Billy Mayfair diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum

[cgasucks]

13 minutes ago, dan777 said:

Stellar addition to a topic that affects so many people and/or their loved ones

Both of my nephews are autistic and I love them both very much but I don't tell that to the world cause it's none of their business.

[golfandfishing]

2 hours ago, stingerfade said:

I understand there are degrees but my nephew has autism and there’s no way he could golf but he is a very extreme case as well 

The case with your nephew is obviously worlds apart from Billy Mayfair or Bubba Watson who would just be “weird” in any other era. I’m not sure that means one way or another is better. 

[Quasimoto]

WhenI was pre teen a psychologist at school told my mother and father he believed I was displaying autistic tendencies. I thought he said artistic and was like, cool!

[iBanesto]

14 hours ago, bladehunter said:

Saw this article and immediately said “ hmm.  That explains a lot “.  
 

 

I don’t have time to comment more at the moment. But will later. 
 

here’s link - https://sports.yahoo.com/amphtml/former-pga-tour-golfer-billy-mayfair-autism-diagnosis-champions-tour-222528443.html

 

It does explain a lot.

 

But disregarding his reputation, I wish him the best with dealing with it.

 

The man survived cancer and went through a difficult divorce as well.

Edited April 23, 2021 by iBanesto

[pinhigh27]

Wait has Bubba ever come out and said he's on the spectrum? I haven't seen that and I feel like people keep repeating it like it's fact. Just because you perceive someone to be a little different in their thinking or methods doesn't mean they are in the autism spectrum. If he has publicly come out and talked about it then 100% my bad. 

[Hawkeye77]

He wants to reveal it, that's up to him and sounds like he feels it may provide some information that explains past behavior in certain circumstances (although the claim he was bullied in the one rules incident mentioned is inappropriate given neither he or the Tour knew of his condition). 

 

As for trying to judge who else anywhere playing golf on Tour has autism or anything else just by looking at them - not a game worth playing, IMO.

 

 

[Santiago Golf]

I grew up with mild functioning Autistic brother (he passed away when he was 12 ... I was 16)

 

He could say words but they had no real meaning and he could answer yes or no question though once again we are unsure if he knew what we were asking him. Motor Skills were alright (he couldn't really write, he could certainly read and use a computer very well). His Social Skills were very hit or miss.

 

Autism affects everyone child & adult differently 

 

1 in 54 children have Autism 

 

[NevinW]

When I was a resident, autism had pretty strict criteria for diagnosis.  By those standards there is no way Mayfair or Watson would ever be diagnosed with anything related to autism.  The switch to an autism spectrum, has meant that many more people are considered to have features of autism.  I've know many practicing physicians who would be considered on the spectrum.  

[getitdaily]

33 minutes ago, NevinW said:

When I was a resident, autism had pretty strict criteria for diagnosis.  By those standards there is no way Mayfair or Watson would ever be diagnosed with anything related to autism.  The switch to an autism spectrum, has meant that many more people are considered to have features of autism.  I've know many practicing physicians who would be considered on the spectrum.  

What is the medical reasoning for going from strict criteria for a diagnosis to a broad spectrum based criteria for some level of affect? Is autism categorized as a mental health disorder?

[Strategery]

Start a poll with 1 option: Bubba.

[bladehunter]

4 hours ago, pinhigh27 said:

Wait has Bubba ever come out and said he's on the spectrum? I haven't seen that and I feel like people keep repeating it like it's fact. Just because you perceive someone to be a little different in their thinking or methods doesn't mean they are in the autism spectrum. If he has publicly come out and talked about it then 100% my bad. 

Yep.  Bubba hasn’t said so at all.  So speculation isn’t really going to bare fruit.  In my opinion the other two reported unnamed tour guys could easily be total shockers as well.  I’m going to try to edit the title as well to say “autism spectrum “ instead since I now see that he article i quoted misrepresented the diagnosis.  I Swanee. You cannot believe anything reported these days. 

[Pepperturbo]

Bigger problems... did someone just say that?? 

