Bryan Fuller, the creator, stated he isn’t. Characters speculating on a diagnosis aren’t a diagnosis, nor representation. Plus, Will’s original comment implies the spectrum he’s speaking of is the neurodivergent spectrum (though with a very big misunderstanding on what that even is). The full quote is:
“Where do you fall on the spectrum?”
“My horse is hitched to a post that is closer to Asperger’s and autistics than narcissists and sociopaths”
“But you can empathize with narcissists and sociopaths.”
“I can empathize with anybody. It’s less to do with a personality disorder than an active imagination.”
Which is Will denying that he has any of these conditions, but he’d be closest to autism if anything.
That Tumblr article is really reaching. I don’t think that quote supports the insinuation that Fuller thinks all autistic people are incapable of empathy.
That’s a head canon, unfortunately.
Characters in the show, including Will Graham, all say he is on the spectrum.
Bryan Fuller, the creator, stated he isn’t. Characters speculating on a diagnosis aren’t a diagnosis, nor representation. Plus, Will’s original comment implies the spectrum he’s speaking of is the neurodivergent spectrum (though with a very big misunderstanding on what that even is). The full quote is:
“Where do you fall on the spectrum?”
“My horse is hitched to a post that is closer to Asperger’s and autistics than narcissists and sociopaths”
“But you can empathize with narcissists and sociopaths.”
“I can empathize with anybody. It’s less to do with a personality disorder than an active imagination.”
Which is Will denying that he has any of these conditions, but he’d be closest to autism if anything.
Touche.
That Tumblr article is really reaching. I don’t think that quote supports the insinuation that Fuller thinks all autistic people are incapable of empathy.
I was just looking for a source for the quote, but agreed.