It really bothers me that the writers claim he's not autistic. My 13 year old autistic daughter started watching Young Sheldon this weekend and she recognized it immediately.
What I read is that writers didn't want to label Sheldon as having autism so that he wouldn't be put in a box by the audience. By not labeling Sheldon but letting him do anything or be anything and yet still have these traits that people with autism relate to Sheldon became an unlabeled, unhindered character that people love despite any quirks or challenges. I believe the audience accepts that Sheldon is someone with autism and as someone with autism myself this breakthrough makes me very happy. I'm not sure if the writers made the right decision but maybe it will help society to learn not to label people but just accept and love them; people with autism are good to have in your life, different not less
@@raea3588 But a problem they have by doing that is that by having it ignored in universe all it does is make the other characters around Sheldon seem really insensitive. Because ironically, people AREN'T sympathetic to those who seem slightly different unless they know what it is. Yeah, his friends mostly PUT UP with his behaviour. But, tbh by not labelling it. It's created a lack of understanding among his group of friends as to WHY he behaves oddly, needs to do certain things and may say insensitive things. The best example I remember is when in the final episode Leonard gets pissed off when Sheldon doesn't immediately congratulate Penny for being Pregnant. And when questioned he replied that any fool can get pregnant. Which is technically correct in that having a child isn't a very special achievement and that almost anyone can have a child. But obviously, most people feel insulted if you tell them that and add fool to it and someone gets hurt. Now, I imagine that scene would've been more interesting had they known that Sheldon is on the spectrum. It could make more dramatic and feel even sadder because Leonard knows that Sheldon is being logical and that his primary way of thinking doesn't factor in other people's feelings. Of course, then there could be a thing where Sheldon realises he hurt his friends feelings by saying that. To me, not labelling him is just gutless. It means they don't want to take any social responsibility because 'oh some MIGHT be offended if an autistic character is anything but just plain innocent. That they're a normal human who makes mistakes like anyone else.' And I am speaking as someone on the spectrum.
I understand your perspective. I also understand that even when people know I'm on the autistic spectrum many don't try to understand me, they aren't sympathetic and they'd rather keep their distance like I have the flu than "put up" with any quirky behaviors I have. Sheldon is blessed. His friends get annoyed or angry with him or confused, just like all friends do, but they never stop being his friend just because he's different. I don't think the show had to label him. The audience sees right away that this guy is different sometimes. He's even insensitive or obnoxious because he sees things in a different way but does that mean if we have real people in our lives who are different that we should push them away? Or should we try and get to know them. I can't walk up to everyone I meet, put out my hand and say "I have autism". Sometimes they have to figure it out for themselves. There are no writers who get to prepare people for knowing me. But shows like The Big Bang Theory and characters like Sheldon Cooper have shown people that maybe I'm worth getting to know though I am different. There are shows with characters on the autistic spectrum and the writers have clearly labeled them as so. Rather that character is innocent or has done something wrong and made a mistake, it always seems to be a toss up as to how the audience will react based on the viewer... If the viewer understands this is a person (different but not less) they will react appropriately. If the viewer does not understand much about autism they will react in ignorance. It's been my experience that most people on the spectrum want to see a realistic person on the spectrum that they can relate to and, although Sheldon Cooper is a comedic character, many with ASD have said that they do. No, they never did an episode where they said that Sheldon has ASD but I don't spend my days having that talk with my friends or family either. The Big Bang Theory lets me see a person that "is anything but just plain innocent" and a person that is quirky and sensitive; Sheldon Cooper. Who is a lot like me...someone on the autistic spectrum :)
The Contrarian Just because he acts similar to people who are autistic doesn’t mean that he is. He might just behave strangely in that he partially chooses to act that way because of his philosophy and personality. But that’s my take on it.
When someone tells me that they're upset or whatever, I have no idea how to behave, so I usually just go... "Oh, okay..." I react in other ways too, like when my brother was going through a weird week and started getting all mopey... He told me he wanted a hug... I kind of just recoiled and hissed at him...
There is an argument to be made on how over the top and cartoony his behaviors are... then you remember EVERYONE'S actions on the show are cartoony and over the top as it is a silly sitcom where normally problems are resolved at the end of a 22 minute episode
When I found out the actor of Sheldon deals with aspergers, which is a form of autism...or I guess now it's just called ASD(autism spectrum disorder) I felt like I wasnt alone. I was diagnosed with having aspergers when I was around 5 years old and everyday interacting with people I dont know or just doing stuff that most people can do but I cant that is seen as being independent are things that can be very hard for me. So seeing a show highlight this in his charactor really is amazing to see!
People with autism don't always have difficulty socializing. Sometimes we just don't want to because we're comfortable being in our own worlds. Normal people's worlds and behaviors don't make much sense to the person with autism. So, when we do want to socialize we don't always say things in the right way and that's just as awkward for us as it is for you. We're not stupid and we don't mean to come off as so. People with autism also don't have difficulty showing affection. Again, we're not always comfortable with it especially physically but we feel our feelings just as strongly if not stronger than the next person. What's important to remember about these videos, although funny and educational, is that everyone with autism is different. I appreciate and relate to Sheldon Cooper, I believe he is meant to display autistic traits but he is one example of autism and an extreme one because comedy is extreme. He's not meant to represent everyone with autism.
Rachel A. Can I just say one thing and if I may people with autism are normal people as well just because they have it doesn’t mean that they are not normal people people need to stop say that they are not normal people.
I'm very sorry if I upset you. When I used the term "not normal" I was drawing from my own experiences with autism and how I view myself. I know many people with autism who don't see themselves as normal and like myself they're okay with that. But I know that I don't and will not speak for the entire autistic community. So, perhaps I should have worded my comment in a different way. Statistically normal means average. I don't know anyone who is average. We are all, autistic or not, unique beings. I think it's a beautiful thing to celebrate that we all have our own "normal" in a society that is too comfortable with conformity. Autism is apart of my "normal". It's not the same kind of normal that someone with a nerotypical brain experiences. I am different from the majority of the people I spend time with. Different is good in my eyes and for me. I appreciate your reply :)
Rachel A. That’s ok you don’t have to be sorry it’s your way of thinking and that’s ok you are Allowed to have your own opinion you didn’t offend me it’s okay some people who have the same disability might take it the wrong way I understand where you’re coming from I didn’t get offended I personally don’t live with autism but I have friends and family who do I don’t but I have a lot of experience with people who do have it but the one thing you should never do is put yourself down and say that you’re not normal because no one normal but if you want to be normal that’s okay I think the same way sometimes I ask myself why this is happened to me what if this didn’t happen to be but the things that happened in my past would’ve happened and I would’ve never learnt from them so okay to feel that way I do to sometimes too.
