used above. Actually, I think I get along better with children with autism than "normal" children - I can actually understand, to some extent, what their inner world is like. Then again, yeah, those "disorders" are probably described by ESFJs working for pharmaceuticals. Under the "usual" definitions, I apparently have ADD tendencies and probably have Asperger's. I think i'm pretty normal though - or as normal as an INTP can be. My mum's convinced otherwise though. I'm pretty lucky she doesn't read about psychological disorders as described by "pop" psychologists/psychiatrists though - or i'd be whisked away, put on Ritalin and probably be in a special ed school.

[Shai Gar]

;) Well, I would probably be classified as having Asperger's, which is a less "crippling" form of autism. But I agree that the definitions above are total rubbish.
yep, but according to those definitions i am autistic and deserve "understanding" and "consideration" ie. more money 8O


I've worked with Autistic kids before, and they are much more extreme than those descriptives used above. Actually, I think I get along better with children with autism than "normal" children - I can actually understand, to some extent, what their inner world is like.
what is it like?


Then again, yeah, those "disorders" are probably described by ESFJs working for pharmaceuticals. Under the "usual" definitions, I apparently have ADD tendencies and probably have Asperger's. I think i'm pretty normal though - or as normal as an INTP can be. My mum's convinced otherwise though. I'm pretty lucky she doesn't read about psychological disorders as described by "pop" psychologists/psychiatrists though - or i'd be whisked away, put on Ritalin and probably be in a special ed school.
yup, me too, though i could do with the ritalin, it'd be great for doing assignments

[Architectonic]

No, because someone who suffers from autism can still be loud/extraverted. Like the grandson of my next door neigbour...

[nonsequitur]

what is it like?


They are usually anything but quiet, to tell the truth. They also have problems communicating anything, and you have to read their body language and observe them closely in order to be able to figure out what they really mean. They do seem lost in their own world, but unlike people without autism, it is very difficult to "bring" them out of it in the sense of interaction.

Most of them are also very hung up on schedules (something that I abhor), and dislike anything out of order, or unplanned.

There was this 5 year-old boy whom I worked with, who was just a sweetheart though. He would hold my hand tightly, and I think he knew how concerned I was about him - he just let me know in different ways, which worked really well for me. He also had an obsession with dinosaurs, computer games and the train network - he memorised the entire sequence of 50-plus train stops in my home country, complete with numbering. That really amazed me.

Another 5 year-old boy with autism whom I met actually knew about atoms and molecules and stuff - things that I only learnt in school at 14! They are very excited about stuff like that, and can be overly-stimulated when you ask them about their obsessive interests. They can also be unconciously very loud when they're being misunderstood and people don't do what they expect. Their methods of expression are very very unlike what is "expected" in normal society. But if you pay really good attention to them, and teach them things to take note of and how to interact with others, they can be really amazing people to work with. That's not to say that there aren't any troubles that come with the inability to interact with their environment, of course.. Most of them are very careful about safety, which the parents are thankful for. On the other hand, I'm severely accident-prone.. :ph34r:

[TPol]

Have always wondered about that myself....whether autistics are simply INTP or whether some INTPs are "a little autistic" (Asperger's). Perhaps some INTPs are high-functioning autistics who've learned to control the tendencies somewhat. I count or unscramble words in order to get to sleep at night. Always wondered if that was kind of an autistic tendency.

Edit: nonsequitur, you must have posted right when I was writing this. Thanks for the description of what autistic kids are like. Neat that you get to work with them! Read any Temple Grandin books?

[Shai Gar]

yeah, to get to sleep faster, i masturbate a few times, and then when i am drained i turn off all the lights, turn off the music and the computer, and then i just fall asleep with a pillow over my head.

so autists are more INTJ then

[TPol]

(smirk) :rolleyes2

[Shai Gar]

anyway i masturbated, time to turn off the lights and everything else, G'night

[nonsequitur]

TPol, I don't really relate to the "counting". But I catch myself staring off into space or just free-associating, and that's my cue to get back to doing stuff. Before I go to bed, I have a pretty strict ritual to follow, or I can't fall asleep. Exhaustion is generally my best way of getting to sleep. Got lots of problems and issues with sleep, and I generally am nocturnal.

