The NYRB carries a very sympathetic review of Temple
Grandin’s latest book, The Autistic Brain. Towards the end, the article includes some quotes from
the book in which Grandin argues that if “Aspies” receive appropriate support
and opportunities to develop their specific strengths, they can make unique
contributions to society (and perhaps receive proper recognition for these). As a
prime example, she cites “all the undiagnosed Asperger’s cases in
Silicon Valley” whom she calls “Happy
Aspies.”
In principle, this seems like reasonable advocacy on
behalf of a misunderstood and marginalized minority. I just wish its avant-garde did not have such a burning wish to remake
society in their own image; and were not as handsomely rewarded for that effort with money and/or status – whatever “shareholder value” or veneer of scientific credibility they might create. To
her credit, Grandin seems very cognizant of her own mental limitations, and has
stuck to making the lives and deaths of cows less painful.