In my opinion, the most profound takeaway I have from watching and enjoying this exceptional show, is the relationship that slowly develops between Sheldon and Penny, ostensibly the most, and least, outwardly intelligent characters of the core group. In reality, these two would probably not have ever formed the bond that they did, so the writers chose to put them together, to learn from each other, to grow together. To use the talents that life has given them to fill in the blanks, so to speak, they see in each other, sometimes doing it without even knowing it. I think their relationship was the greatest the show produced, and mined some of the best laughs, and most profound insights, over the entire run of the show.
On paper Sheldon is supposed to be brilliant and Penny fairly stupid, but in actual dialogue they appear to me be about equal in intelligence-certainly equal in (unrealistically) spouting snappy retorts. Their retorts are different in character, but they require equal wit and fast thinking.
The writers did not want to flat-out say he was autistic, because they didn't want to be accused of being insensitive or inaccurately portraying autism. However I think it's very obvious that he was. He said multiple times he's been tested and he's fine, but I'm waiting for the young Sheldon episode where we see that he was tested and Mary found out he was autistic and just lied to him
As a person on the spectrum I have absolutely no doubt that Sheldon is intended to be on the spectrum. Everything he does is a definite trait. From his lack of social awareness to his lack of filter to his repetition. Everything.
When "his mom had him tested" I think the focus was more on the possibility of psychosis or risk to himself or others, as that's what was considered mental health problems at the time. At the time, autism wasn't recognized or understood in people who don't present in that way (many autistics do not present that way). He's verbal and highly intelligent, and displays more trouble socially and with rigidity than anything else, with no obvious developmental delay or academic trouble. I don't think his mother would've gotten him a diagnosis of autism and kept that secret from him. I think he was honestly never evaluated for autism in childhood. But I don't doubt that the idiosyncrasies we see in both child and adult Sheldon can be indicative of undiagnosed autism.
I think they didn't want to say he was outright 'autistic' for a few reasons: 1. They were trying to get all the scientific stuff right 2. They were afraid people wouldn't watch it if they knew the main character had a disability. 3. They didn't want to get any of the ' autistic' stuff wrong because they just knew there was going to be backlash if they did. 4.they didn't want to be responsible for people thinking ALL autistics could or would be that way thus setting up unrealistic expectations in kids or classrooms. 5.Maybe they just wanted to 'dupe' us and we all fell for it, hook, line and sinker.
It is. It romanticizes and supports the idea that autistic people can be assholes and get away with it. Every time Sheldon is a prick he's always excused with him being autistic and not understanding social clues, when the series has always presented him as an egomaniac who prefers to not care even when he can. Now every fucking idiot thinks that they can get away with it because they have mild Aspergers and therefore don't have to be decent people, that's just a shitty excuse.
Did you realize Asperger's isn't the only autism right there's a whole autism spectrum Asperger's is actually the most marvelous one anyway a lot of autistic people don't realize what they're doing and once they're done they act like nothing really happened
The first clip, Sheldon I feel you man. Also people say this is a overblown stereotype but I actually act like this,only with my parents and I’m not nearly as vocal as Sheldon but if I was a place of my expertise I would be.
I think he’s Autistic too. Either HFA or Aspergers, that’s sure enough right. I mean for example, he can’t take sarcasm and I can’t take sarcasm from MY FATHER. Also, I love to talk about the subject I’m typing about, (and even think of it too) Autism, like Sheldon portrays here (to trains? What was that he was holding?) I’ve HFA, and even though I’m not smart like him, I’m still like, let’s say, a math guy. Not all the time but I got it straight. (Exactly so with the dang thing we’re learning in Mathematics class, I got that down for the most part. Except for the shading on either side.) Also, I use big words, can’t think of some at the moment that I use frequently (that’s basically one). But yeah, I think they were talking, yes, about Repetitive behavior, which, I flap and rock every day. So yeah, and I had a little bit of speech delay too. I got diagnosed with Autism at 2. I could go on all day, that’s why I’m fixated on Autism. But no need to judge me. I’m proud of it. Anyway, definite symptoms of Sheldon having been on the Autism Spectrum. Exactly I think he’d be on Aspergers. But idk.
I saw on the wikis and websites that Sheldon was Autistic. But, even videos, they said the symptoms of him having it. But now that I remember, a LOT of actors and actresses act so “Autistic-like” so I partially agree with everyone, including you, saying that. But what if they are Autistic?
just so you know, the term aspergers is outdated and named after a nazi scientist who experimented on children with such disorders, categorizing them based on "functionality." now it's just referred to autism.
Sheldon is the only reason I have a diagnosis. Minus being smart these symptoms fit me to a t and it’s not that I’m not smart I’m just not able to comprehend shit I don’t give a fuck about ask me about Math I’m dumb af but ask me about Harry Potter something I’ve been obsessed with for 22 years I’m a god damned historian. I eventually sought help for it and I am indeed on the spectrum and finally getting help.
@@thinginground5179 Have you experienced a meltdown because you didn't understand why you react the way you do to sounds or socializing? Therapy helps.
Does anyone know in which episode Sheldon explains to Penny how being comfortable around people is something that comes naturally to her but not to him?
@@squidneythesquid2487 autistic people* but yes thank you. Aspergers isn't used so much anymore. It's just autism spectrum disorder. And we are not stupid. We have thoughts and feelings and a lot to say. The problem with Sheldon's character is that it makes it seem like we can and should get away with being insensitive or being an asshole because we are autistic which isn't right. If anything we are more empathetic just might have trouble speaking.