Nope, I've never read her books, but I've heard of her. I no longer work with them, because I'm overseas, but whilst I'm home, I do try to help out. The special ed. teachers are generally very patient and nice people, and I love children with autism because they are generally very honest people who dislike facades. Plus, they are extraordinarily interesting. I learnt more about human interaction and honesty during my time with them compared to any other time during my life. I wish I could work with them on a permanent basis, but I think that's not to be - it would probably be positive reinforcement. :P

[Geek Engineer]

I tend to go to bed and if I can't sleep I will close my eyes and imagine myself floating away from my body and I go places that I couldn't go otherwise either into space, other worlds, or sometimes I will go visit women that I care about in my life and watch them sleeping. Then, I will imagine me entering there minds and seeing what they are thinking or how there life is going etc.

I hope I don't scare any women by admitting that... :shock: I know this sounds a little messed up probably, but it can't be any worse than some other things. I wonder if that is an "F" trait, but maybe at the subconscious level. I figure it is just my imagination getting away from me but it is relaxing and sometimes insightful. However, it can be depressing at times also.

[Neuroneuster]

Many symptoms of autism the same with myself.
But I prefer to say that INTJ is quite related to this disorder.
I think I should find a psychologist lol.

[Uberfuhrer]

It seems that high-functioning autism is related to the entire NT temperament. Please Understand Me II and its description of the Rationals is quite uncanny in its relation to autistic traits.

I think that autism, though, is most suitable for INTJ, since autistics tend to be in an internal world (I) of imaginary conceptions (N), very logical (T), and in desire of structure and predictability (J).

I also have Asperger's syndrome -- professionally diagnosed, I might add.

[bolshoi]

anyway i masturbated, time to turn off the lights and everything else, G'night

Masturbation: nature's sedative


It seems that high-functioning autism is related to the entire NT temperament. Please Understand Me II and its description of the Rationals is quite uncanny in its relation to autistic traits.

I think that autism, though, is most suitable for INTJ, since autistics tend to be in an internal world (I) of imaginary conceptions (N), very logical (T), and in desire of structure and predictability (J).

I also have Asperger's syndrome -- professionally diagnosed, I might add.


I have also been professionally diagnosed with AS. I have developed an interest in the relationship between personality type and AS. I always look at statements regarding the relationship between MBTI types and particular groups with an open mind.

Based solely on my personal experience, I wonder about your rationale behind the J. I have found that my internal world is very chaotic. However in points where I interface with the external world I demand structure & organization.

This is particularly paradoxical because my desk at work appears very disorganized. There is a method in the madness but the appearance is frightening. But when it comes to my own or my subordinate's work products, they must be completed with unerring exactitude. I realize that this appears hypocritical, but my focus is on presenting an image of precision & accuracy to the world. I believe that how I produced the product is my own business.

I have also recognised a P-trait in how I follow processes. In a five-step process, I have a tendency to complete four steps and neglect the final step until the last minute. This isn't necessarily procrastination, but it may be. I find that by the time that I complete the fourth step, I'm bored with the work and I want to move onto something else.

So my questions are: do other INTP's tend exhibit this type of behaviour? Or is this a product of Asperger's? Or is it a unique combination of both?

[Skydiver]

Borderline Aspie boy here. No professional diagnosis, but two data points. My daughter's comment "Dad I mean this is nicest possible way, but you really remind me of this kid who has Asperger's..." and taking the 50 question online test and scoring right at the cut line. I think 35 and up was the aspie zone and I was 34. So anyway, if you look at it as a continuum vice a black white thing, I think one's INTP-ness gets some traction in that direction.

[zago]

hi

[Llewellyn]

I´ve been taking an Aspie quiz tonight and came across several Asperger related threads when going through the General Psychology section. I tested both Aspie traits and neurotypical traits. Now I've read through things on the forum I'm having the following thought: INTPs, or some of them, have 'borderline' Asperger; having the ability to behave like that entirely, and then having another side which fits in much more neatly with society.



