Charlie's just fine

[neur0vanity]

I originally started writing this as a response to used_songs's comment, but it got a little long.I don't think that Charlie Eppes has Autism or Asperger's or any other kind of social or developmental disability because he hasn't been portrayed that way. Realistically speaking, I think it's very much a possibility, but that's not the way that DK has

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[sistermagpie]

I agree-it actually seems like the show is making an effort to show Charlie having difficulties associated with him being "normal" growing up. That is, his problems with Dom or socializing etc. weren't because he had any social disorders, exactly, but that being so young and being thrown in with older people was like a disorder in itself. In fact, Charlie seems to also be the kind of genius who's particularly sensitive to emotional things as well as math things. It's not that he never makes mistakes--he does--but rather than missing social cues he often feels them very strongly. (For instance, he didn't need to be told his brother didn't want him along on a camping trip because he was too young, and is able to later identify himself as feeling grateful because Don is letting him hang out with him.)

In general I'd say Charlie seems to be given fairly sophisticated emotional issues to juggle at one time, and I don't know how well he would do that if he also had a disorder that effected that in any way.

[used_songs]

Is it possible to have a genius who isn't fucked up in some way? I think so
I agree 100%. I think it's stereotyping and lazy storytelling when the genius always has to be messed up. I also think you're right that season 3 Charlie is very well-adjusted, working well with a wide variety of people. I do think he has his moments though --- like when the NSA guys accused him of continuing the search for the racing yacht (forgot the ep title- sorry). At that point Charlie just shut down and almost became little-kidlike.

Hmmmm... now, Larry, that's an interesting idea.

[asemic]

He doesn't have higher functioning autism or Asperger's. Asperger's specifically involves more than intense knowledge and interest in obscure fields. There are a number of physical as well as psycho-social traits involved with many people with Asperger's including facial tics, pacing, and a delay of motor functioning. Charlie can play basketball and walk in a straight line without tilting or tripping over his own feet.

My diagnosis: he's sheltered, coddled, and loved by everyone for his Special Talent.

He doesn't have it. If he was meant to have it then it is one hell of a sloppy representation of this disorder. See ReGenesis's Bob Melnikov for the best portrayal of an adult with Asperger's.

[amproof]

The first ep I saw was a rerun of the 2nd ep in season 1 that is all about Charlie, and I remember thinking that Charlie was mildly autistic based on that ep. Since then, I've realized that he isn't, but that ep was capturing him at his least personable (and most vulnerable). LOL I'll admit to being a bit disappointed by Charlie's normalcy. I was all set for network tv to give me a hero with Autism. On the other hand, if Charlie had been autistic, then it really made Don look like an ass for treating Charlie the way he did, assuming Don would have had his whole life to learn how to be around Charlie and that this was a usual way for Charlie to behave, but I suppose it was an aberration caused by his trauma. He does still have tendencies to hide, but we haven't seen him truly hole up since season 1.

[toomuchfandom]

I've recently been tested for Autism/Aspergers, as I seem to be disconnected from the world from time to time and, like Charlie, have things I obsess in and know a lot about. I lack social skills, can't keep a job and didn't finish school, but that was mostly because I lack the social skills.

However, if I have to talk to other people I don't know, I begin to stutter when it's not about a subject I'm comfortable with. But if it's a subject I'm familiar with, am passionate about or when I simply know I'm right, there's a stream of words coming from my mouth that scares me from time to time (and other people for that matter).

Charlie doesn't have any development issues. His obsessiveness, lack of social skills, etc, is who he is. It's how he was formed as a kid, at school and his brilliant brain.

To me, everyone who's brilliant in one way or the other is a bit eccentric.