I completely unmasked in front of my wife once and she immediately commented, “You do realize you sound like Sheldon Cooper?” That was sufficient incentive to unmask only as needed. 😅
Even the security guard know that sheldon has asperger or autism because in the ball pit when Leonard was talking to the security guard for thank him for not calling the cop on sheldon and he said my sister kid is special
As a diagnosed autistic girl I just started watching young Sheldon without watching this original one, and a dozen minutes into the pilot I'm like "yep. this is 100% unmasked autism in all its glory, poor sheldon" /srs
autistic people and neurotypical people: sheldon is an example of BAD autistic representation me, an autistic person, who related to sheldon and amy the most out of all of the characters in big bang: guess I'll die
@@thinginground5179 I agree with everything except the fact that u literally used a racial slur, ur being a bigot while accusing someone else of being one
OK let's just clarify something for people think Sheldon is an accurate example of someone on the spectrum. 1) Strong preference for routines and rituals. I'm on the spectrum (HFA) and I love Doctor Who (not an autism interest necessarily, I know people on the spectrum who won't watch Doctor Who), we also don't all measure exactly our cereal, milk, calories, you name it. This can also be a type of OCD, which is neurodivergence but can be free of autism. We also don't have to sit in the same exact square foot of space (this can also just be very bad OCD or neuroticism) so a person (like Penny) sitting in our usual spot won't send us into a mini-meltdown. For most of us, we'll be flexible and eat sitting in a chair/floor, or whatever. 2) Actual repetitive behavior. Some people knock 3 times every time, some people change it up every time. And also, if an NT slams the door in our face, we don't always just play it again like a programming loop, we're not all like fucking AIs or NPCs. We're more evolved than this in pretty much every real life case I've seen. 3) Need to be prepared to be able to anticipate or make changes. This is hurtful. Some NTs force us to change in a way that we can't prepare or even foresee, and when your back's against the wall as a person with ASD, having prepared something often doesn't make any difference. We can only predict how we'll do things, not usually others. I love preparing things, but in the end so much (often way too much) preparation annoys NTs and there have even been a couple of times I've seen it annoy others on the spectrum, so we know when to back off. Even if that means others have to tell us first in a bitchy way (Leonard and Penny are not as bitchy as people I have known, sad fact of reality). 4) Difficulty in socializing. This one is all over the place. Yes we don't have good social skills sometimes. But you know who else doesn't? People with extreme phobias, extreme introverts (often but not always), extreme extroverts who can't figure out that they're not in their in their bedroom but actually in public in a kid-friendly area, people with crippling attachment issues, people with traumas. And there's more, but you get my point right? Any of these groups might come off as "awkward AF" to people, even when it's not even their damn fault. So we persecute people on the spectrum, but for any of those people it's going too far? No. If you're gonna be a dick and say we have crappy or no social skills, realize you're hurting way more people than just those with ASD. Any group of people can have odd/awkward social behavior, autism is rarely the only reason. 5) Difficulty in showing affection. Umm, where in hell did this one even come from? OK look I'll admit Sheldon and a few other depictions of people on the spectrum are perhaps romantically clueless, or too forward, or awkward. But I've seen that stereotype broken often in real life. We don't all have amazing relationship experience, but even I've had more than 1 and one of them lasted several years. My ex's parents liked me way more than my ex did, and they kept reminding me of that all the time. It can and does happen. Don't knock it. My friend told me a dirty joke on the matter once. "What's the difference between a person with ASD and a porn star?" Ans: "They're often both seen as romantically clueless but a porn star probably has sex more often." Um yeah, so don't think that way next time you watch internet porn, but that friend's one of my more politically incorrect ones. By the way hugs don't freak all of us out, but severe sensory issues in some of us means: stop hugging us way too tight/soft, or from a bad angle. Most people without sensory issues don't enjoy that either. 6) Intense and restricted special interests. I really like trains, airplanes, audio/music equipment, camera equipment, stationery, watches, tattoos, vacuum tubes, model building, LEGO, anime, manga, comics, video games, and wearing my lab coat and super soft kimono that I imported from Japan. So, how is this list restrictive. Some of have 2-3 special interests, or 1 or 10. I also have a lot of metrology equipment in my house, including a geiger counter. People need to stop assuming we're only extremely interested in a small number of things. We can have vast interests, even Savants are not only good at one thing all the time. It's more complex than that. 7) Difficulty in interpreting innuendo or sarcasm. You can also put banter, flirting, or any lexicon of words here. We do have trouble with word, acronym, or expression meanings. But so do people with learning disabilities. I used to have a friend who seriously believed that the UK is in Eastern Europe. He was dyslexic, and was coded as special needs in school. He wasn't actually cognitively low IQ, he just learns things very slowly, kinda like how he reads. This is not his fault, even though people bullied him for it. Same reason why some (not all people) with ASD will have little to no grasp on metaphorical meanings or definitions. Know something, as visual learners, if you explain to us what a term or saying means, we will remember it very well for a long time. If we've never encountered a semantic situation, behavior before we will probably be no more clueless than someone who was badly homeschooled, or a child or teenager/young adult that has lived an overly sheltered life. I have seen many NT's not pick up on semiotics/semantics, and often it's something that would make both NT's and people with ASD laugh or cringe. Don't judge us just on that, there's probably lots of people out there that are even more clueless (and not always in a funny way). And FYI, Stan Lee would likely have known the few characters in Marvel/DC comics that are on the spectrum, IRL in that episode he would have picked up on it, Stan Lee was a funny guy, but he wasn't a dumb guy, he knew what autism is.
So you're just saying "oh, most of us don't have this so this isn't accurate" just because YOU don't experience this doesn't mean other people don't. I experience all of these, not at this intensity but I know people who do. I think it's nice to see someone in a show who has ALL the symptoms and a high intensity so everyone with asd can relate to a level. So someone who doesn't have as severe asd can relate to some of the symptoms, but not at this intensity, and someone with a more severe case can also relate! Also, some of the symptoms are overblown because this is a comedy show. I personally like making fun of myself a little bit yknow? Laughing at the things that other people find weird. Asd is a spectrum, and you can't say this isn't a good representation because there are people who are like this. That's like saying a show with someone who has very mild autism isn't a good representation because "not everyone with asd is like this" it's impossible to display asd accurately because there's no one way that autism displays itself. I hope ya understand this
@@dcmastermindfirst9418 Those aren't traits at all. He likes trains, what's wrong with that??? Guys like cars and girls like shoes so we all autistic???? Seriously??