I have also been professionally diagnosed with AS. I have developed an interest in the relationship between personality type and AS. I always look at statements regarding the relationship between MBTI types and particular groups with an open mind.
[]
So my questions are: do other INTP's tend exhibit this type of behaviour? Or is this a product of Asperger's? Or is it a unique combination of both?

[Ferrus]

Ah, Shai Gar, masturbation discussion and fears of latent autism. This reminds me of the old days on MSN messenger... wipes a small tear.

[Nomadic]

During my late teens, I know that there were people who suspected me of having aspergers. I was concerned myself. But I subsequently worked out that I was just mal-adjusted and lacking in self esteem. So I'd say perhaps a dysfunctional INTP might come over as autistic, but it doesn't necessarily mean they are. I've also heard autism described as excessive maleness - particularly when you consider how many men have obsessive interests, whether football, music, mechanics etc.

Personally I enjoy social interaction, find routine boring, and mock obsessive behaviour. I don't think anybody would diagnose me as autistic now. Having said that, autism is a spectrum, and almost everybody exhibits some of the traits to a greater or lesser extent.

[david]

I've known autistics and aspergers, and from my experiences would say that those people have a dysfunction that makes them unique from neurotypical folks, intps included. one's personality is affected by all kinds of factors, autism though I would say is generally something one is born with. i definitely think that many autistics develop intp traits though. i suppose there is a correlation, but i would say the majority of intps, like the majority of the population in general are not autistic.

[walfin]

*wonders if this thread will get locked*

:whistle:

[sorabji_66]

Borderline Aspie boy here. No professional diagnosis, but two data points. My daughter's comment "Dad I mean this is nicest possible way, but you really remind me of this kid who has Asperger's..." and taking the 50 question online test and scoring right at the cut line. I think 35 and up was the aspie zone and I was 34. So anyway, if you look at it as a continuum vice a black white thing, I think one's INTP-ness gets some traction in that direction.



Please go and volunteer for an afternoon helping out the autistic and asperger-diagnosed.

Let me know if you felt you belonged with them, and need others to help you after seeing what it REALLY IS... If you are able to read the questions and answer them you really aren't in this camp.

Not just a tinge of feeling you are a bit different from normality and that you might have it.

(I broke my foot last year, but never felt I was a paraplegic..)

[Arachne]

Please go and volunteer for an afternoon helping out the autistic and asperger-diagnosed.

Let me know if you felt you belonged with them, and need others to help you after seeing what it REALLY IS... If you are able to read the questions and answer them you really aren't in this camp.

Not just a tinge of feeling you are a bit different from normality and that you might have it.

(I broke my foot last year, but never felt I was a paraplegic..)

I don't know. Not being dysfunctional doesn't mean that there isn't a relationship there. Many things are not yes or no... on or off. Being an INTP could be connected to some kinds of autism. When I watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnylM1hI2jc), I can relate to a degree. It seems like she gets totally stuck in perceiving mode. I sometimes experience something similar after a long session of hyperfocused painting.

[manza]

I can see how the behaviors could be considered similar, but in my experience working with kids with Asperger's, they have an extraordinary S over N preference.

[rowboat]

I can see how the behaviors could be considered similar, but in my experience working with kids with Asperger's, they have an extraordinary S over N preference.

couldn't that just be related to the fact that the general human population has extraordinary S over N preferences?

[sorabji_66]

I don't know. Not being dysfunctional doesn't mean that there isn't a relationship there. Many things are not yes or no... on or off. Being an INTP could be connected to some kinds of autism. When I watch this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnylM1hI2jc), I can relate to a degree. It seems like she gets totally stuck in perceiving mode. I sometimes experience something similar after a long session of hyperfocused painting.


Okay... there's not a complete absence of connection and when you read the description (which is very ideal in functionality) it may connect. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, not even myself in extreme depressions.

Tim Page's article on his situation, in the New Yorker last year, was worth reading.

[manza]

couldn't that just be related to the fact that the general human population has extraordinary S over N preferences?

The general human population has at least basic use of the intuitive functions. In my experience with Asperger's, one of the more prominent traits is that they exist almost entirely within the realm of the literal, the concrete, and the observable.

