MovieChat Forums > Firefly (2002) Discussion > Why do people think River is autistic?

Why do people think River is autistic?


Sure, River may have some traits similar to autism but she also has characteristics that are similar to schizophrenia,bipolar, and multiple personality disorder. So why is it that autism is what people think of when they think of River?

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Probably because most people have a simplistic view of mental health issues, thanks in part to simplistic portrayal in TV and film.

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Autism is not one thing. There is a broad autism spectrum that covers a range of disorders.

Please don't call someone a _____tard.

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Probably because of the savant aspect that is associated with autism.

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River is a savant universalis though.

She's good at EVERYTHING.

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