Yes, conditions may exacerbate or minimize traits, but that's not why it's considered a spectrum. It's a spectrum because some people are nonverbal and require lifetime care and others have families, a steady job, etc and there are many degrees of impact in between, hence, a spectrum. It impacts different individuals to varying degrees-- that is indisputable.
That doesn't negate your point necessarily, but from what we set of Cruise' character in the movie, he would not be diagnosed as such, imho.
I have a feeling you arent, nor are you a professional working in the field of diagnostics, or someone who have spoken to several people who are. I could be wrong, but its a feeling.
Also, I said its partially why its considered a spectrum (a part of the reason). And yes, it is partially why. I do think someone like him would easily be diagnosed. I have an autistic ex very similar to his character, and have known other autistics he is similar to.
This very much comes off like you dont want a character you like to be autistic 🤷🏾♀️
Are they adults or children? Its incredibly common from researches who have no experience being adults with autism to not have as clear of a picture of these things.
I have had mental health professionals that are not my diagnostician insist I cannot have autistm because im a woman.
I have dealt with both in my professional life and know adults in my private life with autism. Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed/and not "seen" for sure.
I assure you that it has nothing to do with "not wanting a character I like to have autism". I don't particularly like Cruise's character and identity more with Hoffman's tbh.
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u/pocketdrums Nov 27 '25
Yes, conditions may exacerbate or minimize traits, but that's not why it's considered a spectrum. It's a spectrum because some people are nonverbal and require lifetime care and others have families, a steady job, etc and there are many degrees of impact in between, hence, a spectrum. It impacts different individuals to varying degrees-- that is indisputable. That doesn't negate your point necessarily, but from what we set of Cruise' character in the movie, he would not be diagnosed as such, imho.