[Garfie]

Originally Posted by GoldHeart

Well it is an excuse , as back in BB I don't think he was diagnosed with ADHD . But now anything he does is seen as 'endearing ' & 'funny', because bless him he has ADHD. Anne Hegerty was in the jungle a few years ago ,and she has autism .

He was only diagnosed recently, which is not unusual. Many adults, who have spent their whole lives either being or feeling not quite able to fit into society’s norms, are diagnosed as either autistic, ADHD or both in adulthood. This is because understanding and testing were not very widely available when they were younger, especially as these conditions tend to be part of a spectrum, so vary widely in terms of symptoms and severity.

People who were, in the past, seen as ‘odd’ might well have had either of these issues. It’s similar to dyslexia which was often seen as lack of ability or intelligence back in the day, but is now understood and identified more easily.

As humans, we make advances in our understanding of how the brain functions all the time, and this is surely a good thing. If it helps us to be less dismissive and judgemental of others, surely this is positive progress.

There is a certain amount we can address and control in our personalities, behaviours and in our thinking, but if the brain functions differently, it really isn’t a simple case of mind over matter. It’s similar to dementia - you cannot just think yourself better, as it is beyond your control.

[Garfie]

Originally Posted by AnnieK

Great post

He isn't everyone's cup of tea but very strange some of the vitriol he is getting. It's like people think he has some weird power over production and his camp mates.

He would drive me mad if I were in there but I like him a lot

Yes, that’s exactly it! Oh, to have Sam’s superpower!

And, if he truly does have this ability, maybe he deserves to win!?

Move over, Darren Brown! Here comes Sam Thompson!

[Christmas Lights]

Originally Posted by Garfie

Yes, that’s exactly it! Oh, to have Sam’s superpower!

And, if he truly does have this ability, maybe he deserves to win!?

Move over, Darren Brown! Here comes Sam Thompson!

.

[Christmas Lights]

Originally Posted by Garfie

He was only diagnosed recently, which is not unusual. Many adults, who have spent their whole lives either being or feeling not quite able to fit into society’s norms, are diagnosed as either autistic, ADHD or both in adulthood. This is because understanding and testing were not very widely available when they were younger, especially as these conditions tend to be part of a spectrum, so vary widely in terms of symptoms and severity.

People who were, in the past, seen as ‘odd’ might well have had either of these issues. It’s similar to dyslexia which was often seen as lack of ability or intelligence back in the day, but is now understood and identified more easily.

As humans, we make advances in our understanding of how the brain functions all the time, and this is surely a good thing. If it helps us to be less dismissive and judgemental of others, surely this is positive progress.

There is a certain amount we can address and control in our personalities, behaviours and in our thinking, but if the brain functions differently, it really isn’t a simple case of mind over matter. It’s similar to dementia - you cannot just think yourself better, as it is beyond your control.

I'm well aware of people getting diagnosed later in life as being on the spectrum.

But it's like with tourettes, I watched a documentary where some people were accused of faking/ exaggerating their tourettes to get away with offensive language/ behaviour.

Because once you say someone is autistic or ADHD or has tourettes ,then they get a pass automatically.

And no I'm not downplaying people's difficulties with these conditions .

[Garfie]

Originally Posted by GoldHeart

I'm well aware of people getting diagnosed later in life as being on the spectrum.

But it's like with tourettes, I watched a documentary where some people were accused of faking/ exaggerating their tourettes to get away with offensive language/ behaviour.

Because once you say someone is autistic or ADHD or has tourettes ,then they get a pass automatically.

And no I'm not downplaying people's difficulties with these conditions .

Does any one really need an excuse to get away with bad language, when plenty of people use swear words as part of their vocabulary even when they don’t have Tourette’s?

Either way, those on the Autistic Spectrum don’t know or understand how to play up their condition, as it seems totally normal to them. There is a childlike innocence to those with Autism, and they don’t tend to lie as they lack the ability to have much of a filter, so don’t recognise that their impulsive comments or actions can seem socially unacceptable. Add ADHD to that, and the impulsivity, excitability and boisterousness is intensified greatly.