@@neocell710it’s the reason he likes trains Not to mention that he actually had every thing an autistic kid would have Heck, in young Sheldon they have an entire episode dedicated to him hearing a small sound and being so fixated on it that he tears the fridge apart
@@nathanadams7595 They had a similar episode in TBBT, what's your point????? If so then why do some autistic people hate him the way non-autistic people do when he's simply different from everyone else???? He's not autistic, he simply likes trains, nothing more. The writers themselves said that he isn't autistic so where did this ''autistic'' narrative come from???
Super annoying because they said he doesn’t have Aspergers because that would require a social responsibility. They know it’s not accurate and exaggerated, but they don’t care.
I think many people have a spot in their home that they prefer. I sit in the same chair at every meal, or when reading, watching TV etc. But if I have guests and someone sits in my spot, I don't throw a hissy fit about it. And I certainly don't make a guest sit on the floor because I won't give up my spot.
The trains gave it away man. Idk what is with autism and trains but the trains gave it away PS: I have a duck video, a chicken video, a video where i am begging for money on Twitter, a walking video... Also a patreon
I'm autistic and never really got hard-core into trains but mostly because they're expensive, I did LOVE my Lionel trains I had when I was 9, but couldn't really afford much more than a few extra cars so never went past the original train set I got Christmas 2002.
Here’s my issue with the show (coming from an Aspie); I’m frustrated the writers coded Sheldon as Autistic, but deny he’s actually autistic. Not just because it invalidates the relatability many autistic people have with him, but it also lets the writers get away with using his “quirks” as the brunt of some pretty awful jokes. My “favorite” is the one where Howard goes as Sheldon for Halloween. Anyone who actually goes as an autistic person for Halloween now would be condemned as ableist. UNLESS, you went as a character the writers claimed was totally in NO WAY autistic.😐
The main issue here is that every autistic behavior he has is punctuated by a laugh track perpetuating the notion that autism and autistic people are something to be laughed at
@spicebaybee clearly that's not what I meant just saying that instead of bullying autistic ppl we can just laugh it off, Sheldon's behavior is funny and his friends accept him for who he is why can't this be true for every autistic person support accept and laugh they can be funny too! quirkiness can be funny as Sheldon's behavior is perceived as comical!
@@syedatahirahussain2620 okay but my main point is that autism isn’t funny - people with autism are not comic relief for everyone else. We are human beings and the “difficult” behavior we display is not a silly quirk. In a lot of clips we’re meant to laugh while he’s visibly in distress which is pretty messed up. The joke is obviously meant to be look how funny autism is. They don’t treat him with compassion just because the show uses an autism coded character as its court jester. Also the “laughing it off” is the bullying. Like most people will tell you it hurts when someone makes fun of you. They aren’t laughing with him, they’re laughing at him. That’s the problem.
@@spicebaybee obviously that's not what I meant I have a close relative who's suspected to be autistic as well and their behavior isn't quirky at all its a spectrum everyone is different sometimes things need to be taken On a lighter note sometimes not as a sensible person everyone can differentiate as to how to be respectful and accepting in each unique situation, may be this is why they didn't actually accept that Sheldon was infact autistic I still find him entertaining and there's no disrespect to that sorry if my msg went the wrong that wasn't the intention my point is they're as Much a part of society as everyone else we all quirky in our own ways I hate it when certain behaviors are stereotypically associated with autism we all have our struggles our weaknesses and strengths we also have our own challenges and almost every child has some form and degree of challenging behavior so why Is only autism frowned upon?
Always remember we must repent of our sins (sin is transgression The Law Of Yahuah The Father in Heaven. The Law are The Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy). We must repent of our sins and Have Belief On Yahusha The Messiah. HE Died and Rose three days later so that we can be forgiven of our sins! Come to HIM🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
Shout out to Penny for somewhat acknowledging his repetitive behavior and always answering after the third knock
Ya.........even though 1 time she even had a knock on the door off with him XD
It really bothers me that the writers claim he's not autistic. My 13 year old autistic daughter started watching Young Sheldon this weekend and she recognized it immediately.
What I read is that writers didn't want to label Sheldon as having autism so that he wouldn't be put in a box by the audience. By not labeling Sheldon but letting him do anything or be anything and yet still have these traits that people with autism relate to Sheldon became an unlabeled, unhindered character that people love despite any quirks or challenges. I believe the audience accepts that Sheldon is someone with autism and as someone with autism myself this breakthrough makes me very happy. I'm not sure if the writers made the right decision but maybe it will help society to learn not to label people but just accept and love them; people with autism are good to have in your life, different not less
@@raea3588 But a problem they have by doing that is that by having it ignored in universe all it does is make the other characters around Sheldon seem really insensitive. Because ironically, people AREN'T sympathetic to those who seem slightly different unless they know what it is.
Yeah, his friends mostly PUT UP with his behaviour. But, tbh by not labelling it. It's created a lack of understanding among his group of friends as to WHY he behaves oddly, needs to do certain things and may say insensitive things.
The best example I remember is when in the final episode Leonard gets pissed off when Sheldon doesn't immediately congratulate Penny for being Pregnant. And when questioned he replied that any fool can get pregnant. Which is technically correct in that having a child isn't a very special achievement and that almost anyone can have a child. But obviously, most people feel insulted if you tell them that and add fool to it and someone gets hurt.
Now, I imagine that scene would've been more interesting had they known that Sheldon is on the spectrum. It could make more dramatic and feel even sadder because Leonard knows that Sheldon is being logical and that his primary way of thinking doesn't factor in other people's feelings. Of course, then there could be a thing where Sheldon realises he hurt his friends feelings by saying that.
To me, not labelling him is just gutless. It means they don't want to take any social responsibility because 'oh some MIGHT be offended if an autistic character is anything but just plain innocent. That they're a normal human who makes mistakes like anyone else.'
And I am speaking as someone on the spectrum.
