Suggestion That Summers Has Asperger's Is Unreasonable

To the editors:

A new book speculates that University President Lawrence H. Summers has Asperger’s syndrome (“New Book Blasts Summers’ Tenure,” News, Feb. 2). This speculation seems ironic since, according to a 1993 study by Ehlers and Gillberg, 80 percent of individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome are male, and much scorn was heaped recently on Summers for mentioning that men are overrepresented among those with lowest and highest scores on various measures of abilities. It seems strange that it is fine to speculate on male disabilities but it is considered deplorable to ask whether there could be countervailing abilities more common in males.

As a neurologist, I found the suggestion of Asperger’s syndrome in Summers to be particularly shaky. By seeking out social contact, having an animated and interactive discussion style, making frequent eye contact, having wide interests, and not needing constant reassurance, President Summers exhibits many characteristics opposite to those found in Asperger’s syndrome.

MICHAEL SEGAL ’76

February 2