NEURODIVERSITY REPRESENTATION IN THE MEDIA THURSDAY: Sheldon Cooper

 

BA-ZINGA!!  A popular phrase spoken by the beloved fictional character, Sheldon Cooper from the popular sitcoms The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) and Young Sheldon (2017-2024).  If you've seen Big Bang Theory (2007-2019), Young Sheldon (2017-2024), or even clips from either series, you can sense some autistic traits in Sheldon.

Sheldon Cooper is played by two actors, Iain Armitage in Young Sheldon (2019-2024) and Jim Parsons in Big Bang Theory (2007-2019).  I'll say this, I've seen parts of Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) and all of Young Sheldon (2019-2024).  However, clips of Sheldon Cooper have been around on the internet since Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) started.   When I was watching clips from Big Bang Theory (2007-2019), I would think that Sheldon was a dork and my mom said that he reminded her of my Great Uncle Marlan Scully.  Both are super smart, but socially awkward.  

When I started watching Young Sheldon (2019-2024) in early 2024, I was getting serious about my advocacy journey and it helped me understand why certain people relate to Sheldon so much.  Even from a young age, Sheldon Cooper had a routine with when he was going to the bathroom, when he was going to shower, and how family dinners were every night and his mom would pray before they ate.  There was an episode where Sheldon, in Young Sheldon (2019-2024), tries to stay the night at someone's house and they don't pray.  It throws him off and makes him feel weird.  

The video below is clips from Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) that show how autistic-coded Sheldon is:
     

Core Area Trait Description Examples from the Shows
1. Social Communication Difficulty interpreting tone, sarcasm; takes language very literally Misunderstands jokes or metaphors; responds bluntly or awkwardly; struggles to read facial expressions and body language (trueprogresstherapy.com, behavioraltoday.com)
2. Rigid Routines & Rules Inflexible adherence to schedules, rituals, preferences Always sits in his “spot”; detailed roommate agreement; fixed weekly meals and bathroom schedule (trueprogresstherapy.com, healthwith.com, heyasd.com, Wikipedia)
3. Intense Special Interests Deep, focused interests that dominate conversations Obsessive passion for physics, trains, comic books; frequently info‑dumps on these subjects (Blossom ABA, behavioraltoday.com, Little Champs ABA - ABA Therapy)
4. Sensory Sensitivities Discomfort with certain sensory inputs or physical contact Dislikes hugs, handshakes; distressed by loud noises, certain fabrics and touches (Precious Care ABA, Wikipedia, advancedtherapyclinic.com)
5. Emotional & Empathy Differences Difficulty expressing or recognizing emotions appropriately Appears indifferent; logical rather than emotional in responses; unaware of impact of blunt remarks (Precious Care ABA, Little Champs ABA - ABA Therapy, bluebellaba.com)
6. Emotional Regulation & Anxiety High distress at changes; rituals used for emotional coping Emotional outbursts when routines are disrupted; strict reliance on rituals and patterns (advancedtherapyclinic.com, behavioraltoday.com)

If you've seen Big Bang Theory (2007-2019) and/or Young Sheldon (2017-2024), what is your favorite Sheldon moment?  Comment below!

DISCLAIMER NOTE: SHELDON COOPER ISN'T DIAGNOSED WITH ANY DISABILITY.  THE TRAITS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED IN THIS POST ARE TRAITS THAT MATCH WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING NEURODIVERGENT!  I CANNOT DIAGNOSE SHELDON, BUT I CAN SAY HOW MANY SIMILAR TRAITS HE HAS TO ME AS WELL AS MANY OTHER INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE IN THE NEUROSPICY COMMUNITY!!

 If you liked this blog post, PLEASE comment down below on what your favorite part was, and feel free to share it 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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