 

To get a glimpse into how high-functioning autism and unusually high IQ contributes to developing what are thought to be incredibly diverse skills and business acumen, watch Ben Affleck in "The Accountant."  He skillfully depicts a high-functioning autistic, from child to man, that develops exceptionally diverse skills that you wouldn't think possible, which I am familiar with.  It all depends on how the brain works.

 

PS, NO, Bubba has NOT addressed his exact condition.  My guess is for reasons that many won't or are not smart enough to get their head around.

Edited April 23, 2021 by Pepperturbo

[mokedaddy]

4 hours ago, getitdaily said:

What is the medical reasoning for going from strict criteria for a diagnosis to a broad spectrum based criteria for some level of affect? Is autism categorized as a mental health disorder?

There is some controversy regarding the change that came about in DSM-5 that eliminated aspergers and others into a sliding scale diagnosis of asd.

[Hankshank]

Good ol’ Moe... Being on that spectrum Isn’t altogether bad for your golf. And as have been said, comes in different flavors. Annika did not love interviews. Definitely not zero on that spectrum. 

[golfandfishing]

34 minutes ago, Hankshank said:

Good ol’ Moe... Being on that spectrum Isn’t altogether bad for your golf. And as have been said, comes in different flavors. Annika did not love interviews. Definitely not zero on that spectrum. 

This is what I am curious about - no one would ever see, interact with or observe Annika and think autism. Not in the least. But here we have “did not love interviews” as a qualifying someone for autism “spectrum”. How is this actually determined medically?  Does anyone know?  This statement is a little dangerous for the lack of a better word - someone who doesn’t like public speaking is autistic?  What if they squeeze the toothpaste from the middle?  TP under and not over?  Prefer fries when onion rings is a choice?  Dips pizza in ranch? 
 

 

[CROUSE99]

9 hours ago, pinhigh27 said:

Wait has Bubba ever come out and said he's on the spectrum? I haven't seen that and I feel like people keep repeating it like it's fact. Just because you perceive someone to be a little different in their thinking or methods doesn't mean they are in the autism spectrum. If he has publicly come out and talked about it then 100% my bad. 

Bubba and his wife say he is attention deficit. I don’t know if he was diagnosed by a professional. 

[bladehunter]

2 hours ago, Pepperturbo said:

Bigger problems... did someone just say that?? 

 

To get a glimpse into how high-functioning autism and unusually high IQ contributes to developing what are thought to be incredibly diverse skills and business acumen, watch Ben Affleck in "The Accountant."  He skillfully depicts a high-functioning autistic, from child to man, that develops exceptionally diverse skills that you wouldn't think possible, which I am familiar with.  It all depends on how the brain works.

 

PS, NO, Bubba has NOT addressed his exact condition.  My guess is for reasons that many won't or are not smart enough to get their head around.

Thank you.  “ bigger problems “ indeed. 

[bladehunter]

48 minutes ago, golfandfishing said:

This is what I am curious about - no one would ever see, interact with or observe Annika and think autism. Not in the least. But here we have “did not love interviews” as a qualifying someone for autism “spectrum”. How is this actually determined medically?  Does anyone know?  This statement is a little dangerous for the lack of a better word - someone who doesn’t like public speaking is autistic?  What if they squeeze the toothpaste from the middle?  TP under and not over?  Prefer fries when onion rings is a choice?  Dips pizza in ranch? 
 

 

Yep.  It’s where the line is that interests me most. 

 

7 hours ago, NevinW said:

When I was a resident, autism had pretty strict criteria for diagnosis.  By those standards there is no way Mayfair or Watson would ever be diagnosed with anything related to autism.  The switch to an autism spectrum, has meant that many more people are considered to have features of autism.  I've know many practicing physicians who would be considered on the spectrum.  

This rings true to me.  Being connected to several high level physicians myself , I can absolutely see it in one , and he’s the brightest of the bunch , IF ......, huge IF ...., you can keep him on task.  If I told you some stories on him , you’d be shocked to know how successful of a surgeon he is.  Lol.  He’s not at all irresponsible, or negligent.  But it takes a well oiled team to “ mother “ him  in the right direction every day.  It’s kind of hard to describe how awkward this guy is out side of an  OR. And how brilliant he is inside one.  

