I have been reading more wikipedia today.

Here are some things that interested me:

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_mindedness

Psychological Mindedness (PM) is a useful though not exactly defined umbrella concept which refers to an individual’s capacity for self-examination, self-observation, introspection and ultimately insight. It also includes an ability to recognize and see the links between current problems within self and with others, and the ability to insight one’s past particularly for  its impact on present attitudes and functioning. Psychologically minded people have average and above average intelligence and generally have some insight into their problems even before they enter therapy. It is necessary to distinguish psychological mindedness from intellectualizations and obsessional rumination about one’s inner problems. The latter is of no help in psychotherapy, but it is a sign of resistance.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectualization

Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress. It involves removing one’s self, emotionally, from a stressful event. Intellectualization is often accomplished through rationalization; rather than accepting reality, one may explain it away to remove one’s self.^[1][2]

Intellectualization is one of Freud’s original defense mechanisms. Freud believed that memories have both conscious and unconscious aspects, and that intellectualization allows for the conscious analysis of an event in a way that does not provoke anxiety.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism_spectrum

Behaviorally, certain characteristics identify the autism spectrum. The type, severity and/or number of autistic traits present determines the severity of autism in the individual. These autistic traits may be beneficial for some disciplines like science, mathematics, engineering and computer programming. Some autistic individuals might show a marked proficiency in rote memorization which may help learn the foundation of these subjects; however, the exceptionally good aptitude (in these subjects) of high functioning autistic spectrum persons may be due to their ability to readily identify patterns and apply them consistently to new situations outside of established knowledge or teaching. These savant skills, although popularly considered to be a major part of autistic disorders, are evident only in a small fraction of autistic individuals, with estimates of the fraction ranging from 0.5 to 10%.

Autistic people are prone to commit social faux pas because of an inability to predict others’ reactions. They may also neglect social niceties like knocking or returning a greeting. Similarly, they may be overly trusting or paranoid of strangers. It may be best summed up as an inability to understand/perceive the intent or emotional wants and needs of others around them