Chris Packham

I really like Chris Packham and heard him interviewed recently, he came over as a sensitive man and all fell into place when he said he was on the autistic spectrum.

He said the advantage for him is that he can be out with his partner (she runs the Zoo in Shanklin on the I of W) she will comment on something she has seen in a field and he says he can remember the whole field in his mind's eye and identify the fauna and flora. He sees his type of autism as an advantage.

I too listened to today's programme and can recommend it.

I have never taken to this guy and avoid programmes that he presents. I had no knowledge of his medical and other problems. The reading of his book is quite bizarre and not a pleasure to listen to - but it sounds as though his life as a whole is not a pleasure for him.

My DGD may be on the autistic spectrum ( not tested yet) It gives me hope to see someone like Chris Packham. Despite his difficulties he is a shining example of what can be

I'm afraid I just cannot get past his permanently smug expression and talking to people as though he has a bad smell under his nose.

I had a big thread a few months ago on Chris Pacomb!!

I think that is a bit unfair, merlotgran, not your personal feelings, which you are entitled to, but the "bad smell under his nose"!
It is PACKHAM not Pacomb grannylyn BTW and it is his sister Jenny Packham who makes those gorgeous wedding dresses and also dresses etc for Duchess of Cambridge.

I never warmed to him.
I understand him better now but I do feel guilty thinking that's how people who don't know my son may react to him.

Ok, posted thread which had many replies on the smug and self aggrandising C hris PACKAM.

However the. Autism does explain how he relates to others. Just wanted to highlight an interesting book on the radio.

I used to like him, but I do find him a little superior these days. He is of course brilliant at what he does, and I find that encouraging, so try to like him, but I feel somehow that he lacks a certain sympathy.

I didn't have any strong feelings for or against him except when he said something along the lines of pandas are a useless species and too much expenditure and manpower has been put in place to ensure their survival. Well this may be true, but they are such gorgeous looking creatures that give many of us much pleasure just looking at them, even if they are stupid, what a horrifying thought no pandas in the world. Anyway we live in a world where numerous people look good, but appear to do very little and manage to get loads of attention, Kim Kardashian springs to mind. Pandas are merely the KK of the animal world, although naturally beautiful without any enhancements and certainly with more attractive rear ends

PRINTMISS
but I feel he lacks a certain sympathy
A classic symptom of those with ASD

"Self-aggrandising"?? That is harsh! Poor chap, what has he done to deserve this criticism?
<whispers> Packham with an "h"

But anyway, the radio reading is worth a listen, whatever your personal.feelings may be.

( sorry Alea )

I know I've said this before but he gave a talk at the S.O.'s son's school and we found him absolutely lovely.

I was listening to him on Breakfast this morning and so much of what he was saying sounded like GS1. He spoke about the intensity of his interests and intensity is the word GS1's teacher uses about him. It was very encouraging to see someone forging a successful career and being able to understand the effects of his condition and finding ways to engage with other people. It makes me hope that the same will be true of my grandson.

I really like hearing him. . . What a privilege for someone like me to hear such an expert on things. When he sometimes let's the brakes off and we hear SOME of his knowledge it's awesome.
I do realise he's eccentric but I don't think he's unpleasant.

My grandson really likes him. He is always asking when he is on.
I wonder if it has something to do with the autism. Does he recognise it?
My grandson has not been told that he has autism, but knows he is not like other children.

By the way, looking down his nose at people might not be what you think. My grandson tries not to look directly at people.

act.autism.org.uk/

www.autism.org.uk/tmi

That last link was weird.

I like Packham simply because of his attitude to the natural world. It needs more people like him.
I am not remotely bothered about his personality traits, he strikes me as someone with a single mind in pursuing his interests, and is lucky with his ability to have a photographic memory.

Those on the autistic spectrum can 'come across' badly sometimes. My DiL's mother (who is herself on the stupid spectrum) has the audacity to call my GS 'arrogant' just because he wouldn't talk to her - he was 4 years old at the time.

Quite agree ww