Jerry Seinfeld: I'm on the autism 'spectrum'
Jerry Seinfeld is known for joking around, but he's serious when he's talking about
autism. NBC's Brian Williams interviewed the comedian on Thursday's Nightly
News, calling Seinfeld "the most restless man in comedy" as they talked about
Seinfeld's popular Web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
As part of the chat, the topic turned to Seinfeld and what makes him tick, about his love
for comedy and about still doing stand-up after all these years.
"Yeah. And this gets to a larger life perspective," says Seinfeld. "If you're more
interested in what you have achieved or what your financial position enables you to do
than that thing that got those things, you're screwed — in my opinion, you're screwed.
Williams notes that at 60, Seinfeld is still "figuring out who he is. For example: in recent
years as he's learned about autism spectrum disorders, he sees it in himself."
Seinfeld confirms that, saying, "I think, on a very drawn-out scale, I think I'm on the
spectrum." Why? What are the markers?" asks Williams.
"You know, never paying attention to the right things," says Seinfeld. "Basic social
engagement is really a struggle."
Seinfeld goes on to explain, "I'm very literal. When people talk to me and they
use expressions, sometimes I don't know what they're saying. But I don't see it as
dysfunctional. I just think of it as an alternate mindset."
Although most people with autism spectrum disorders have problems with social,
emotional and communication skills, these issues can vary widely, as Seinfeld
suggests. Some people on the autism spectrum may feel uncomfortable socializing, but
excel in math and science careers. Others on the spectrum may not speak or make any
eye contact at all, and shun human touch.
People with autism may repeat certain behaviors and avoid changes in their daily
activities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people
with autism also have different ways of learning, paying attention or reacting.
Contributing: Liz Szabo
Below is an email communication I received today. This topic will touch all of us, even those who don't have a family member with a developmental disability, like autism. I could go down the moral path, jump on my soapbox and go on about society being defined by how it cares for those who cannot care for themselves, but for now I'll stick to the financial implications. The lack of funding to the Regional Centers - where the immediate cost of care is less expensive than the long term cost of neglect - will impact our society as a whole when the bill comes due. Simply put, if we do not fund early intervention, help individuals to reach their potential to become tax payers & live independently, and support families to keep individuals living in their homes vs costly and ineffective institutions individuals with DD's will be forced to rely on social services with tax payers footing 100% of the bill. This is an important issue for all of us. We all need to weigh in and be heard. For me it's simple, do I want a person who is being paid below minimum wage to care for my son when I can't? Who will give up their ability to live, to care of my family? Do I want my son living in a State Developental Center, where a shower is being hosed down by a fire hose? No I don't. If you think this scenario is impossible watch the video from the 70's and wake up, then take action. Make a call. Write a letter. 
