Aliens Among Us: learning disability as an analog for extraterrestrial intelligence

Paper number

IAC-08.A4.2.8

Author

Prof. H. Paul Shuch, SETI League, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

SETI scientists can learn a great deal about possible ET communications styles and motivations by studying social outcasts and mental misfits within the human population.  Citing two examples: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which involves a seemingly chaotic learning style at odds with linear information processing, is considered a pathology which our society treats with medication.  Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism found among the highly intelligent, manifests itself as an apparent lack of social skills and inability meaningfully to communicate with "normals."  Perhaps such forms of cognitive and emotional dysfunction are the norm among highly intelligent extraterrestrials?  If so, then persons with ADHD, Asperger's, or other supposed disabilities may prove useful surrogates in the study of ET intelligence.


KEYWORDS

SETI, Communications, Learning Disability, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger

Abstract document

IAC-08.A4.2.8.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.A4.2.8.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.