Comments on: The Phi Complex: What is a “social interaction”?

By: Niksmom

Niksmom — Sun, 20 May 2007 00:36:12 +0000

I’d be curious to know if any similar studies have been done to show differences (if any exisit) in brain function during play. Specifically, during what one might deem “typical vs. atypical” modes of play. An example of this would be when Nik plays with a certain toy, he doesn’t use it in the manner that most NT kids might. instead, I think, he tends to really evaluate it and analyze it before he even attempts to fully engage with it. Gotta figure out how it all works, that one!

I have to echo Kyra on how Nik takes it all in, inspite of his seeming lack of connection or interest. Sometimes, I am intimidated by how incredibly smart and perceptive Nik can be but I think it’s the same as how he plays with toys; he analyzes before engaging. Very much like his father (whom I am now wondering if he has some slight degree of possible Aspergers, seriously).

By: harmonious1

harmonious1 — Sat, 19 May 2007 16:17:42 +0000

This is interesting. I have still not been diagnosed, but every time I read an article on Asperger’s I am more convinced that this is me, and this article is no different. I feel SO deeply, but people tell me “Oh, its all about YOU!” Its NOT. But I have to be doing something wrong, because none of my relationships work out. I break my heart over things that have nothing to do with me, but these times when a potential friend shares something with me do nothing to cement the relationship. I see this happening to other people, and they talk about how close they are now that they survived a crisis together. But this is not happening for me. Is there a way to learn this? I am 50, is it too late for me? I always thought I was a good listener, and people have said this about me, from time to time. I have been told its easy to talk to me, but this must not be what is required to have a lasting friendship. I am searching. Or maybe everyone is lonely, and they just don’t seem that way on the outside?!? I apologize if this is overly emotional. This website tends to make me cry.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sat, 19 May 2007 14:58:20 +0000

I can’t remember learning how to wave—–I can remember teaching Charlie to do so!

By: kyra

kyra — Sat, 19 May 2007 13:42:33 +0000

yes. i agree with this. i know that my son is VERy aware of things around him, acutely tuned in to mood shifts, emotional states of mind of those he’s near. but his reaction isn’t ‘typical’ and therefore, it’s discounted by most.

VAB’s last sentence is fascinating. i DO think a lot of my social behavior is automatic, in line with what ‘most’ people do while my son’s is more individual and true to the moment.

By: VAB

VAB — Sat, 19 May 2007 04:33:29 +0000

Well put! In fact, the person who turns away or looks at the ground may be interacting in a much more active way. The thing is that the wave-and-smile greeting happens almost automatically, at a surface level, and has next to no impact on our conscious thought. Meanwhile, when our guy turns his back on someone who waves at him, he’s totally aware of what is going on. The fact of that other person’s presence is totally dominating his consciousness.

But, in fairness, perhaps I should call this “reacting,” and not “interacting.” Because unless the other person is autistic, too, there is little reciprocity to averting of the eyes or turning of the back.

And perhaps that is where things like the phi complex come in. Many people can interact on autopilot because they are hardwired to do so in a particular way. The interaction is mediated by a non-conscious brain function. It could be that some interaction on the part of autistic people is not mediated by such function and is, therefore, more conscious, and hence more varied and individual.