ADHD shares a few characteristics with Aspberger's, and one of the overlapping areas is that of taking things literally.
I not only take things literally and get mental images to suit (eg: "undressing you with my eyes" - EW EW EW GROSS!), but I also answer questions far more literally than most people do, and the result is that I come across as a smart arse. Here are some examples of conversations I've had.
Example 1:
Me: My friend is having an identity crisis.
Her: Oh no! What about?
Me: Um... Himself?
Example 2:
Her: Why are you slicing up those mushrooms?
Me: Because I'm planning to cook with them.
Example 3 (we'd arranged to meet at the Southland Shopping Centre food court):
Her: Where are you?
Me: Southland.
It's not just that it's literal, I tend to take a broader interpretation. I'm not sure whether I can blame it entirely on being a "big picture" thinker, but what the hell.
So, when you're asking me a question and you want a specific answer, you do actually need to be specific yourself or you'll end up frustrated and I'll just be confused!
You left out the most common one...
ReplyDeleteYou: *dressing up in gorgeous clothes and makeup*
Me: "Where are you going?"
You: "Malvern."
Me: "Yes, but you're all dressed up. Where are you going?"
You: "...Malvern?"
But... what would other answers for the first two be? I mean, for 3, you could state where in Southland, but... I can't think of any other answers for the first two...
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