NPR is running a series of stories examining human evolution and how it has influenced our species’ rise to dominance. Today’s feature profiles human social behavior as seen through the eyes of Lisa Daxer, a college student with autism. Lisa likens herself to a resident alien studying human social customs. She also talks openly about how her own difficulties in deciphering social cues led to a struggle with depression. Lisa’s aptly titled blog Reports from a Resident Alien is a great source for further reading about her take on living with autism and her adventures in higher education. Her entry urging people with autism to identify with the disability rights movement is particularly insightful (if one overlooks her adulation of a certain Stephen Hawking).
