Whatever...Heather is Heather and I commend her for being so brave. I do not feel bad for her. I only feel bad for the people who felt the need to pick her apart because they are unable to appropriately interact with individuals who may not be just like them and writers who feel the need to point out her "awkwardness". Yeah she is different, but who isn't? The fact that Heather's condition affected the other girls and America so severly proves how morallly wrong our society is. Its too bad that she had to experience such disrespectful treatment and her name continues to be subjected to criticism. When I stated that I commend Heather for being so brave is because she knew what she was getting into and its sad that she had to prepare for that.

You obviously are ignorant if you are judging Heather for a disability that she has no control over. My brother has Aspergers, so what? Hes a normal person just like me, sure, a person may need to try harder to get a conversation out of him, but thats fine. as for Heather "causing you greif", you are an ignorant snob for even saying that. Research Aspergers Syndrome to get a better understanding of a person before you judge them. What right do you have to make a comment like that? Oh, thats right, none.

-Emma, sister of an Asperger's brother.

That's right, Heather might be awkward but she has a neurological disorder (Asperger Syndrome/autism.) She may be DIFFERENT but that doesn't mean she is incapable of doing the job. The season is new, everyone usually improves a lot, and anyone who is mean to her because of her autistic traits need psychiatric help.

Sarah, a fellow autistic

I was extremely disappointed in the comments and behavior of the ones who were making fun of Heather. Are these not adult women? Did I miss the "welcome back to the 8th grade" sign above the door? I am constantly amazed at the level of cruelty one human being can show toward another. Not to mention the ignorance and lack of compassion they showed in dealing with someone who is slightly different. And shame on Tyra for showcasing this behavior in the first place. In the Behind the Scenes show of AMTM it was noted that Tyra has a hand in every aspect of the production -- right down to watching the daylies and assiting in the editing. She knows darn good and well what is being said, when and by whom. I can only hope that those who have acted so cruely will be judged for it. How often on this show do we hear how America's Next Top Model needs to have a strong character, class and integrity? Plus, I think it should be noted that Tyra intentionally placed Heather with another model for this first shoot. She picked the one girl who she knew would have the most difficulty relating to another person and forced her to do just that on her very first photo shoot ever! Real nice, Tyra. Way to opt for sensationalism over compassion. This is not to say that Heather should not be challenged just like everyone else, because she should. But I hate it when I see an obvious attempt at creating drama simply for that sake of ratings. It's so cheap. Oh, and to anyone who thinks that being articulate and a good spokesmodel has ever been a factor on this show, go back and watch/listen to Adrianne slur every word, Nicole drone on in a monotone and Danielle plod her way through a commercial. Then tell me just how much speaking and acting ability is required for this job.

I used to respect Tyra, but no more. I think she brings in women with courage like Heather for ratings..sorry but the truth. If she honestly wanted to help her and felt she had potential, wouldn't she have had someone explain her condition to the girls so they wouldn't be so ignorant and make all those snide comments? Also all of a sudden you all are not smoking, so the girls have to go through withdrawal and the nervousness and all the tension too. Way to set them up for failure. Why not advertise you "new ways" before the girls sign up? Whoever her "conscience is needs to wake her up." I am very disappointed, oh yeah and while I am ranting a bit, how about her big hooha deal she made about introducing the world to plus size models. Haven't seen too many of them running around, oh I forgot in her world size ten is plus size.

Hello! I would like to know where I can get a monkey like the one Heather is holding in the picture. It's so cute.

Thanks =)

Re: Posted at 12:12PM on Sep 27th 2007 by rick cokely

Rick, your comments holds true about Heather, as the author of this article is expressing only their personal opinion which should be researched, as in 'asperger's'. As for Heather or any other contestant doing a spokes model shoot, they will all be coached...that's right, its a national TV program, not some rag-time amatur producing such. The only rag-time you will see, its the catty behavior among some of these girls, which of course, its irresponsible and will eventually lead to sending these same girls home. There is no room in this business for such. Only the professional will be taken serious.
After researching the history of the contestants, Heather should not be singled out as being awkward, as the other girls will subcomb to further ridicule, because they are also inexperienced. ANTM is there to groom these girls...so this has been said.

Heather will come out on top if not, win, period. Her socialization skills may be off, yet she is there to do the best she is ask to do without causing grief toward anyone. I have a close family member with mild asperger. Inquisitive individual, especially if its something of interest. Give this individual their space, proper coaching, they will exceed.

My three favorites so far are Victoria, Lisa, and Chantel. Those three had the best photos over everyone! I was so mad at the girls for bad mouthing Heather like that, it literally made me want to throw up that these girls were being so mean just because Heather was a little different, and who was the girl that didn't want Heather to cling to her? What an awful person, they all looked so ugly. Thank goodness for Victoria to be morally superior.

I just love JJ Hawkins. How do I write to him? I luv all the comments!

I like both Heather and Lisa. I think Heather can handle a spokesmodel assignment better than a runway, though. The poor thing walks like Lurch - she needs Miss Jay to help her with the way she holds her head and shoulders.

Lisa will have to live down her previous job title. I know the girls are going to throw it in her face every chance they get.

I was so glad to see Mila go. Clueless females with vacant expressions drive me crazy. I'd like to see Bianca go next.