TTRSage wrote:
The cognitive delays that come with AS are quite common and in my opinion is one of the factors that lies at the very root of so many of the other effects of AS. It probably isn't given enough research because I think it is of huge significance. With me the duration varies and is usually quite mild if present at all, but at times it can take me hours or even a whole day to fully comprehend what I have just experienced. I always dislike being forced to make quick decisions (unless it is something I can do by instinct alone, in which case I am usually lightning fast) because I know that I will probably change my mind once the thought has been fully processed.
One example that stands out in my mind happened about a year ago when a doctor talked me into allowing him to run a CAT scan on me to satisfy his curiosity following a totally botched diagnosis at which time two CAT scans adn an MRI scan were run on me. I had a mild intestinal infection that was eventually fixed with a $35 bottle of oral antibiotics plus real food, but the doctors fabricated a flawed diagnosis of pancreatitis. Anyhow, I initially agreed to the extra CAT scan, but less than a day later felt totally opposed to it and absolutely refused to accept it.
In 1995 a lover dumped me in favor of a wealthy barhopper. At the time he wanted to still be my friend but not my lover and I half agreed. By the time he got home 30 minutes later and called me, the thought of it registered in my mind and I could not bear the thought of being that extra person who was only an optional accessory after 15 months of emotions. I told him so and he could not understand why since 30 minutes earlier I had agreed to just be a friend from that point on.
I have a video of another Aspie that shows this delay measurably (2 seconds in that case). Our paths crossed and he looked back at me at which time I waved to him. He did not react, turned around and walked on forward. Two seconds later he turned back around to look at me again and waved to me in response to my wave to him two seconds earlier.
Interesting. I have also experienced the longer delays. It's like you listen to what someone else says and then sometimes years later you realise what they mean. I tend to think of this like a digital camera. An NT is like a normal digital camera. Take the picture, get it on the screen straight away with all the benefits of speed, an autistic is like the same camera but with the exposure set really long. You get the picture back with loads more detail but by then it may be out of date information. I find I get home and realise what I should have said as an answer but too late.