When I was younger I thought I might be somewhere on the highly functional end of the spectrum, due to behavioral peculiarities. After interacting extensively with autistics of varying degrees, I concluded that the similarities were superficial.

[cafe]

Autism has to do more with communication difficulties (everything from the inability to communicate verbally or at all to not picking up social cues), sensory issues (very high sensitivity to certain stimuli/very low sensitivity to certain stimuli/(sometimes odd or harmful) self-stimulating behaviors), fixations/difficulty with change or switching gears, and sometimes motor problems.

Personality is a separate thing, though there can be overlap in traits.

[Arachne]

The general human population has at least basic use of the intuitive functions. In my experience with Asperger's, one of the more prominent traits is that they exist almost entirely within the realm of the literal, the concrete, and the observable.

When I was younger I thought I might be somewhere on the highly functional end of the spectrum, due to behavioral peculiarities. After interacting extensively with autistics of varying degrees, I concluded that the similarities were superficial.

I agree with Asperger's. The only person I know with Asperger's seems to be missing his N function altogether. It's not just that it's underdeveloped... it's absent. But, I think that the term autism is used to describe a number of different conditions that might be related only in the broadest sense. IMO, IQ isn't the only thing distinguishing Asperger's from other autisms.


Personality is a separate thing, though there can be overlap in traits.

Um, personality has nothing to do with the physical set-up of the brain?

(Plus, MBTI is about cognitive processing... which is a bit different from personality).

[cafe]

Um, personality has nothing to do with the physical set-up of the brain?

(Plus, MBTI is about cognitive processing... which is a bit different from personality).
I'm not a neurologist, so I'm obviously not going to be an expert on the physical set up of the brain, but as you've said, autism is very broad and the symptoms/traits can vary a great deal from person to person, so it is kind of nutty to try to correlate it with a particular MBTI type.

Maybe when they have different types of autism more broken down and clarified it will be possible to correlate them to certain personality types, but I don't think we are there yet.

My own experience with autism is narrow, but I can say that my sons share a lot of the same autistic symptoms/traits but their personalities could hardly be more different.

[Arachne]

I'm not a neurologist, so I'm obviously not going to be an expert on the physical set up of the brain, but as you've said, autism is very broad and the symptoms/traits can vary a great deal from person to person, so it is kind of nutty to try to correlate it with a particular MBTI type.

Maybe when they have different types of autism more broken down and clarified it will be possible to correlate them to certain personality types, but I don't think we are there yet.

My own experience with autism is narrow, but I can say that my sons share a lot of the same autistic symptoms/traits but their personalities could hardly be more different.

And all I'm defending is the logic of the argument that the underlying causes of autism could be related to the INTP or other MBTI type.

Would you be comfortable describing the differences/similarities between the behaviors and personalities of your two sons?

[cafe]

And all I'm defending is the logic of the argument that the underlying causes of autism could be related to the INTP or other MBTI type.
You mean like problems reading/reacting to social cues = inferior Fe kind of thing? That could make sense

Would you be comfortable describing the differences/similarities between the behaviors and personalities of your two sons?
Sure. A little background: neither were diagnosed with autism until they entered school because I was in denial/too ignorant to realize what was going on. Both are considered average intelligence or above and high functioning. Our school district considers them autistic and not Aspies because they were speech delayed. That is the criteria they use here, whether that is standard, I don't know.