Edited April 23, 2021 by bladehunter

[BlackDiamondPar5]

1 hour ago, golfandfishing said:

This is what I am curious about - no one would ever see, interact with or observe Annika and think autism. Not in the least. But here we have “did not love interviews” as a qualifying someone for autism “spectrum”. How is this actually determined medically?  Does anyone know?  This statement is a little dangerous for the lack of a better word - someone who doesn’t like public speaking is autistic?  What if they squeeze the toothpaste from the middle?  TP under and not over?  Prefer fries when onion rings is a choice?  Dips pizza in ranch? 
 

 

Google it there is a plethora of information about it. There are many criteria for determining if someone is on the spectrum. Just like about anything in life there is no simple binary answer. 

[Strategery]

On 4/22/2021 at 3:45 PM, golfandfishing said:

It seems like anyone who acts a bit “off” is diagnosed as “on the spectrum” now.

Your comment seems a bit off.

[golfandfishing]

1 hour ago, Strategery said:

Your comment seems a bit off.

I’m not an expert but go ahead and elaborate. So far in this thread we’ve added Annika Sorenstam, Tiger Woods, Keegan Bradley, Patrick Cantlay Bubba Watson and now Bryson DeChambeau to the lineup because they have a personality trait (ok more than 1 for Bubba but still) that is a hair “off”.  

Edited April 24, 2021 by golfandfishing
Added more players named in the thread.

[OutBackHack]

I'm not a doctor or anything close, and I haven't given a second to actually look into what may define someone as  autistic...bit if Bryson isn't I'd be shocked...and that's ok.

Add Bryson to the list of other players mentioned that people think might be and none of them are out and out cheats like Billy Mayfair..

 

I'm guessing cheating isn't an autistic trait.

 

Don't give this lifelong cheat of the game we love a break because he's butt hurt that everyone hates him.

 

 

Edited April 24, 2021 by OutBackHack

[rangersgoalie]

I was blessed to help run a nonprofit for education/golf for quite awhile.  It was free and we had kids from all walks of life.

i learned very quickly that we as coaches had to really pay attention and learn as we went.

I had a couple of our students that we were having a hard time “reaching”. One in particular was just such a great kid but very uncomfortable. I stumbled in to a drill that registered with him and he just dove in.

His mom asked me the next week how I knew to do this, and I told her it was just lucky trying to find something to help!  She then told me he has Aspergers which led me to a lot of time learning and trying to find a way to better reach some of this children. Mom didn’t want him “labeled” with us, she did t know that our program didn't label, we just tried to help.

 

the same student ended up trying out for and playing football in high school.  His moms reaction and appreciation with us is still one of my favorite moments In my professional life.
 

you learn a lot teaching if you pay attention 

[Hankshank]

9 hours ago, golfandfishing said:

This is what I am curious about - no one would ever see, interact with or observe Annika and think autism. Not in the least. But here we have “did not love interviews” as a qualifying someone for autism “spectrum”. How is this actually determined medically?  Does anyone know?  This statement is a little dangerous for the lack of a better word - someone who doesn’t like public speaking is autistic?  What if they squeeze the toothpaste from the middle?  TP under and not over?  Prefer fries when onion rings is a choice?  Dips pizza in ranch? 
 

 

Working as a manager for computer programmers I’ve seen my share of introvert behaviour, and not being a social chittychat lover myself, I talked with a psychologist who showed me the diagnosis for Aspergers. One part is about behaviors, like having repeatable movements, need of routines and what not, the other part is about one’s feelings in social settings.

 

We talked a little and I think a good first indicator - going to a party or a dinner with friends - sitting together, laughing and socializing - will that give you energy or will it drain energy from you? Regardless of how “well you do perform”
 

Then there are like a million variations of behaviors and grades. People are complex.
 

I see no problems at all for a player having an introvert behavior in terms of competing in a professional tournament . You will probably never get an army like Arnie’s, who probably was on the extrovert side of personality types. And you will not love making funny videos with witty comments. But still be interesting for spectators and sponsors. Up to a point.

 

i just love those old Moe clinics on yt ... only man alive... feeling of greatness... but his personality type did for sure cause him problems.

