Paul Siebenthal's Asperger's syndrome causes him to experience conversation in ways that are significantly different from his co-workers. And, as is often the case, these differences cause them to judge him in negative ways:
In the last month I have been told or heard the following about me: I am odd. I have a blank face. I give no facial feedback. People can’t tell what I’m thinking and this worries them. They think I’m not interested in what they are saying. That I am rude. That I am aloof. That I think they are stupid. That I am intimidating. This is in the last month. It has not been a particularly unusual month for me and this is a regular experience of many Aspies and also those that spend time with us.
His discussion of what conversation is like for him is fascinating, and I can relate to a lot of it. I said some similar things in my recent discussion of of eye contact, but Paul takes things to much greater depth.