Neither of my sons spoke more than a few words until they were around four years old.
-my older son didn't seem particularly bothered by it most of the time.
-my younger son was extremely frustrated by it and threw a lot of tantrums
Both of my sons have some sensory issues
-my older son is somewhat sensitive to loud sounds, is a very picky eater and 'stims' by chewing/biting his finger and/or clothes (he's trying to quit)
-my younger son is very sensitive to loud sounds, is only a moderately picky eater and doesn't seem to have any major stimming behaviors, but is afraid of heights (looking down and recently looking up- he has developed a fear of high ceilings)
Both of my sons have some difficulties with social cues
-my older son is extroverted and loves attention, especially making people laugh, but he has trouble distinguishing (or doesn't care) if people are laughing with him or laughing at him. He used to greet people by grimacing at them and loudly announcing 'My head is a pig!!!' For about a year or so now it's been "Merry Christmas!" which is still strange, but better. While he is probably the higher functioning of the two, he has had more problems interacting with people because his weirdness kind of all hangs out there and people tend to love or hate him. If he's going to get into trouble for something at school, it's probably going to be for talking/being silly.
-my younger son is introverted and though he is usually friendly enough when someone else initiates, he normally can't be bothered to talk to people except to ask them questions about things he's interested in (usually animals and machines). He has more problems with just zoning out and not paying attention to what's going on around him, so it's important to keep a close eye on him because he can get left behind/wander off. If he is going to get into trouble for something at school it's going to be flat out refusing to cooperate with something he thinks is stupid/doesn't want to do.
Both of my sons can have a tendency to fixate
-my older son has long running fixations on video games (yay! something 'normal') and pigs (not so much)
-my younger son has more intense, short-term fixations usually related to an animal or machine (a few years ago he was angry at me for days because I wouldn't trade the family mini-van in for a hovercraft)
Both sons have fine motor problems that are about the same severity, but appear to be improving with time. It doesn't interfere with most things in life, but it has made writing difficult to the point that the school is providing little keyboard things for their tests and written assignments and they can't tie shoes (I should probably try working on that again)
As far as personality goes, both have a natural thing for logic but
-My older son cares about rules and tries to follow them (though impulse control is sometimes lacking) and tries to get others to follow the rules, too (he's the leader of his own little 'gang' at school).
-My younger son doesn't usually go out of his way to break the rules and usually tries to follow them, but not with the same enthusiasm as his brother. There are people that he likes very much, but he's more of a loner.


I lean towards my older son being an E?TJ (or any ET type besides ESTP) and my younger son being an I?TP (or any IT type besides ISTJ). The S/N thing can be tricky because they have been raised in an IN dominant household (their dad, two older sisters, and I all appear to be INs), so their thought patterns and senses of humor have been shaped by that. On the one hand, they can be really sensitive to external, sensory input, but on the other hand they (especially my younger son) can be completely oblivious to their surroundings.

Contrary to stereotype, they have always been cuddly and affectionate and not averse to eye contact, both are empathetic and have strong ethics about how people are to be treated, both are generally well-liked, if considered a bit weird. People tell me that they are sweet and well-mannered (at least since we managed to cancel the grimacing head is a pig thing). :blink:

[amur]

Yes. The same has been said about INTJ's.
Some natural and normal ways of being emotionally and mentally can be confused with impairment of the mind if it is a mind that doesn't function like the majority which as it happens, is not INTP or INTJ.

[amur]

I tend to go to bed and if I can't sleep I will close my eyes and imagine myself floating away from my body and I go places that I couldn't go otherwise either into space, other worlds, or sometimes I will go visit women that I care about in my life and watch them sleeping. Then, I will imagine me entering there minds and seeing what they are thinking or how there life is going etc.

I hope I don't scare any women by admitting that... :shock: I know this sounds a little messed up probably, but it can't be any worse than some other things. I wonder if that is an "F" trait, but maybe at the subconscious level. I figure it is just my imagination getting away from me but it is relaxing and sometimes insightful. However, it can be depressing at times also.

It might be your way of sifting through social or emotional information awake much like dreams are said to be your brain sorting out information when you are asleep.
Daydreaming put to good use?

[Llewellyn]

I agree with Asperger's. The only person I know with Asperger's seems to be missing his N function altogether. It's not just that it's underdeveloped... it's absent.

I enter here with only speculative knowledge, but i'm interested in mental states. When I read a post by you about autists maybe missing one function altogether, I later inferred that might be N. And now I read it in this thread.

Well, what about the F-function of this person you know? I have a theory that connects F and N as opposed to T and S (with autistically inclined people focusing on the latter two).

[Tanner]

There was an autistic child in one of my classes. He was pretty cool IMO. So smart, it was a creative writing class and while I was writing 2 page essays about philosophies, and political opinions he was writing a novel. The kid knew literary terms the teacher didn't know.
I feel like I have things in common with autistic people. I had a speech impediment and have always had trouble voicing my emotions. I had tourettes as a child and I noticed the autistic kid I knew displayed ticks somewhat similar to mine.

