NEURODIVERSITY REPRESENTATION IN THE MEDIA THURSDAY: Newt Scamander

 

"My philosophy is if you worry, you suffer twice," genius words spoken by the character Newt Scamander from the Fantastic Beasts Harry Potter prequels.  This week, I chose to discuss Newt Scamander, my fellow Hufflepuff.  If you're never seen the Fantastic Beasts films: as a Potterhead, shame on you! If you're not a Potterhead (fan of the Harry Potter films), then know that there are 3 films in the franchise to the prequels.  They're supposed to take place in the 1920s.  They're about the journey of a British magi-zoologist and his new friends from New York City.  One being a muggle/no-maj (non-wizard).  If you HAVE seen the Fantastic Beasts films, you might be able to point out that Newt falls under the neurodivergent category, especially autism.

When you're on the autism spectrum and you also have ADHD, you feel like you annoy people.  One of the lines Newt says to Jacob Kowalski (a No-Maj baker who befriends and joins Newt on the adventures throughout the films) is "I annoy people".  If you are neurodivergent, you can 100% relate to this line.  I know I do.  When I'm hyper or clueless, sometimes I unintentionally annoy people and it sucks.  When I first saw the first movie back in 2016 (before I knew I had autism), I thought "OMG! I can 100% relate to him.  He's socially awkward and adorable".  Now, it all makes sense why I relate to his quirky mannerisms, lovable personality, lack of a social filter, and fixation on "strange" things. 

Actor Eddie Redmayne who portrayed Newt Scamander has confir

med that he feels Newt is on the autism spectrum (he referred to it as Aspergers, but we all know how touchy I am with that lingo).  However, author J.K. Rowling hasn't confirmed or denied Scamander's diagnosis.  Redmayne has suggested that Newt is at the very least neurodivergent coded.  When I read this, it made me happy.

TraitOn‑screen ExampleNeurodivergent Connection
Avoids eye contactShifts his gaze away when talking to Tina or Jacob; particularly noticeable in the Hogwarts flashback with Leta—Newt "can’t even look Leta in the eye." (tumblr.com)Discomfort with direct eye contact is a common ASD trait.
Social awkwardness / misses cuesStruggles with small talk (e.g., hanging up on Jacob, odd comments about seekers vs. chasers, commenting on mustard on Tina).Difficulty detecting/replying to social expectations or unwritten norms.
Special interest in beastsExhibits encyclopedic knowledge of magical creatures, performs mating dance for Erumpent, tucks Bowtruckle into his coat for warmth.Hyperfocus or “special interests” are typical in neurodivergent profiles.
Strong empathy toward animalsBears immediate concern when creatures are threatened—calms Erumpent, mourns injured beasts, feels what they feel.Heightened emotional attunement to animals—mirrors emotional sensitivity seen in neurodivergence.
Sensory sensitivityReacts noticeably to loud noises (wand crack snap) and seems uncomfortable with hugs (e.g., from Theseus, Tina).Sensory aversion to sound and touch is frequent in ASD individuals.
Repetitive self‑soothingOften seen rocking, fidgeting with coat sleeves or wand during conversations or anxious moments.Self‑stimulatory behaviors (“stimming”) like rocking or fidgeting are common in ASD.
Literal/odd speechDescribes Tina's romantic interest in literal, creature-based terms ("like a salamander's eyes"); calls mustard-on-face commentary.Direct/literal communication style and quirky metaphors/no-filter remarks are familiar in ASD.
Rigid routines / executive challengesHas meticulously organized routines (caring for suitcase creatures) but difficulty with mundane tasks—forgetting travel papers or obliviate Jacob twice.Preference for structured routines; struggles with planning/executive
decision-making.


What is your favorite Newt moment?  Do you agree he's autistic?


If you liked this blog post, PLEASE comment down below what your favorite part was, share with your friends and family, etc.  Have any comments, questions, etc. about what you were reading? Reach out to me by messaging me on Instagram or TikTok @neurospicyblondie or email me  alyssa.onthespectrum@gmail.com.  


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