What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation • Hacker News Board

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#31

Post by Nutmog » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 4:51 AM UTC

smegel wrote: post #22

notthemessiah wrote: post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Cell phone radiation is typically in the GHz wave range, and rTMS, as well as most brain waves, typically between 1 and 30 Hz. They are completely different parts of the spectrum, well, so unless you are a pigeon, I don't think there's much effect.

> I don't think there's much effect I felt more reassured when scientists were promising there was no interaction between EMR and organic matter.

Were they ever? Cellphones have been shown to heat the side of you brain. No evidence that it alters its functioning though. Going out in the sun also heats the side of you brain.

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#32

Post by kstenerud » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:01 AM UTC

proksoup wrote: post #9

philovivero wrote: post #4

I'm glad this guy wrote this up. Now I have no desire to get off the spectrum.

I had a (medication induced) experience similar to the author's, with similar perception of radical changes in the motivations/intentions of my coworkers and friends, but mostly I remember it being like bright light was turned on in a dim room, my new awareness of others emotions changed a lot of my assumptions about their thoughts, the effects lasted a few days. I'd rather be more in tune with reality, if new techno…

That would be cool to be able to turn it on temporarily. After hearing about this guy's experience, I definitely wouldn't want it turned on permanently.

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#33

Post by tominous » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:29 AM UTC

tgflynn wrote: post #16

I'm amazed by the improbability of this guy's life. He had an abusive father and a schizophrenic mother dropped out of school at 15 then worked as a sound engineer for a famous rock band, built a successful high-end auto repair business and then became a best selling author. I have to admit I was skeptical reading the article but his story seems to check out ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Elder_Robison ). I won…

Eric Raymond had an interesting take on the link between autism and exceptional achievement (if you can get past his ego).

http://esr.ibiblio.org/?p=7060

In short, the time and energy normally spent on social interaction instead is spent on other aspects of life.

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#34

Post by thonos » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:32 AM UTC

Everytime I read one of these Autism articles I feel like I might be affected myself. I lack most of the symptoms I read on the internet but often feel disconnected and not caring about what's actually happening. Like a robot on autopilot with occasional breaks when I realize where I actually am in my life. For example when I hear really bad news, I'm just like "eh, life goes on".

I'm not sure when this started but I remember a moment a few years back when I realized this trait for the first time.

Is there a short check I can do to find out more?

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#35

Post by colejohnson66 » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:33 AM UTC

thonos wrote: post #34

Everytime I read one of these Autism articles I feel like I might be affected myself. I lack most of the symptoms I read on the internet but often feel disconnected and not caring about what's actually happening. Like a robot on autopilot with occasional breaks when I realize where I actually am in my life. For example when I hear really bad news, I'm just like "eh, life goes on". I'm not sure when this started but I…

Visit a doctor. That's really the only sure fire way to know. You may just have depression.

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#36

Post by EGreg » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:34 AM UTC

tominous wrote: post #33

tgflynn wrote: post #16

I'm amazed by the improbability of this guy's life. He had an abusive father and a schizophrenic mother dropped out of school at 15 then worked as a sound engineer for a famous rock band, built a successful high-end auto repair business and then became a best selling author. I have to admit I was skeptical reading the article but his story seems to check out ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Elder_Robison ). I won…

Eric Raymond had an interesting take on the link between autism and exceptional achievement (if you can get past his ego). http://esr.ibiblio.org/?p=7060 In short, the time and energy normally spent on social interaction instead is spent on other aspects of life.

Oh brother.

I consider myself very smart but wouldn't write this kind of arrogant drivel :)

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#37

Post by tekromancr » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:36 AM UTC

anigbrowl wrote: post #12

agumonkey wrote: post #7

I wonder how sexual development happens in autism. In terms of emotional connection it's a pretty central and strong source.

Such a broad question doesn't admit of an easy answer, but if I was going to put in a single sentence I'd say dating was hell but sex is fine. No idea whether autistic people are more or less prone to be into kinky sex but my hunch is more.

It is funny you mention that. I have made that same observation myself. I know a lot of kinksters, and I know own a lot of people with aspergers and there is definitely some overlap, it seems!

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#38

Post by kingkawn » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:37 AM UTC

jonaf wrote: post #23

0942v8653 wrote: post #17

An article written by Robison: An Experimental Autism Treatment Cost Me My Marriage https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11313452 (26 days ago, 560 points, 313 comments)

My 2-year-old son is the happiest, sweetest little boy. He was diagnosed with autism about 6 months ago by a pediatric neurologist, who we saw because he has zero communication skills (verbal or otherwise). He is almost always remarkably happy, and we love that about him. However, as you may imagine, it's impossible to discipline him, because he doesn't understand when you are disappointed or say "no" firmly. He thin…

He sounds awesome, why can't you discipline him in a way that doesn't require him giving up being happy?

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#39

Post by tominous » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:44 AM UTC

EGreg wrote: post #36

tominous wrote: post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Eric Raymond had an interesting take on the link between autism and exceptional achievement (if you can get past his ego). http://esr.ibiblio.org/?p=7060 In short, the time and energy normally spent on social interaction instead is spent on other aspects of life.

Oh brother. I consider myself very smart but wouldn't write this kind of arrogant drivel :)

Agreed, I have added a brief summary so others can avoid reading it if it's too much for their stomach :)

Re: What It’s Like to ‘Wake Up’ from Autism After Magnetic Stimulation

#40

Post by iopuy » Thu, Apr 14, 2016, 5:51 AM UTC

Jesus Christ, this guy is the author of 4 books all related to autism?

    - Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's (2007)
    - Be Different: My Adventures with Asperger's and My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families, and Teachers (2012)
    - Raising Cubby: A Father and Son's Adventures with Asperger's, Trains, Tractors, and High Explosives (2014)
    - Switched On: A Memoir of Brain Change and Emotional Awakening (2016)

He really hit the gravy train. I can't wait for "Sending An Asperger's Kid To College" and "Grandpa has Asperger, Son"!