aspie rhetor

Started reading your bit about the cover of *Women from Another Planet?* but didn’t read long enough to learn whether it was an aquatic child cover on a book you liked or abhorred because the name rhetor caught my eye and sure enough, I’ll be go to hell if you & I don’t have another thing besides the spectrum in common.The difference is you’ll finish the Ph.D. and I won’t, and I’m a product of the Purdue rhet & comp doctoral program instead of Ohio State. Trying to decide whether to do a CCCC proposal but it would prob’ly be the same as last year, which they turned down. They seem to accept my stuff every other year. Anyway, it would be about the rhetoric of demonization. Nice chattin.’ Gotta go read some more student essays and get grading done. Happy enthymeme to you and yours! jean

Hmm. I looked up that entry, just to refresh my memory, and I had written that Women from Another Planet was “awesome.” I suppose I’m fascinated that so many autism-related books have similar cover motifs. But WFAP was/is a very useful book, indeed!

As for CCCC… I’ve only ever been accepted once, and that was last year. I ended up presenting on autism and metaphor. I’m trying again this year, only this time I’m submitting something with a panel rather than trying individually. (I’m never sure which is better to do!) We’re proposing on autism and the rhetorical triangle.

Where do you teach, if you don’t mind my asking? (And what English/writing courses do you teach?) Last year was my first year of teaching. I took this year off and opted for administrative work, but go back to teaching next year. I am glad to be at Ohio State… I’ve been fairly open about being on the spectrum here, and my professors are generally very accommodating and are familiar with disability studies. I am/was a high school drop-out, and throughout college/university I’ve always worried that something will happen that will prevent me from finishing.
Anyway. I ramble. Thanks for stopping by!

I discovered you in a search for “aspergers, composition” as I was trying to prepare for talking with my Aspie son’s high school honors English teacher. By occupation I am a psychologist. I work with adults and teens, which means that many times I am working with adults and teens on the autism spectrum (note: I do not treat autism — I treat anxiety and depression, etc.). I LOVE your writing on autism, neurodiversity and the lack of empathy among NT’s. I also am preparing a presentation (due in May) for the Minnesota Psychological Association on neurodiversity perspectives in working with ASD adults and teens. Would you be willing to have a conversation with me via email? Thanks! And, keep writing. I am now a new fan!!

I have enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to reading your work. I’m a PhD graduate in rhetoric from Ohio State, back when there were still rhetoricians in the old Department of Communication. Jim Fredal was a (very talented) classmate of mine.

My son, now in the sixth grade, is an Asperger’s autistic. His interest in Green Day is nearly a match for yours with ELO. He is working diligently to master the electric guitar.

Brian: Thanks! And it’s good to hear from an OSU rhetoric person. (How cool!)

I’m doing my darnedest to get ELO into my dissertation somehow (even if only via oblique references). I don’t know much about Green Day, but I can imagine how much fun it must be for your son to be so intensely engaged with/interested in them. Hooray for special interests!