I understand your perspective. I also understand that even when people know I'm on the autistic spectrum many don't try to understand me, they aren't sympathetic and they'd rather keep their distance like I have the flu than "put up" with any quirky behaviors I have. Sheldon is blessed. His friends get annoyed or angry with him or confused, just like all friends do, but they never stop being his friend just because he's different. I don't think the show had to label him. The audience sees right away that this guy is different sometimes. He's even insensitive or obnoxious because he sees things in a different way but does that mean if we have real people in our lives who are different that we should push them away? Or should we try and get to know them. I can't walk up to everyone I meet, put out my hand and say "I have autism". Sometimes they have to figure it out for themselves. There are no writers who get to prepare people for knowing me. But shows like The Big Bang Theory and characters like Sheldon Cooper have shown people that maybe I'm worth getting to know though I am different. There are shows with characters on the autistic spectrum and the writers have clearly labeled them as so. Rather that character is innocent or has done something wrong and made a mistake, it always seems to be a toss up as to how the audience will react based on the viewer... If the viewer understands this is a person (different but not less) they will react appropriately. If the viewer does not understand much about autism they will react in ignorance. It's been my experience that most people on the spectrum want to see a realistic person on the spectrum that they can relate to and, although Sheldon Cooper is a comedic character, many with ASD have said that they do. No, they never did an episode where they said that Sheldon has ASD but I don't spend my days having that talk with my friends or family either. The Big Bang Theory lets me see a person that "is anything but just plain innocent" and a person that is quirky and sensitive; Sheldon Cooper. Who is a lot like me...someone on the autistic spectrum :)
Right? It’s annoying!!
The Contrarian Just because he acts similar to people who are autistic doesn’t mean that he is. He might just behave strangely in that he partially chooses to act that way because of his philosophy and personality. But that’s my take on it.
Sheldon being comforting is the scariest thing ever lol
When someone tells me that they're upset or whatever, I have no idea how to behave, so I usually just go... "Oh, okay..."
I react in other ways too, like when my brother was going through a weird week and started getting all mopey... He told me he wanted a hug... I kind of just recoiled and hissed at him...
if you think thats bad you should see him smile
I never get disturbed by silly stuff like this, but that part genuinely made me feel uneasy lol
There is an argument to be made on how over the top and cartoony his behaviors are... then you remember EVERYONE'S actions on the show are cartoony and over the top as it is a silly sitcom where normally problems are resolved at the end of a 22 minute episode
He kind of turned into a troll. 😀😁
i have Aspergers and Sheldon is absolutely relatble. I've watched this like 10 times already, thank you
Me too i got diagnosed with aspergers or level one ASD this year
That's why I loved the first seasons of the show so much, I watched them multiple times
When I found out the actor of Sheldon deals with aspergers, which is a form of autism...or I guess now it's just called ASD(autism spectrum disorder) I felt like I wasnt alone. I was diagnosed with having aspergers when I was around 5 years old and everyday interacting with people I dont know or just doing stuff that most people can do but I cant that is seen as being independent are things that can be very hard for me. So seeing a show highlight this in his charactor really is amazing to see!
Where'd you find that out? I can't find any sources confirming your statement, only contradictions.
Damn maybe I have aspergers
Jim parsons is absolutely not autistic.
His character definitely is!
I love Leonard holding a "sarcasm" sign up.
People with autism don't always have difficulty socializing. Sometimes we just don't want to because we're comfortable being in our own worlds. Normal people's worlds and behaviors don't make much sense to the person with autism. So, when we do want to socialize we don't always say things in the right way and that's just as awkward for us as it is for you. We're not stupid and we don't mean to come off as so. People with autism also don't have difficulty showing affection. Again, we're not always comfortable with it especially physically but we feel our feelings just as strongly if not stronger than the next person. What's important to remember about these videos, although funny and educational, is that everyone with autism is different. I appreciate and relate to Sheldon Cooper, I believe he is meant to display autistic traits but he is one example of autism and an extreme one because comedy is extreme. He's not meant to represent everyone with autism.
Rachel A. Can I just say one thing and if I may people with autism are normal people as well just because they have it doesn’t mean that they are not normal people people need to stop say that they are not normal people.
I'm very sorry if I upset you. When I used the term "not normal" I was drawing from my own experiences with autism and how I view myself. I know many people with autism who don't see themselves as normal and like myself they're okay with that. But I know that I don't and will not speak for the entire autistic community. So, perhaps I should have worded my comment in a different way. Statistically normal means average. I don't know anyone who is average. We are all, autistic or not, unique beings. I think it's a beautiful thing to celebrate that we all have our own "normal" in a society that is too comfortable with conformity. Autism is apart of my "normal". It's not the same kind of normal that someone with a nerotypical brain experiences. I am different from the majority of the people I spend time with. Different is good in my eyes and for me. I appreciate your reply :)
Rachel A. That’s ok you don’t have to be sorry it’s your way of thinking and that’s ok you are Allowed to have your own opinion you didn’t offend me it’s okay some people who have the same disability might take it the wrong way I understand where you’re coming from I didn’t get offended I personally don’t live with autism but I have friends and family who do I don’t but I have a lot of experience with people who do have it but the one thing you should never do is put yourself down and say that you’re not normal because no one normal but if you want to be normal that’s okay I think the same way sometimes I ask myself why this is happened to me what if this didn’t happen to be but the things that happened in my past would’ve happened and I would’ve never learnt from them so okay to feel that way I do to sometimes too.
Your friends and family are blessed to have you as such a caring and supportive person in their lives :)
Rachel A. Aww haha thanks means a lot
In my opinion, the most profound takeaway I have from watching and enjoying this exceptional show, is the relationship that slowly develops between Sheldon and Penny, ostensibly the most, and least, outwardly intelligent characters of the core group. In reality, these two would probably not have ever formed the bond that they did, so the writers chose to put them together, to learn from each other, to grow together. To use the talents that life has given them to fill in the blanks, so to speak, they see in each other, sometimes doing it without even knowing it. I think their relationship was the greatest the show produced, and mined some of the best laughs, and most profound insights, over the entire run of the show.
fr
On paper Sheldon is supposed to be brilliant and Penny fairly stupid, but in actual dialogue they appear to me be about equal in intelligence-certainly equal in (unrealistically) spouting snappy retorts. Their retorts are different in character, but they require equal wit and fast thinking.
