In a notable interview with Brian Williams on NBC, comedian Jerry Seinfeld recently shared his thoughts on the autism spectrum, suggesting he feels he fits somewhere within it. Seinfeld stated, “I think, on a very drawn out scale, I think I’m on the spectrum.” Williams probed further, asking about the indicators for such a self-assessment. Seinfeld explained his struggles with social engagement and literal interpretations of language, emphasizing he views his experiences as an alternative way of thinking rather than a dysfunction.
The autism community reacted swiftly. Autism Speaks acknowledged Seinfeld’s sentiments, stating that many individuals on the spectrum could relate to his experiences. Meanwhile, Scott Badesch, President of Autism Society, expressed his appreciation for Seinfeld as a public figure who could highlight the strengths and talents of those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, many parents of autistic children voiced their dissent on social media, asserting that Seinfeld’s self-diagnosis was inappropriate. One father remarked, “My son has autism, Jerry Seinfeld does not,” while another mother emphasized the stark differences between her autistic children and Seinfeld’s experiences.
Just two weeks later, Seinfeld retracted his earlier comments in an interview with Access Hollywood, clarifying, “I don’t have autism. I’m not on the spectrum.” He explained that while he related to a character in a play about autism, it was not indicative of a personal diagnosis.
This backtracking struck me as unfortunate, especially since Seinfeld had expressed a genuine connection to a protagonist in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, a story that resonates with many trying to navigate a world often unkind to those on the spectrum. I, too, had seen this play and appreciated its depth, but my connection stemmed from my own experiences with a spouse who was diagnosed with Asperger’s in 2011.
My ex-husband, who I married for 20 years, exemplified the struggles that can come with high-functioning autism. We lived in a world where our perspectives clashed, often leaving me confused and frustrated. His diagnosis brought clarity to our many misunderstandings, revealing how deeply our different ways of viewing life impacted our relationship. I process emotions through a neurotypical lens, as described by autism expert Dr. Richard Perry, who diagnosed my ex. This ability to empathize and “mirror” emotions, as explained by neuroscientist Marco Iacoboni, was a stark contrast to my ex’s challenges in this area.
I took an empathy test out of curiosity during this time, scoring 68 out of 80, while my husband scored a mere 8. This disparity explained many of the conflicts we faced, and even after receiving a formal diagnosis, family and friends struggled to accept it. They often questioned how we, particularly I as a novelist, had been unaware of his condition for so long.
Our shared anecdotes, like the time he was completely engrossed in a guidebook at a train station while I searched for him, or his abrupt departure from a dinner party to visit the gym, painted a clearer picture of life with someone on the spectrum. These quirks were often endearing, yet they revealed a fundamental mismatch in our emotional processing.
This became painfully evident during a crisis involving our sick child. When I desperately sought his support, he arrived much later than I needed him, unable to understand the urgency of my emotional state. This moment crystallized for me the profound differences in how we experienced and responded to life’s pressures.
As we reflect on Seinfeld’s fleeting connection to autism, it’s worth noting how public perceptions of Asperger’s have shifted, especially in the tech industry, where figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates are often speculated to be on the spectrum. Seinfeld’s potential self-identification could have served to destigmatize Asperger’s even further, but without a formal diagnosis, we can only speculate about the inner workings of his mind. His passion for collecting Porsches, rumored to be 46, may hint at certain Aspergian traits that resonate with me on a personal level.
In this complex landscape of autism and self-diagnosis, it’s essential to foster understanding and acceptance. For those exploring similar journeys, there are resources available, such as this insightful guide on pregnancy and home insemination that can provide additional support.
In summary, Jerry Seinfeld’s brief acknowledgment of being on the autism spectrum sparked a wide range of reactions, highlighting the complexities of self-diagnosis and public perception of autism. My own experiences with a partner diagnosed with Asperger’s reveal the profound emotional differences that exist within relationships, emphasizing the need for understanding and empathy in discussions about autism.
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