Comments on: Judith Regan on OJ Simpson’s “emotional autism”

By: Shari Krishnan

Shari Krishnan — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:50:35 +0000

I always find it much more helpful to have others describe something as it really demonstrates itself, versus using jargon.

To my family, autism means something. It is very personal to us. It has a sweet young face and loving heart behind that term and that diagnosis. My son is not emotionless. He is not void of empathy.

To throw the term “autism” around so casually is indeed hurtful. To describe O.J. Simpson’s behavior in that manner made me want to throw-up.

By: David Nolan

David Nolan — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:14:38 +0000

I have just encountered the term: emotional autism and it has enabled me to understand some of my own behaviour, which has been a distressing puzzle all of my adult life. I am known to be intelligent and a good communicator, patient, caring and empathetic. Unfortunately some situations and some behavior, by particular people, seem to act as ‘triggers’ which have caused me to have immature ‘tantrums’ ['I throw all of toys out of the pram']. This seemed to be out of my control until now [hopefully I now have an insight into my own thoughts and behavior which will enable me to manage my thoughts and actions better than before]. I have previously sought help from three different counsellors non of whom seemed able to help me to understand myself. I now believe that emotional autism could be used to describe the behaviour of some people who experience developmental problems due to traumatic events in early life.
I can’t comment upon the behaviour of O.J. Simpson but I can now recognize something in my own behaviour. I will not attempt to describe this behaviour here but would welcome comments from other, concerned people who may wish to exchange experiences or discuss this further. David, based in South Devon, U.K.

By: Susan Lord

Susan Lord — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 17:38:59 +0000

melanie;
I think the term “emotional autism” was used to imply a lack of emotion in autistics. Hence her association of autism and sociopaths.

Phil said;

“shame – boycott anything judith regan including harpers ect.”

I second that!

By: phil

phil — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 02:48:17 +0000

Judith Regan, shame on you. If you really felt this way, why didnt you say that all your proceeds would go to a domestic violence charity.

Hmmmmm so the truth is, it was greed and publicity, sick sick you are sick!

shame – boycott anything judith regan including harpers ect.

and check out http://www.dontpayoj.com

judith – you are now as bad as OJ – enjoy your enternity in hell together.

http://www.what-a-world.com

By: melanie

melanie — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 23:10:50 +0000

“emotional autism” makes no sense…..?????????

By: mcewen

mcewen — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 20:22:23 +0000

I hope it’s an indication that the words ‘autistic /autism’ are becoming more socially acceptable. Or is that a little too optimistic? But there again, in this context, it’s not an association I’d want to promote.
Best wishes

By: mom-nos

mom-nos — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 14:25:19 +0000

Unnecessary, and profoundly offensive.

By: Susan Lord

Susan Lord — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:48:27 +0000

“While Regan refers to “emotional autism,” I find her associating autism and sociopaths, and violent crime, troubling and ill-informed.

As for the mention of autism in regard to OJ Simpson, this was simply unnecessary.”

I’ve noticed “autism” is being used as a sort of ‘buzz word’ by people who know very little, or nothing about this condition.

I hope her book sales plummet, and her flippant and extremely offensive comment on a serious subject she obviously has no “empathy” with, comes back to haunt her for the rest of her career.