Freaks and Geeks :P

A personal post, which is mildly library related...

As well as being a mum of four and working part-time, I am also the Secretary of the Ipswich ASD Parents/Carers Support Group. ASD meaning Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

One of my children is diagnosed as Austistic, and my baby is diagnosed as having an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It is not sad, or a shame. They are awesome, and smart, and interesting.

Now, having worked for a little while in libraries, I have noticed a massive over representation of people on the Autistic Spectrum, particularly those with Asperger's Syndrome. Everyone seems to have a child, or two, or three, on the spectrum, or are Aspies themselves.

Have libraries always been full of "freaks and geeks"? Is it only academic libraries where this is the case? Or is it something to do with the increasing importance of IT? I am very curious to see what you all think.

PS. I do consider myself a "freak" and a "geek", and therefore intend no slight by those terms.

P.P.S. I am not someone who believes that ASDs are some sort of modern disease. Although there do seem to be some environmental factors for some people with ASDs, my family history suggests that it occurs largely due to genetic factors.