In The Politics of Autism, I discuss evaluation and diagnosis. Prominent people sometimes publicly engage in casual self-diagnosis. Jerry Seinfeld did so three years ago, and got a great deal of negative reaction, causing him to walk back his remarks.
“Hello James. I have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and I recognised a lot of myself in your interviews,” Reddit user “TheKingsRaven” said. “I was curious if you’ve ever been diagnosed with ASD/Autism/Aspbergers [sic]yourself? Sorry if this is too personal.”
Damore appeared to have no qualms with the question, answering in a straightforward, apparently honest way.
“I am likely on the spectrum,” Damore said, “because my thinking is very pattern oriented and I didn’t start talking until much later than normal.”
Another Redditer then asked if people with ASD innately have problems with leadership, drive for success, or ideas in general.
“I’m not sure, I haven’t read enough [on] autism and those on the spectrum can be very different than the most extreme,” Damore responded. “I personally have problems with leadership and don’t have as high a drive for success as others.”
