AUC - July 19~24

[hdiwan650]

This was my second interaction with AoC on the phone. I think it was Alex who rang me first and persuaded me to sign up. And I was fairly glad I did so.

My aim in attending this programme was a tad different than it was advertised -- I have aspergers syndrome and therefore can't read non-verbal queues, pick up on vocal tones/variety et al. This affects me in more than my dealings with women.

Besides, thanks to my being oblivious to how I affect people, I've gotten myself a girlfriend, so don't feel the need to "pick up" women.

I think the biggest thing I got out of this program is that I'm not the only one with issues socially. See, when you're naturally introverted, don't talk to people, and don't get to know them. I thought that everyone else had it figured out, because those I saw in the pubs/lounges were those that were socially comfortable in those environs -- it was a self-selected sample and exhibited the biases inherent in that.

As someone with aspergers, I can't deal with loud places. Jordan and the crew took this into account, to the point of taking me to an inside bar where it was quieter so I'd feel more comfortable and a different bar altogether for the second field night.

No offence, guys, but I think I'll steer clear of the nightclub scene for my own sanity.

The other, rather important (I feel, anyway) improvement I got from the programme was the need to smile at everyone. I work in a profession where my primary interaction is with a computer. And the computer responds the same way whether I frown, stick my tongue out, keep a straight face, or smile at the screen (try it yourself, if you don't believe me). People, on the other hand, are actually affected by these emotional queues (who's have thought?).

Then there are the things I'm still working on: namely, getting out more, using gestures, and speaking louder. I didn't expect to start gesturing like a madman nor did I expect to develop some sort of booming voice that can be heard across an ocean after a few days in LA.

When I first spoke to Jordan on the telephone a couple of years back, he said AoC would short-circuit the time it took to get my aspergers handled. I agree with him completely now that I've done the programme.

And, guys, if you should ever need to crash in San Francisco or London, if I'm in town, you're more than welcome to stay with me. Cheers and thanks again. -- H

[Johnny]

You are one interesting dude. It was a blast having you out here!

[Jordan Harbinger]

Seconded. Keep in touch mate!

-Jordan