Berkeley CyberSalon,Asperger's: The Geek Syndrome? April 23, 2006

In 2001, Steve
Silberman wrote a seminal article on the role of genetics in the
apparent rise of autism in Silicon Valley
--http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html
{http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aspergers_pr.html}. Casual
observation of software engineers or ?geeks? in the software industry
? as opposed to professionals in law, medicine, education, and retail
? makes obvious the prevalence of Asperger?s, a syndrome that makes
it difficult to pick up social cues in the way we tend to think of as
normal. The other side of Asperger?s is the ability to bond with
machines. Our panel will discuss Asperger?s, software engineers, and
what is normal in a society that is constantly transforming itself.
Panelists include Ellen Ullman, author of ?Close to the Machine:
Technophilia and Its Discontents;? Steve Silberman, Wired reporter
and author of ?The Geek Syndrome;? the psychotherapist and educator
Annette Blackman, who coaches young adults with Asperger?s; and
Philip Rosedale, founder and CEO of Linden Labs, which produces the
popular multiplayer fantasy game, Second Life.
$15 donation at the door for food and drink. We will have catered
food so please RSVP to whoisylvia@aol.com. The Hillside Club is
wheelchair accessible. When you RSVP, you will receive directions

Official Website: http://www.berkeleycybersalon.com/