The writers did not want to flat-out say he was autistic, because they didn't want to be accused of being insensitive or inaccurately portraying autism. However I think it's very obvious that he was. He said multiple times he's been tested and he's fine, but I'm waiting for the young Sheldon episode where we see that he was tested and Mary found out he was autistic and just lied to him
Fair
As a person on the spectrum I have absolutely no doubt that Sheldon is intended to be on the spectrum.
Everything he does is a definite trait.
From his lack of social awareness to his lack of filter to his repetition.
Everything.
When "his mom had him tested" I think the focus was more on the possibility of psychosis or risk to himself or others, as that's what was considered mental health problems at the time. At the time, autism wasn't recognized or understood in people who don't present in that way (many autistics do not present that way). He's verbal and highly intelligent, and displays more trouble socially and with rigidity than anything else, with no obvious developmental delay or academic trouble. I don't think his mother would've gotten him a diagnosis of autism and kept that secret from him. I think he was honestly never evaluated for autism in childhood. But I don't doubt that the idiosyncrasies we see in both child and adult Sheldon can be indicative of undiagnosed autism.
I think they didn't want to say he was outright 'autistic' for a few reasons:
1. They were trying to get all the scientific stuff right
2. They were afraid people wouldn't watch it if they knew the main character had a disability.
3. They didn't want to get any of the ' autistic' stuff wrong because they just knew there was going to be backlash if they did.
4.they didn't want to be responsible for people thinking ALL autistics could or would be that way thus setting up unrealistic expectations in kids or classrooms.
5.Maybe they just wanted to 'dupe' us and we all fell for it, hook, line and sinker.
And yet people see these as negative stereotypes.
@@snaketooth0943 true.
It is. It romanticizes and supports the idea that autistic people can be assholes and get away with it. Every time Sheldon is a prick he's always excused with him being autistic and not understanding social clues, when the series has always presented him as an egomaniac who prefers to not care even when he can.
Now every fucking idiot thinks that they can get away with it because they have mild Aspergers and therefore don't have to be decent people, that's just a shitty excuse.
Did you realize Asperger's isn't the only autism right there's a whole autism spectrum Asperger's is actually the most marvelous one anyway a lot of autistic people don't realize what they're doing and once they're done they act like nothing really happened
@@konnersaid6010 I know what I'm doing. I can care for other people, I'm just too anxious to do it.
Some of them are
…i have autism and also didn’t realize that woman was asking to sleep with him.
lol I knew that and I have ausim
There’s a reason he’s my favorite character
My friends get super excited whenever I choose to hug them
The first clip, Sheldon I feel you man. Also people say this is a overblown stereotype but I actually act like this,only with my parents and I’m not nearly as vocal as Sheldon but if I was a place of my expertise I would be.
I think he’s Autistic too. Either HFA or Aspergers, that’s sure enough right. I mean for example, he can’t take sarcasm and I can’t take sarcasm from MY FATHER. Also, I love to talk about the subject I’m typing about, (and even think of it too) Autism, like Sheldon portrays here (to trains? What was that he was holding?) I’ve HFA, and even though I’m not smart like him, I’m still like, let’s say, a math guy. Not all the time but I got it straight. (Exactly so with the dang thing we’re learning in Mathematics class, I got that down for the most part. Except for the shading on either side.) Also, I use big words, can’t think of some at the moment that I use frequently (that’s basically one). But yeah, I think they were talking, yes, about Repetitive behavior, which, I flap and rock every day. So yeah, and I had a little bit of speech delay too. I got diagnosed with Autism at 2. I could go on all day, that’s why I’m fixated on Autism. But no need to judge me. I’m proud of it. Anyway, definite symptoms of Sheldon having been on the Autism Spectrum. Exactly I think he’d be on Aspergers. But idk.
I saw on the wikis and websites that Sheldon was Autistic. But, even videos, they said the symptoms of him having it. But now that I remember, a LOT of actors and actresses act so “Autistic-like” so I partially agree with everyone, including you, saying that. But what if they are Autistic?
just so you know, the term aspergers is outdated and named after a nazi scientist who experimented on children with such disorders, categorizing them based on "functionality." now it's just referred to autism.
What gets me is his attempts to be kind get laughed at. Like did we really need a laugh track and joke when he tried to hug someone?!
It looks like he's trying to hump her though, which is gross.
I ammediatly recognized that he had autistic traits. I thought i was the only one who realized it.
as someone who has asd i love this character my mom says im just like him.....
That”s cute
he is the reason I like the show
Sheldon is the only reason I have a diagnosis. Minus being smart these symptoms fit me to a t and it’s not that I’m not smart I’m just not able to comprehend shit I don’t give a fuck about ask me about Math I’m dumb af but ask me about Harry Potter something I’ve been obsessed with for 22 years I’m a god damned historian. I eventually sought help for it and I am indeed on the spectrum and finally getting help.
Same. I thought I was just weird lol
"Getting help" ? Lol you're acting as if it's some disease
Why do you like Harry Potter?
@@thinginground5179 Have you experienced a meltdown because you didn't understand why you react the way you do to sounds or socializing? Therapy helps.
@@tootynuggets im wiser after a year so i guess i agree
As an Aspergeric man myself I'm convinced Sigma Cooper is my spirit animal
Does anyone know in which episode Sheldon explains to Penny how being comfortable around people is something that comes naturally to her but not to him?
S08E16 The Love Experiment
Cor Malum thank you!
As someone who has been on the spectrum their entire life I can say this is very canon and I have friends that fit at least half of these
Sheldon has always reminded me of my autistic brother.
Stan Lee Cameo!!!
I am autistic and our similarities are crazy lol
Sheldon Like The Trains
I agree with you.
I love Sheldon
Jsut want to put out there that this is somewhat close to how Dwight shrute from the office acts
You got a big ,bang, theory
This is somehwhat reminds me of myself.
I believe it asbergers since he’s hella smart
Agreed.
Snaketooth 09 yayy 1 whole comment lolol
Just like my boyfriend lol, couldn't agree more LMAO
So people with autism aren’t smart?
