Editing Vincent van Gogh (section)

== '''Living Arrangements and Interpersonal Rigidity''' ==
Another autistic facet of van Gogh’s working style was his need for an environment under his control. In 1888, he moved to Arles in the south of France, where he famously dreamed of establishing an artists’ commune. In practice, however, when fellow artist Paul Gauguin came to live and work with him, the experiment collapsed within two months amid quarrels and violent outbursts.

Van Gogh’s inability to compromise or adapt to Gauguin’s presence exemplifies the social rigidity of Asperger’s. He had very set routines and expectations (e.g., painting schedules, arrangement of the ''Yellow House'' studio) and ''“could not tolerate”'' deviation or negotiation – leading to escalating tension. Fitzgerald observes that individuals with Asperger’s ''“often end up using people then discarding them”'' when they no longer fit into the Aspie’s inner world.

In van Gogh’s case, he initially idolized Gauguin, then, when Gauguin did not meet his ideal or threatened Vincent’s sense of control, their relationship imploded. The infamous incident of van Gogh slicing off part of his ear occurred right after Gauguin decided to leave – a catastrophic meltdown likely triggered by the extreme stress of social conflict and change, experiences to which autistics are especially vulnerable.