The Wrong Stuff - The Spectrum in Space ?

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Spect Techs

People on the spectrum can become quite good engineers and technicians. The work does not necessarily have to be a special interest, but if it is, it makes it all the more feasible for them to become excellent in the field. Though the learning curve and methodology used might differ from NT standard.

Actually I found a paired team with one NT and one ASD person to be the most effective, when troubleshooting/problem solving. It gives the best chance because often what one misses the other will see.

Rotary Phones...

I can't remember when or where it was that I last used one. But it had been a long while and it felt so different, so analogy to use again. And you can't just dial as fast as you want but must wait for higher numbers to click down mechanically.

Stims in Space

Because of special interests and long practice, I have no doubt of being able to fill long periods of time self stimulating. And it need not be elaborate. Just some paper and pens will suffice in a pinch. When coupled with healthy activity (exercise) and work/chores it can have balance for long durations.

What are you doing Dave ?

There is always some Bugbear to battle though. And for me it would be anxiety. For along with knowledge of the equiment in detail comes awareness of everything that could go wrong. But once I was diagnosed and got the right medication, it made a world of difference.

I am not sure about astronauts but know that military pilots do use medications at times to perform certain missions. I know they use things to combat fatigue and remain alert. Perhaps there is more then that.

In space no one can hear you cuss.

But it is true that even 'routine' type missions are still inherently dangerous. In space everything is dangerous. But fear of death is I think no greater for people on the spectrum then NTs. Actually fear of injury is probably more of a concern all around, and in space accidents it generally is all or nothing. There is a sangfroid one naturally has or can develop about it, and it itself is not a source or worry in advance. You just have that short 'Oh s**t!' moment before the comm goes dead. It would be most dangerous for the pioneers but then eventually the chances would approve.

NCC-1631

As opposed to a Federation Starship with nothing but Vulcans, I wonder what a ship of VHF Authistics would be like ? Like Vulcans?

Lots of people in Tech, Engineering and the Military are aspie. I'd imagine given the that and the number of astronauts that have been to space that there have already been aspies in space (Aspies in Space - sounds like a "B" movie or something.)

How's this for B-grade:

Attack of the Spectraborgs!

A convoy of autistics departs earth to establish a colony on Rigel 5, and are never heard from again. It is now 100 years later and earth in is invaded by an unknown and super advanced enemy, an enemy with detailed knowledge of earth and all its weaknesses...

I would not endure long periods of isolation too well at all...and yeah in my opinion there would be too much risk, and thought of never returning kinda sucks...Plenty of things I'd miss, no more concerts...or a lot of things I like.

it seems to me that the early centuries would be nothing but unremitting toil. I would miss music the most.

Ah, I think we have shifted to the idea of a autistic colony/planet. It certainly would be difficult in the beginning. But I think it's possible. You just have to adjust your expectations a little.

The initial phase of dwellings would not likely be very elaborate, as the materials and work required would not be available.


Any natural shelters would allow time for the pressing need to produce or catch food.


Clothing would of course wear out quickly.


Again, natural materials would be initially a real life saver.

Within an autistic colony, there must be some who are sexual; otherwise, the colony will die off within one generation.

You bring up an interesting point and yes, that would be true for a colony. Not all autistics are asexual by any means, nevertheless I would guess reproduction numbers to be lower then in the NT population. A colony might at best only replace its numbers and not grow, at least in the first generations. Later as more NT children are born it could curve upward slowly.

But I think a colony the least likely scenario. More likely would be simply long trips and inhabiting stations/outposts for an extended time. In those situations asexuality might be another advantage that people on the spectrum have for space exploration. Mission control would not have to put saltpeter in the scrambled eggs either.

Well, the reproduction could be done artificially. By the time we get there, we probably will have even better technologies to help with that.

To be honest, I still want to do it the old-fashioned way

gestation hurts. a better way would be that which was depicted in Aldous Huxley's novel "brave new world."

There might also be cloning.

Cloning, it seems to me, will produce a similar effect as first cousins having babies with first cousins. Or even closer relations having babies with each other.

I am Sci-Fying here, but meant that say the colony had 100 original members. The second generation would consist of 100 replications of the first members. And so would the third, etc. I am also assuming some sort of artificial gestation method.

This would be an interesting subject for research, in all seriousness