In a noteworthy interview last November, comedian Jerry Seinfeld shared his thoughts with Brian Williams on NBC, revealing he considered himself to be somewhere on the autism spectrum. When asked what led him to this conclusion, Seinfeld explained, “I think, on a very drawn-out scale, I think I’m on the spectrum.” He elaborated that he often struggles with basic social interactions, tends to be very literal, and sometimes misses the meaning behind expressions used in conversation. However, he viewed this perspective not as a dysfunction but as an alternate way of thinking.
The response from the autism community was immediate and varied. Autism Speaks, an organization with which Seinfeld has collaborated, acknowledged the resonance of his comments with many individuals on the spectrum. Scott Badesch, the president of the Autism Society, expressed delight that Seinfeld could serve as an example of the beauty and intelligence found in those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Conversely, social media erupted with criticism, primarily from parents of autistic children. One parent voiced frustration, stating, “My son has autism; Jerry Seinfeld does not.” Others echoed this sentiment, highlighting the stark differences between Seinfeld’s experience and the challenges faced by their children.
Just two weeks later, Seinfeld seemed to retract his earlier statements. In an interview with Access Hollywood, he clarified, “I don’t have autism. I’m not on the spectrum. I just was watching this play about it and thought, ‘Why am I relating to it?’” It was disappointing to see him distance himself from a perspective that many found relatable, particularly given his connection to the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which centers on an autistic child navigating a world designed for neurotypicals.
While I appreciated both the play and the novel it was based on, I did not find myself relating to the protagonist’s struggles in the same way. My understanding comes not from personal experience on the spectrum, but rather through my ex-husband, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2011. This diagnosis came after years of marriage during which we grappled with our differing worldviews. I interpret life through what autism expert Dr. Richard Perry refers to as “a theory of mind,” allowing me to empathize with others on an emotional level. In contrast, my ex scored a low 8 on an empathy test, highlighting his difficulties in understanding the feelings of others.
Once we received the diagnosis, the pieces of our past began to align. We had long suspected my ex’s challenges were linked to a spectrum disorder and explored various resources, including David Finch’s The Journal of Best Practices, before seeking Dr. Perry’s confirmation. Yet, many friends and family struggled to accept this new understanding. How could someone so intelligent, like my ex, have gone undiagnosed for so long?
The public perception of Asperger’s is fraught with misconceptions, often shaped by narrow media portrayals. Dr. Perry noted that many people’s understanding stems from sensationalized stories of individuals with Asperger’s engaging in bizarre behaviors, which can lead to misguided assumptions about the condition. The recent removal of Asperger’s from the DSM-V has only complicated matters, as it denies a useful framework for many who identify with its characteristics.
Adults like my ex and Seinfeld were not diagnosed in childhood, as Asperger’s was not officially recognized until 1994. This lack of recognition resulted in a collection of anecdotes rather than a clear understanding of the condition. For instance, I recall a day in Milan when my ex, after I had asked him to stay put while I fetched drinks, wandered off without a care in the world. Another time, during a dinner party, he abruptly left for the gym, leaving guests perplexed by his behavior.
His interests often veered towards intense obsessions, such as an extensive knowledge of military vehicles, which I once found endearing until the differences began to wear on me. A particularly poignant moment occurred when I reached out to him while our son was gravely ill. Instead of coming to my aid, he prioritized a drink with coworkers, leading me to realize that our emotional disconnect was insurmountable. This disparity in processing emotions and experiences underscored our fundamental incompatibility.
Seinfeld’s initial comments and subsequent withdrawal resonate with my own experiences, reflecting a complex relationship with the understanding of autism and its manifestations. The stigma surrounding Asperger’s persists, yet there is a growing recognition of its nuances, especially in the tech industry, where figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates are often speculated to be on the spectrum.
Without a formal diagnosis, we cannot definitively conclude whether Seinfeld resides on the spectrum. However, his penchant for collecting Porsches—rumored to number 46—hints at tendencies familiar to those within the Asperger’s community. It’s important to acknowledge the various ways that individuals experience their realities, as well as the value of resources like the CDC’s guide on fertility and home insemination, which can provide clarity and support for prospective parents exploring their options.
In conclusion, Jerry Seinfeld’s brief exploration of his identity in relation to the autism spectrum sparked significant discussion and reflection on self-diagnosis, empathy, and the diverse experiences within the autism community. As we continue to navigate these conversations, it’s essential to foster understanding and compassion for all individuals, regardless of where they may fall on the spectrum.