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Post by lovemondays on Nov 16, 2014 6:10:32 GMT
The term 'Autism' was first used in 1911 by a Swiss psychiatrist named Eugene Bleuler, but it seems he used it more to refer to a subgroup of schizophrenics at that time. I love how the writers have been able to maintain William's laser focus on getting what he wants, in sometimes rather ruthless ways, but he can be so sensitive in handling the very vulnerable. IMO it adds to his greatness as a detective and leads to inquiry about his backstory. I'm not sure if William has Asperger's or not. He is so borderline that it doesn't really matter. His lack of social awareness could very easily be the result of his upbringing. I think the level of introversion required for his visions would involve some sort of neurological distortion. (I don't want to call it a malfunction since it's so obviously a benefit for him). Then there is the heavy compartmentalization and some question about whether his reserved character crosses the line into an emotional problem. He also likes to build models, likes to keep everything in order, and has many obsessional habits. But if these things do place him on the "Asperger's Spectrum", he is also capable of growing out of it. Yes to compartmentalization. As to 'growing out of it', it is my experience with Asperger's (and I have a fair bit) that those symptoms tend to become more prominent with age. |
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Post by snacky on Nov 16, 2014 6:17:27 GMT
I think the level of introversion required for his visions would involve some sort of neurological distortion. (I don't want to call it a malfunction since it's so obviously a benefit for him). Then there is the heavy compartmentalization and some question about whether his reserved character crosses the line into an emotional problem. He also likes to build models, likes to keep everything in order, and has many obsessional habits. But if these things do place him on the "Asperger's Spectrum", he is also capable of growing out of it. Yes to compartmentalization. As to 'growing out of it', it is my experience with Asperger's (and I have a fair bit) that those symptoms tend to become more prominent with age. Maybe this is part of American optimism (or the American tendency to create mental illnesses where they don't exist), but there is a sense here that mild Asperger's can be overcome through strong social relationships and behavioral therapy. |
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Post by lovemondays on Nov 16, 2014 6:34:43 GMT
Yes to compartmentalization. As to 'growing out of it', it is my experience with Asperger's (and I have a fair bit) that th ose symptoms tend to become more prominent with age. Maybe this is part of American optimism (or the American tendency to create mental illnesses where they don't exist), but there is a sense here that mild Asperger's can be overcome through strong social relationships and behavioral therapy. Having therapy and support to mitigate the consequences of an issue is not quite the same thing as growing out of it, IMO. Both are extremely helpful particularly if targeted before the age of 5. Unfortunately, the majority of people with Asperger's aren't diagnosed until 10+. I'm not sure about this in the U.S. but in Canada, Asperger's has lost its specific designation and is now classified as the ridiculously broad Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is a backward step because the $$ available to help with therapy are now directed more toward the severely affected. (Best not to get me started...VERY hot button topic for me.) |
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Post by snacky on Nov 16, 2014 6:40:00 GMT
Maybe this is part of American optimism (or the American tendency to create mental illnesses where they don't exist), but there is a sense here that mild Asperger's can be overcome through strong social relationships and behavioral therapy. Having therapy and support to mitigate the consequences of an issue is not quite the same thing as growing out of it, IMO. Both are extremely helpful particularly if targeted before the age of 5. Unfortunately, the majority of people with Asperger's aren't diagnosed until 10+. I'm not sure about this in the U.S. but in Canada, Asperger's has lost its specific designation and is now classified as the ridiculously broad Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is a backward step because the $$ available to help with therapy are now directed more toward the severely affected. (Best not to get me started...VERY hot button topic for me.) Anything to do with the DSM (our diagnostic manual) is fill with just as much baloney and political/resource/funding ramifications here, so I understand what you're saying. But the essence is that MM is Canadian, YB is Canadian, so they would by portraying the "Autism Spectrum" in a Canadian way, and that would not brook any "growing out of it. Is there another diagnosis that you think is closer to YB's portrayal? |
