Hi Tyrrell! I appreciate your comments. I didn't go into detail during the podcast because my focus is not that he had Autism Spectrum Disorder-it was a side thought. However, I am qualified to discuss and diagnose as I have a masters in Special Education and a PhD in Early Childhood Development. I have worked as a state specialist providing services to children with severe disabilites as well as common diagnoses, so I have extensive experience with children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. You note that I mention a lack of boundaris and that itself is not indicative of of ASD. What I failed to also say was that BK has an extensive record (since early childhood) of social-emotional reciprocity including abnormal social connections. I focus a great deal on social-emotional maturity in our students and that is because I believe, and research supports, that a child with developmentally appropriate social-emotional maturity has a better sense of self, often has many friends, is able to express themselves to both peers and adults, and can interpret social cues appropriately (i.e. body language, coloquialisms, sarcasm, etc.) I know you know this, so I won't carry on with it. I do appreciate your comments and I will have a disclaimer at the beginning of my podcasts that notes that my comments are my opinion and I have not been in contact with or observed this particular person to make a proper diagnosis-something like that. We can always learn from each other and I have certainly learned from you. Many thanks! Dr. C

I'm a bit uncomfortable with the person diagnosing BK with Autism Spectrum Disorder or even speculating given her clearly very limited understanding of this disorder. As someone that has worked in the Autism field for over 20 years, the description was extremely limited and quite dangerous to consumers with little to no knowledge of ASD. It can't be ruled out without formal testing but a lack of boundaries in and of itself is not indicative of ASD. I provide treatment and not diagnosis so I don't know for sure but I honestly don't think that is in the DSM 5. Please be aware that you have a large reach and could be giving people false info. An expert in diagnosis would be better equipped to speculate on this although it is likely not allowed or needs to include disclaimers for them to give their impression without having interacted with the indiviual