Nigel summed up Sam perfectly this evening by recognising that, he can be irritating at times, but there is a childlike joy in him that just needs to be directed or redirected appropriately.

I understand thinking negatively about people if they lead their lives in a cruel, violent or abusive manner, but unending cynicism of those who intend and cause no real harm, can make us unjustifiably judgemental of others.

[Christmas Lights]

Originally Posted by Garfie

Does any one really need an excuse to get away with bad language, when plenty of people use swear words as part of their vocabulary even when they don’t have Tourette’s?

Either way, those on the Autistic Spectrum don’t know or understand how to play up their condition, as it seems totally normal to them. There is a childlike innocence to those with Autism, and they don’t tend to lie as they lack the ability to have much of a filter, so don’t recognise that their impulsive comments or actions can seem socially unacceptable. Add ADHD to that, and the impulsivity, excitability and boisterousness is intensified greatly.

Nigel summed up Sam perfectly this evening by recognising that, he can be irritating at times, but there is a childlike joy in him that just needs to be directed or redirected appropriately.

I understand thinking negatively about people if they lead their lives in a cruel, violent or abusive manner, but unending cynicism of those who intend and cause no real harm, can make us unjustifiably judgemental of others.

Oh give me a break . I'm not denying his issues and ADHD , but trying to get into bed with Tony ,when Tony was trying to sleep .....was clearly Sam pushing his buttons. Marvin knows he's a wind up aswell.

[Garfie]

Originally Posted by GoldHeart

Oh give me a break . I'm not denying his issues and ADHD , but trying to get into bed with Tony ,when Tony was trying to sleep .....was clearly Sam pushing his buttons. Marvin knows he's a wind up aswell.

Yes, in his childlike way, he was partly pushing buttons for a laugh, as he fails to understand social norms or cues. That doesn’t mean he is playing up his condition. There is a difference.

[Liam-]

Imagine having such a problem with someone on behalf of someone who very clearly adores Sam and plays along with him because he enjoys him and his antics

[Garfie]

Originally Posted by Liam-

Imagine having such a problem with someone on behalf of someone who very clearly adores Sam and plays along with him because he enjoys him and his antics

You’re right here. Liam. If Tony truly had any issue with Sam, I honestly think he has what it takes to tell him straight. He is a strong man mentally, as well as physically, and I can’t see him holding back.

I understand that some viewers might find Sam’s personality a bit much, and why sometimes the camp: mates might need some time out from his high energy. However, Tony can handle himself, and I’m sure he wouldn’t engage with Sam if he didn’t want to.

To his credit, Tony has shown great kindness, patience and understanding with Sam, but that’s because he feels such fondness for him. I find the relationship between them very positive and sincere.

[Candy Annie Cane]

Tony has really impressed me in there. I thought he was a know when he first went in but he has really shown a genuinely nice side of him. He would tell Sam in a heartbeat if he was pushing him too far. There is a level of vitriol aimed at Sam in this thread that is alarming. Accusing him of playing up to his ADHD is quite cruel. He is loving his time in there and just having fun and obviously expressing that.....God forbid someone isn't all doom and gloom and moaning about being starving all the time.

[millyrose]

Tony has been fantastic and i would love him to win but we all know that won't happen,
Sam is going to win.

[Garfie]

Originally Posted by AnnieK

Tony has really impressed me in there. I thought he was a know when he first went in but he has really shown a genuinely nice side of him. He would tell Sam in a heartbeat if he was pushing him too far. There is a level of vitriol aimed at Sam in this thread that is alarming. Accusing him of playing up to his ADHD is quite cruel. He is loving his time in there and just having fun and obviously expressing that.....God forbid someone isn't all doom and gloom and moaning about being starving all the time.

I couldn’t agree with you more on all points, Annie. The relationship between Sam and Tony was beautiful to see tonight, and it seems like Tony didn’t need anyone speaking out to protect him from Sam after all!

[millyrose]

Well done to Sam for winning but for me it was the most predictable win that has ever been on this show. It was to much the Sam show i would just liked to see a bit more of the others.