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Post by lovemondays on Nov 16, 2014 6:48:30 GMT
Having therapy and support to mitigate the consequences of an issue is not quite the same thing as growing out of it, IMO. Both are extremely helpful particularly if targeted before the age of 5. Unfortunately, the majority of people with Asperger's aren't diagnosed until 10+. I'm not sure about this in the U.S. but in Canada, Asperger's has lost its specific designation and is now classified as the ridiculously broad Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is a backward step because the $$ available to help with therapy are now directed more toward the severely affected. (Best not to get me started...VERY hot button topic for me.) Anything to do with the DSM (our diagnostic manual) is fill with just as much baloney and political/resource/funding ramifications here, so I understand what you're saying. But the essence is that MM is Canadian, YB is Canadian, so they would by portraying the "Autism Spectrum" in a Canadian way, and that would not brook any "growing out of it. Is there another diagnosis that you think is closer to YB's portrayal? No. I think Yannick has hit the mark really well because William certainly possesses the social awkwardness, laser focus and OCD elements that could fit the diagnosis but he could also just be an introverted nerdy guy. |
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Post by snacky on Nov 16, 2014 6:52:26 GMT
No. I think Yannick has hit the mark really well because William certainly possesses the social awkwardness, laser focus and OCD elements that could fit the diagnosis but he could also just be an introverted nerdy guy. I guess that leads to the question - where is the line between "neural diversity" and diagnosis, and when is diagnosis even necessary. In the US diagnosis is annoyingly political/economic because of the way it's tied to treatment/resources. But if you don't need those resources, then perhaps you're just free to be "neurally diverse" and see if that plays out into being a creative genius. |
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Post by lovemondays on Nov 16, 2014 6:57:23 GMT
No. I think Yannick has hit the mark really well because William certainly possesses the social awkwardness, laser focus and OCD elements that could fit the diagnosis but he could also just be an introverted nerdy guy. I guess that leads to the question - where is the line between "neural diversity" and diagnosis, and when is diagnosis even necessary. In the US diagnosis is annoyingly political/economic because of the way it's tied to treatment/resources. But if you don't need those resources, then perhaps you're just free to be "neurally diverse" and see if that plays out into being a creative genius. That line is very blurry. Mostly diagnosis is based on ratings from parents, teacher and other professionals who see the person interact, or not, with others and how they fit in, or don't, within 'normal' social parameters. If the person is old enough, those ratings are compared to a self report. Often it's the lack of self awareness that is the tipping point. |
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Post by snacky on Nov 16, 2014 6:59:44 GMT
I guess that leads to the question - where is the line between "neural diversity" and diagnosis, and when is diagnosis even necessary. In the US diagnosis is annoyingly political/economic because of the way it's tied to treatment/resources. But if you don't need those resources, then perhaps you're just free to be "neurally diverse" and see if that plays out into being a creative genius. That line is very blurry. Mostly diagnosis is based on ratings from parents, teacher and other professionals who see the person interact, or not, with others and how they fit in, or don't, within 'normal' social parameters. If the person is old enough, those ratings are compared to a self report. Often it's the lack of self awareness that is the tipping point. hmm - since Julia specifically used the term "self-awareness", is that supposed to be a cue? |
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Post by lea on Jul 27, 2015 0:57:36 GMT
Another ep a day! 1. Murdoch is always really great with people like Lydia. I do think it's because he sympathizes with them more so than him having a touch of autism or something of the like. 2. George is definitely detrimental to William solving things so much of the time! Seeing the disturbed dirt on the model was very helpful as well as the fact there were only 7 people in the model. 3. "You and I communicate with eye contact, but Lydia cannot do that." And then that eye contact he gives her right then! That is easily William's best communication tool. 4. LOL William's face drops when Galbraith tells him he was in the parade. He is always so smug when someone is confessing and he has found out he was correct. 5. "That a good description of someone I know." Julia was throwing shade! Too bad William didn't seem to hear what she said  |
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Jan 30, 2013 21:44:55 GMT