@@squidneythesquid2487 autistic people* but yes thank you. Aspergers isn't used so much anymore. It's just autism spectrum disorder. And we are not stupid. We have thoughts and feelings and a lot to say. The problem with Sheldon's character is that it makes it seem like we can and should get away with being insensitive or being an asshole because we are autistic which isn't right. If anything we are more empathetic just might have trouble speaking.
Wow, I see so much of myself here... it’s creepy how many similarities there are...
How is this not mentioned before
I guess Hollywood isn't there yet and the stigma is still there.....sadly. it's a real shame.
Yep me and Sheldon with Autism yep. Except minus physic degree and I am Science Officer in Training.
What is this show and what episode
Seeing how Sheldon Cooper has autistic traits made me think about myself.
damn thats me minus the supreme academic intelligence
I completely unmasked in front of my wife once and she immediately commented, “You do realize you sound like Sheldon Cooper?” That was sufficient incentive to unmask only as needed. 😅
I knew it
Even the security guard know that sheldon has asperger or autism because in the ball pit when Leonard was talking to the security guard for thank him for not calling the cop on sheldon and he said my sister kid is special
He lined up the trains…
In different scales too biggest to smallest I would normally stick with one because of preferences
As a diagnosed autistic girl
I just started watching young Sheldon without watching this original one, and a dozen minutes into the pilot I'm like "yep. this is 100% unmasked autism in all its glory, poor sheldon"
/srs
His behavior is concerningly relating to mine..
Sheldon may not be diagnosed but he definitely is. I don't care what the writers say
ehd is great
1:38
Damn..
I love clan
autistic people and neurotypical people: sheldon is an example of BAD autistic representation
me, an autistic person, who related to sheldon and amy the most out of all of the characters in big bang: guess I'll die
I love you Sheldon!!
BABIEE>>BOI
Unfortunately, the idea that he has autism was shot down by the crew.
Ama
What episode is 1:18?
I want to know the same thing!
I was like young sheldon when i was... Young. I don't think i was autistic. 😳
So you were just annoying with no actual reason to justify it?
@@zekeiwa5837 do you know how to read?
You "were" autistic? Lol
@@zekeiwa5837 Oh, so autistic people are annoying. Yeah, thanks you pak-... of crisps.
@@thinginground5179 I agree with everything except the fact that u literally used a racial slur, ur being a bigot while accusing someone else of being one
4:30
OK let's just clarify something for people think Sheldon is an accurate example of someone on the spectrum.
1) Strong preference for routines and rituals. I'm on the spectrum (HFA) and I love Doctor Who (not an autism interest necessarily, I know people on the spectrum who won't watch Doctor Who), we also don't all measure exactly our cereal, milk, calories, you name it. This can also be a type of OCD, which is neurodivergence but can be free of autism. We also don't have to sit in the same exact square foot of space (this can also just be very bad OCD or neuroticism) so a person (like Penny) sitting in our usual spot won't send us into a mini-meltdown. For most of us, we'll be flexible and eat sitting in a chair/floor, or whatever.
2) Actual repetitive behavior. Some people knock 3 times every time, some people change it up every time. And also, if an NT slams the door in our face, we don't always just play it again like a programming loop, we're not all like fucking AIs or NPCs. We're more evolved than this in pretty much every real life case I've seen.
3) Need to be prepared to be able to anticipate or make changes. This is hurtful. Some NTs force us to change in a way that we can't prepare or even foresee, and when your back's against the wall as a person with ASD, having prepared something often doesn't make any difference. We can only predict how we'll do things, not usually others. I love preparing things, but in the end so much (often way too much) preparation annoys NTs and there have even been a couple of times I've seen it annoy others on the spectrum, so we know when to back off. Even if that means others have to tell us first in a bitchy way (Leonard and Penny are not as bitchy as people I have known, sad fact of reality).
4) Difficulty in socializing. This one is all over the place. Yes we don't have good social skills sometimes. But you know who else doesn't? People with extreme phobias, extreme introverts (often but not always), extreme extroverts who can't figure out that they're not in their in their bedroom but actually in public in a kid-friendly area, people with crippling attachment issues, people with traumas. And there's more, but you get my point right? Any of these groups might come off as "awkward AF" to people, even when it's not even their damn fault. So we persecute people on the spectrum, but for any of those people it's going too far? No. If you're gonna be a dick and say we have crappy or no social skills, realize you're hurting way more people than just those with ASD. Any group of people can have odd/awkward social behavior, autism is rarely the only reason.
5) Difficulty in showing affection. Umm, where in hell did this one even come from? OK look I'll admit Sheldon and a few other depictions of people on the spectrum are perhaps romantically clueless, or too forward, or awkward. But I've seen that stereotype broken often in real life. We don't all have amazing relationship experience, but even I've had more than 1 and one of them lasted several years. My ex's parents liked me way more than my ex did, and they kept reminding me of that all the time. It can and does happen. Don't knock it. My friend told me a dirty joke on the matter once. "What's the difference between a person with ASD and a porn star?" Ans: "They're often both seen as romantically clueless but a porn star probably has sex more often." Um yeah, so don't think that way next time you watch internet porn, but that friend's one of my more politically incorrect ones. By the way hugs don't freak all of us out, but severe sensory issues in some of us means: stop hugging us way too tight/soft, or from a bad angle. Most people without sensory issues don't enjoy that either.
6) Intense and restricted special interests. I really like trains, airplanes, audio/music equipment, camera equipment, stationery, watches, tattoos, vacuum tubes, model building, LEGO, anime, manga, comics, video games, and wearing my lab coat and super soft kimono that I imported from Japan. So, how is this list restrictive. Some of have 2-3 special interests, or 1 or 10. I also have a lot of metrology equipment in my house, including a geiger counter. People need to stop assuming we're only extremely interested in a small number of things. We can have vast interests, even Savants are not only good at one thing all the time. It's more complex than that.