 

You need to be able to present yourself as a decent person with respect for the ways of the community or collection of people you are in. The point, I would say, is when you no longer can fulfil that. 
 

Breaking that point of respect can sure be done in many other ways than having an introvert personality. 

Edited April 24, 2021 by Hankshank

[Mustard_Tiger]

Why did I know this thread would devolve into rando WRX'ers recklessly speculating as to who in professional golf has a mental disorder?

 

 

Edited April 24, 2021 by Mustard_Tiger

[golfandfishing]

6 hours ago, Hankshank said:

Working as a manager for computer programmers I’ve seen my share of introvert behaviour, and not being a social chittychat lover myself, I talked with a psychologist who showed me the diagnosis for Aspergers. One part is about behaviors, like having repeatable movements, need of routines and what not, the other part is about one’s feelings in social settings.

 

We talked a little and I think a good first indicator - going to a party or a dinner with friends - sitting together, laughing and socializing - will that give you energy or will it drain energy from you? Regardless of how “well you do perform”
 

Then there are like a million variations of behaviors and grades. People are complex.
 

I see no problems at all for a player having an introvert behavior in terms of competing in a professional tournament . You will probably never get an army like Arnie’s, who probably was on the extrovert side of personality types. And you will not love making funny videos with witty comments. But still be interesting for spectators and sponsors. Up to a point.

 

i just love those old Moe clinics on yt ... only man alive... feeling of greatness... but his personality type did for sure cause him problems.

 

You need to be able to present yourself as a decent person with respect for the ways of the community or collection of people you are in. The point, I would say, is when you no longer can fulfil that. 
 

Breaking that point of respect can sure be done in many other ways than having an introvert personality. 

......... 

 

what?

 

[Hankshank]

1 hour ago, golfandfishing said:

......... 

 

what?

 

What was unclear? You asked for some medical definitions, the Asperger diagnose is probably as far as you’ll get. If you want to make autism spectrum in to some kind of freak show, sorry. 
 

Moe’s autism tendencies is documented on his own home page. 
 

So what do you mean ”what”?

[DavidCrockett]

19 hours ago, Pepperturbo said:

Bigger problems... did someone just say that?? 

 

To get a glimpse into how high-functioning autism and unusually high IQ contributes to developing what are thought to be incredibly diverse skills and business acumen, watch Ben Affleck in "The Accountant."  He skillfully depicts a high-functioning autistic, from child to man, that develops exceptionally diverse skills that you wouldn't think possible, which I am familiar with.  It all depends on how the brain works.

 

PS, NO, Bubba has NOT addressed his exact condition.  My guess is for reasons that many won't or are not smart enough to get their head around.

 

You should start a thread on Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

[golfandfishing]

47 minutes ago, Hankshank said:

What was unclear? You asked for some medical definitions, the Asperger diagnose is probably as far as you’ll get. If you want to make autism spectrum in to some kind of freak show, sorry. 
 

Moe’s autism tendencies is documented on his own home page. 
 

So what do you mean ”what”?

I don’t want to make it into a freak show in the least - you and others that are diagnosing anyone with the slightest quirk are the ones doing that.

 

Autism isn’t a joke, I know families struggling with children they can’t touch, that have never spoken to them and are searching for ways to help their children. Saying a guy who shuffles his feet to get comfortable putting or a woman who doesn’t like public speaking are “on the spectrum” is awful.  

[Hankshank]

1 hour ago, golfandfishing said:

I don’t want to make it into a freak show in the least - you and others that are diagnosing anyone with the slightest quirk are the ones doing that.

 

Autism isn’t a joke, I know families struggling with children they can’t touch, that have never spoken to them and are searching for ways to help their children. Saying a guy who shuffles his feet to get comfortable putting or a woman who doesn’t like public speaking are “on the spectrum” is awful.  

The problematic word is ”Spectrum”. Is introversion on the autistic spectrum? In a way, yes. Because even if it does not make you a Rain Man it definitely do hamper you. You will avoid the ”social” kind of contact (which for a professional golfer must be a part of the job)  But OK, since the word autism is kind of infected, no, Annika has nothing in her appearance that reminds one of what classically is connected with autism. Moe allegedly had some of that, though.