Asperger's Syndrome

There is a man in his 30s who frequents the same coffee shop I do.  I'm pretty sure he has Asperger's Syndrome.

I think his name is John.  He never sits at a table.   He's always behind the counter, milling around and speaking constantly to whomever's on-staff.   Today, the woman working there wore a Muslim headdress.  John tried to look underneath it.  She was offended, but laughed it off.  John was surprised at her reaction and he asked her if she was sad.  So... I'm pretty sure John has Asperger's.

I have known people with Asperger's before.  Most often, I find them tedious to be around.  I once had a young man tell me for hours about the fantasy comics he was planning to write.

But observing John, I am realizing that he is actually a very charming and interesting man.  The content of what he says is not at all strange.  He talks about politics, religion, different people and personality types.  He's incredibly intelligent...  Apparently Asperger's has nothing to do with intelligence.  It's a social thing, not an intellectual thing.  So when an otherwise interesting, engaging individual also has Asperger's-- and so tells you, all the time, whatever the hell's on his mind-- what you get is a very lovable sort of person.

If we all had Asperger's I'm sure the majority of people would be blabbering on and on about a lot of boring nonsense.  But some would still be rare gems-- who enjoy others' company and have worthwhile things to say.

If for no other reason than that, I almost wish everybody had it.  After all, if John did not I would certainly know nothing about him.  He would only be another nameless face in the cafe.