What are the wide spread organizations that help autistic kids? I wouldn't mind finding one near me to help out with.

(my bad for the bump, I didn't realize this thread was several months old until after I posted this)

[nonrandian]

;) But I agree that the definitions above are total rubbish. I've worked with Autistic kids before, and they are much more extreme than those descriptives used above.

I agree.

Indeed, there are many forms of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Maybe INTP is just a less serious one, who knows?

I might say though that sometimes i wonder if i have a disorder that makes me the way i am. I feel so alienated from people and so misunderstood; practically rejected, which is what led to my consideration of the possibility of disorder, obviously.

I should note that i've scored very normal psychologically on the MMPI, however. My only problem, at the time i took it, was higher than average aggression. Most of which has since subsided.

Anyway, I used to be quite obsessed with the possibility that i was insane. After some serious consideration of that matter though (years) and the MMPI results, i've determined that actually, everyone else is insane. And, that is what causes my perceived abnormality. I have been known to be wrong though, and so have tests.

"Suppose, then, that all men were sick or deranged, save one or two of them who were healthy and of right mind. It would then be the latter two who would be thought to be sick and deranged and the former not!"
--(Aristotle)

[DJAchtundvierzig]

2 questions...
Does autism influence the personality type?

And is it possible to have a personality type other than INTP but have autism which makes it look like you are more of an INTP?

[pesquisa]

My son has Fragile X syndrome and autism. Fragile X is a genetic condition and about a 1/3rd of those with this syndrome also have autism.

However the cause is unknown for the overwhelming majority with autism. There’s no biological test for autism. You’re diagnosed with autism if you get enough checks on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM IV in the 3 areas of: 1 impairment in social interaction, 2 impairments in communication and 3 certain unusual behavior and interests.

If you have classic autism I guess you would generally also be considered to be an introverted personality type.

In one book I read it noted that autistic children have a higher prevalence of egghead parents with multiple high level degrees but not in the high level positions you would expect with their education, which I think sounds INTPish.

[echoes]

Let's not forget autism does not quite refer to a "condition" in the same way that polio relates to a disease". It's a loose term for what's is probably a clusterfuck of different conditions with different causes but overlapping behavior.

Although, in terms of evidence I'd say poorly defined neurologicalyl based condition> psuedosciency psychology construct like personality as defined by mbti.

So autism takes priority over "type" in identity.

[Sneakypeex]

Most people with asperger's syndrome (which is a form of autism) classify as either INTP or INTJ. Then there are some of the other introverted types too, such as INFP. This suggests to me that the only thing you can really say about autistic people from MBTI is that they're introverted. Nothing else really applies.

[spacebound]

I'm honestly curious about this and I've thought about it over the past few days. What do you think?


EDIT: Honestly not trolling guys. It's a huge coincidence that someone else brought up this as well though.

[LastRailway]

Hi, check these threads:
http://forums.intpcentral.com/showthread.php?42414-Autism-an-the-INTP
http://forums.intpcentral.com/showthread.php?4948-Autism-INTP

(which should probably be merged, now that I'm thinking of it).

[Feller]

Search Function (http://forums.intpcentral.com/search.php?searchid=43341)

[LastRailway]

(which should probably be merged, now that I'm thinking of it).

Yep, merged.

[Ace_]

NO. And Nietzsche was an INTJ.

[Bking]

I think the description in which they give sounds similar, but the severity of the symptoms and the comparisons in which they make to detect the symptoms in the individual, are of a totally different scope. Autistic people don't have a preference to be autistic because thats the way they like it. They are because they are. An intp's behavior I think is more by choice. They have the conceivable idea of how to function outside of their preferred state of being, but they choose not to.

[lucyintheskies]

Husband works in the mental health field - he tells me that his autistic clients typically have acute sensory abilities. Sensitivity to loud noise is only one example. Some individuals have exceptional sense of smell; others have unusual visual perception. These people are Sensors in over-drive.

[Feller]

I think we can pretty much end this discussion.

Many INTPs are not autistic.

Many autistic people are not INTPs.

Therefore, they cannot be equated.