thalweg @thalweg@qoto.org

We watched the [Horizon episode "Living with Autism"](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3653140/) last night.

I have always been aware that my son and I have certain autistic traits, but I wasn't sure if we would be diagnosed as autistic. After watching the Horizon episode, I don't think we would.

As they described it, the number of autistic traits per person across the population follows a normal distribution. The average person actually has quite a few autistic traits. It's only when the number of autistic traits in that person is >50 (looked like 2 std deviations from the mean) that they would be clinically diagnosed as "on the spectrum" (I'm not sure if they understand what a spectrum is).

I've attached an image from [this study](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51559997_Are_Autistic_Traits_in_the_General_Population_Stable_across_Development) that shows a figure similar to what they showed in the episode.

So, yes, while many people would consider me socially inept, I do get by okay in life and don't think I should pursue a diagnosis. On the other hand, my attention to detail has been one of by greatest strengths.

I found the autistic couple in the episode very interesting. They obviously have a great relationship, but I wonder if a better strategy would be to find a not-so-autistic mate who can help to round out your abilities a bit (if you can manage to get along).

#autism