Aspergers Motivational Theory

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I have developed a theory on motivation for people with AS because I felt I had no motivation to do things, was depressed etc. So I wanted to share in case anyone found it useful.

The theory takes as its point of departure that,

- NT brains are motivated by group-belonging, hence perform to be accepted by the group (this is because NTs are group-hunters, the only way for them to survive is by having a group to hunt with).

- AS brains are motivated by not being enslaved by anyone, hence perform to not become a slave of other people (this is because AS people are solo-hunters, the only way for them to survive is by not being enslaved so that they can keep hunting solo).


So the basic motivation for people with AS is to not be slave to anyone. How can one achieve not becoming enslaved?

By being independent. That is why independence of others is so important for people with AS (and for cats).


This brings about the following scale:


"Mentally ill" (Enslaved) <-- Independence (Slave to noone) <-- Becoming too social (Enslaved)


This is to be understood as follows:

On the one hand, if you do not take action, you will become a part of the social hierarchy in the sense that you will be considered "mentally ill" for not taking action. This will make you a slave to others.

On the other hand, if you become too social, you will also become a part of the social hierarchy in the sense that you will be forced to obey orders from higher-raking people (which is probably many for someone with AS!). This will make you a slave to those higher-ranking people.


The only way to avoid becoming a slave of others is to take action, but not get too socially involved (in a NT sense of socially involved). I supposed that is where many of us are at this point.

I do like to think that having autism or adhd traits makes me a lone hunter and the only reason I'm struggling with these traits right now is because my hunting and survival skills are obsolete in the world we live in right now.

Perhaps my problem with super sensory issues and trouble sleeping is related to being a nocturnal hunter too.

I wish there was more studies about these kind of things.

I guess I'm a lone hunter. I never fit in at work. I was always an outsider to the groups there. I participated in no social outings, no parties, nothing. I still felt I was a slave to the occupation and it had me by the balls because I needed the money to pay the rent. I'd rather not be a slave to anyone, but realistically, I had to be to make money to pay the rent.

Slavery is a bold overstated word. Don't believe anyone wants to be an actual slave.

I see your point. In animals, group, pack animals, or nomads would be a better interpretation.

The wolf, or the bear.

They are all family oriented too, however, when a bear cub gets old enough, he's gotta go.

The male bear... not soo much.

Yes the definition of mental illness is not taking action, people with mental illnesses simply never took action...

I don't see how this theory could apply to autism as a whole, as that is what Asperger's is.. autism. Perhaps the highest functioning individuals with Asperger's were solo hunters, but for anyone with more intense circumstances, I honestly can't see how they would have functioned effectively as a 'solo hunter' in the past (can elaborate if needed). Even with that said, individuals with higher functioning Asperger's often crave social interaction and acceptance. I can't see the theory making sense.

Hypersensitive senses may be seen by some as a possible explanation for 'solo-hunting' at night (a long stretch as 'normal senses' are sufficient already), though what about those that are hyposensitive? What about clumsiness/proprioceptive dysfunction? Vestibular disturbances certainly wouldn't help someone hunt solo. What if you were caught during the day and had to run.. sensory overload? What about meltdowns or shutdowns caused by unpredictable events? I'm not sure how the dependance on routine would tie into all this, though I'd assume it would have a negative effect.

Babies/children with autism are often 'detached and in their own world'. Would a parent back in those times be constantly forcing their defenseless child (who would likely combat them) to follow? I can only envisage immense difficulties here.


Aside from that:

+ How would such a theory accommodate for introverted neurotypicals, or any other neurotypical that dislikes grouping (being that you're basing it off current times)?
+ How would such a theory accommodate for extroverted AS individuals, or any individual whom has Asperger's, but has a strong desire to socialize and 'fit in' (be accepted by a group)?

I think it's dangerous dividing AS and NT into separate 'brains', as the 'difference in neurology' doesn't refer to a completely different brain. At your core, you are still human.


EDIT I - Personally, I don't really see a potential argument due to any distinguishable difference regarding independence. Many neurotypical individuals are dependant on others for happiness, success in the work place etc. I'm not purposely being offensive, but to put it bluntly many autistics are dependant on others throughout their lives for support too, though it may not be the same kind. Independence is a goal for most people.

EDIT II - Depression causes a lack of motivation. There are likely motivational differences between individuals with Asperger's and the average neurotypical, though I couldn't see them being too vast. Based on what I've read and researched, I'd personally think most motivational differences are more due to what an individual may experience as a result of having Asperger's, rather than the Asperger's itself.

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Unapologetically, Norny.
-chronically drunk

I think it's more a "theory" in which some traits when they are not too extreme give a better disposition for solo hunting.

I always enjoy your topics...I don't like hierarchy and I often mess with the social ladder and ignore my superiors. No sense of where I belong so I just choose to be anywhere I want! I will not look up to anyone or respect them just because everyone else does. I do not rely on anyone, complete independence. When I see famous people I ignore them, if I see politicians I look away and pretend I don't know who they are, If I see sports stars I roll my eyes...someone rich rolls up in a nice car I want to tell they their car is ugly and they wasted their money. I joke around with my boss and talk to him like we are equal. I am not a yes sir person.

Qawer, I agree with you. And I don't think slavery is too strong a term. We Aspies feel lost in the world. To be happy we need control over our environments, which means a good job, job security and making money. (I'm being very pragmatic, but that's how it works.)