In a revealing interview with Brian Williams on NBC last November, comedian Jerry Seinfeld shared his thoughts about identifying with traits on the autism spectrum:
Seinfeld remarked, “I think, on a very drawn out scale, I think I’m on the spectrum.” When Williams probed for specifics, Seinfeld explained, “You’re never paying attention to the right things. Basic social engagement is really a struggle. I’m very literal. When people talk to me, and they use expressions, sometimes I don’t know what they’re saying. But I don’t see it as dysfunctional, I just think of it as an alternate mindset.”
This revelation sparked immediate reactions within the autism community. Autism Speaks, a charity Seinfeld has supported, commented, “There are many people on the spectrum who can relate to Jerry’s heartfelt comments about his own experience.” Meanwhile, Autism Society President Scott Badesch expressed delight, noting that Seinfeld could illustrate the diverse talents and strengths of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
However, the response on social media quickly turned critical, with many questioning Seinfeld’s self-diagnosis. A father of an autistic child expressed frustration, stating, “My son has autism, Jerry Seinfeld does not.” Parents like Kim Rossi Stagliano voiced their grievances as well, highlighting the stark differences in their experiences: “THIS is autism,” she tweeted, referring to her non-verbal daughter.
Two weeks later, Seinfeld backtracked during another interview, clarifying, “I don’t have autism. I’m not on the spectrum. I just was watching this play about it and thought, ‘Why am I relating to it?’ I related to it on some level. That’s all I was saying.”
It was disappointing to see Seinfeld retract his statement, especially since he may have found a connection with the main character from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a narrative exploring the life of an autistic child in a predominantly neurotypical world. I myself attended the same play and loved both it and the original novel, yet I could not relate personally to the character’s struggles. My understanding stemmed from my previous marriage to someone who had been diagnosed with Asperger’s.
My ex-husband received his diagnosis in 2011, during our marriage, when Asperger’s was still recognized as a distinct category of High Functioning Autism. This diagnosis shed light on the many conflicts and misunderstandings we had encountered over the years due to our differing perceptions of reality.
I perceive the world through a neurotypical lens, which allows me to empathize deeply with others. Dr. Richard Perry, who diagnosed my ex, described this ability as “a theory of mind.” In contrast, my ex scored significantly lower on empathy tests, making it challenging for him to understand others’ feelings.
When we received the diagnosis, it brought clarity to our complicated relationship. We had suspected this for years, having self-diagnosed after reading David Finch’s The Journal of Best Practices. Even after consulting Dr. Perry, many friends and family were skeptical, unable to reconcile the diagnosis with their perceptions of my ex as a seemingly functional individual.
Public understanding of Asperger’s is often shaped by sensational stories that do not reflect the full spectrum of experiences. Dr. Perry pointed out that many people’s knowledge comes from misrepresentative examples, leading to misconceptions about those on the spectrum. Additionally, the recent removal of Asperger’s from the DSM-V has muddled public perception further, making it crucial to understand that not everyone fits the same mold.
As a society, awareness of high-functioning autism has evolved, particularly in tech circles, where figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates are often rumored to be on the spectrum. Yet, outside of those realms, Asperger’s can still carry stigma, and the potential for Seinfeld to advocate for understanding was lost when he retracted his statement.
His passions—like his extensive collection of Porsches—hint at traits often associated with Asperger’s, which I can relate to from my own experiences. I often find myself explaining the complexities of living with someone on the spectrum, particularly the emotional disconnect that can arise.
A poignant memory comes to mind when I think of the disparity between our perspectives. I once called him from the hospital after days spent next to our sick child, pleading for relief. He arrived eleven hours later, having stopped for drinks with coworkers. My emotional breakdown felt incomprehensible to him, illustrating just how different our worlds were.
These reflections surfaced again when Seinfeld publicly speculated about his own autism diagnosis and subsequently recanted. Understanding Asperger’s has become more accepted in some circles, yet there remains a need for empathy and awareness. Proper diagnosis is essential, and, like Seinfeld, many may never fully grasp their experiences without professional insight.
In summary, navigating the complexities of autism and self-diagnosis requires a nuanced understanding of individual experiences. While Seinfeld’s initial comments sparked conversation, his retraction illustrates the ongoing challenge of addressing perceptions of autism in society. For a deeper dive into various aspects of parenting and home insemination, check out this resource.