7) Difficulty in interpreting innuendo or sarcasm. You can also put banter, flirting, or any lexicon of words here. We do have trouble with word, acronym, or expression meanings. But so do people with learning disabilities. I used to have a friend who seriously believed that the UK is in Eastern Europe. He was dyslexic, and was coded as special needs in school. He wasn't actually cognitively low IQ, he just learns things very slowly, kinda like how he reads. This is not his fault, even though people bullied him for it. Same reason why some (not all people) with ASD will have little to no grasp on metaphorical meanings or definitions. Know something, as visual learners, if you explain to us what a term or saying means, we will remember it very well for a long time. If we've never encountered a semantic situation, behavior before we will probably be no more clueless than someone who was badly homeschooled, or a child or teenager/young adult that has lived an overly sheltered life. I have seen many NT's not pick up on semiotics/semantics, and often it's something that would make both NT's and people with ASD laugh or cringe. Don't judge us just on that, there's probably lots of people out there that are even more clueless (and not always in a funny way). And FYI, Stan Lee would likely have known the few characters in Marvel/DC comics that are on the spectrum, IRL in that episode he would have picked up on it, Stan Lee was a funny guy, but he wasn't a dumb guy, he knew what autism is.
So you're just saying "oh, most of us don't have this so this isn't accurate" just because YOU don't experience this doesn't mean other people don't. I experience all of these, not at this intensity but I know people who do. I think it's nice to see someone in a show who has ALL the symptoms and a high intensity so everyone with asd can relate to a level. So someone who doesn't have as severe asd can relate to some of the symptoms, but not at this intensity, and someone with a more severe case can also relate! Also, some of the symptoms are overblown because this is a comedy show. I personally like making fun of myself a little bit yknow? Laughing at the things that other people find weird. Asd is a spectrum, and you can't say this isn't a good representation because there are people who are like this. That's like saying a show with someone who has very mild autism isn't a good representation because "not everyone with asd is like this" it's impossible to display asd accurately because there's no one way that autism displays itself. I hope ya understand this
People on the spectrum love sheldon:D we can relate
The "repeterive behavior" is due to trauma
Sheldon doesn't have autism... my ass!
What makes you think that he does, he's just different.
@neocell710 He's literally got every trait that belongs to autistic behaviour.
And just for the record I am also on the spectrum.
@@dcmastermindfirst9418 Those aren't traits at all.
He likes trains, what's wrong with that???
Guys like cars and girls like shoes so we all autistic???? Seriously??
@@neocell710it’s the reason he likes trains
Not to mention that he actually had every thing an autistic kid would have
Heck, in young Sheldon they have an entire episode dedicated to him hearing a small sound and being so fixated on it that he tears the fridge apart
@@nathanadams7595 They had a similar episode in TBBT, what's your point?????
If so then why do some autistic people hate him the way non-autistic people do when he's simply different from everyone else????
He's not autistic, he simply likes trains, nothing more.
The writers themselves said that he isn't autistic so where did this ''autistic'' narrative come from???
*uclan
Super annoying because they said he doesn’t have Aspergers because that would require a social responsibility. They know it’s not accurate and exaggerated, but they don’t care.
As someone who is autistic I can relate to Sheldon Cooper but I don't fuss on who took my spot nor do I reject a hot girl.
Pretty much it😊😊😊
I think many people have a spot in their home that they prefer. I sit in the same chair at every meal, or when reading, watching TV etc. But if I have guests and someone sits in my spot, I don't throw a hissy fit about it. And I certainly don't make a guest sit on the floor because I won't give up my spot.
The trains gave it away man. Idk what is with autism and trains but the trains gave it away
PS: I have a duck video, a chicken video, a video where i am begging for money on Twitter, a walking video... Also a patreon
I'm autistic and never really got hard-core into trains but mostly because they're expensive, I did LOVE my Lionel trains I had when I was 9, but couldn't really afford much more than a few extra cars so never went past the original train set I got Christmas 2002.
Here’s my issue with the show (coming from an Aspie); I’m frustrated the writers coded Sheldon as Autistic, but deny he’s actually autistic. Not just because it invalidates the relatability many autistic people have with him, but it also lets the writers get away with using his “quirks” as the brunt of some pretty awful jokes. My “favorite” is the one where Howard goes as Sheldon for Halloween. Anyone who actually goes as an autistic person for Halloween now would be condemned as ableist. UNLESS, you went as a character the writers claimed was totally in NO WAY autistic.😐
The main issue here is that every autistic behavior he has is punctuated by a laugh track perpetuating the notion that autism and autistic people are something to be laughed at
Or may be we can take those differences On a lighter note accept and laugh it off instead of labeling and bullying?
@@syedatahirahussain2620so to clarify, labeling him as autistic is bullying?
@spicebaybee clearly that's not what I meant just saying that instead of bullying autistic ppl we can just laugh it off, Sheldon's behavior is funny and his friends accept him for who he is why can't this be true for every autistic person support accept and laugh they can be funny too! quirkiness can be funny as Sheldon's behavior is perceived as comical!
@@syedatahirahussain2620 okay but my main point is that autism isn’t funny - people with autism are not comic relief for everyone else. We are human beings and the “difficult” behavior we display is not a silly quirk. In a lot of clips we’re meant to laugh while he’s visibly in distress which is pretty messed up. The joke is obviously meant to be look how funny autism is. They don’t treat him with compassion just because the show uses an autism coded character as its court jester. Also the “laughing it off” is the bullying. Like most people will tell you it hurts when someone makes fun of you. They aren’t laughing with him, they’re laughing at him. That’s the problem.
@@spicebaybee obviously that's not what I meant I have a close relative who's suspected to be autistic as well and their behavior isn't quirky at all its a spectrum everyone is different sometimes things need to be taken On a lighter note sometimes not as a sensible person everyone can differentiate as to how to be respectful and accepting in each unique situation, may be this is why they didn't actually accept that Sheldon was infact autistic I still find him entertaining and there's no disrespect to that sorry if my msg went the wrong that wasn't the intention my point is they're as Much a part of society as everyone else we all quirky in our own ways I hate it when certain behaviors are stereotypically associated with autism we all have our struggles our weaknesses and strengths we also have our own challenges and almost every child has some form and degree of challenging behavior so why Is only autism frowned upon?
Always remember we must repent of our sins (sin is transgression The Law Of Yahuah The Father in Heaven. The Law are The Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy). We must repent of our sins and Have Belief On Yahusha The Messiah. HE Died and Rose three days later so that we can be forgiven of our sins!
Come to HIM🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
i love being autistic my own head is always enough entertainment for me