"Is Etho's Lab Autistic?" - the greatest thread in the history of MCYTblr, locked by a moderator after 12,239 pages of heated debate,
NOT INTENDED to be a diagnostic resource or an "accusation/truthing" of Etho being autistic, but rather comparing autistic criterion as printed in the DSM-5 with various clips and common autistic experiences, since he has many autistic fans who relate to him. Also because it's a little funny and it's always fun to see more Etho clips. Some of these clips may overlap categories.
A: Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction.
Unaware of social conventions or context; makes socially inappropriate comments (especially to strangers)
Bdubs: "One of the first things he said to me... Bdubs, you are always sick. I never get sick."
"I was at the DMV, for like, fifteen minutes."
(Gem: "Sometimes the things that come out of your mouth are... unexpected.") "That's how you get laughs, Gem."
Lack of theory of mind (difficulty or inability to recognise cognitive differences- assumes everyone thinks similarly and will understand any references or explanations made, no matter how particular)
"It's the same noise tigers make when they chuff."
"Feel free to boo if you wish." ("Boo!")
B: Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities.
Idiosyncratic or metaphorical language (language that has meaning only to those familiar with the individual's communication style) (also extends to a very particular or idiosyncratic sense of humour that appeals only to themselves)
"The Office is a good show..."
"Objectify them! Objectify them real good!"
"What's the deal with bathroom... peanuts...?"
"This is probably the greatest story you will ever hear in your lifetime."
"And he's like, Etho, don't go in there."
Echolalia (immediate or delayed repetition of sounds, words or phrases)
"We got go get wool!" (More mature jargoning than echolalia, but still)
Rigid thinking (difficulty or inability to understand humour, irony, or implied meanings)
"That's Not What That Is."
"I don't have social skills, Grian.."
Particular interests, often on unorthodox things or with uncommon levels of intensity
Sourcing exact clips for this one is tricky, but being a Minecraft YouTuber is one of the most autistic things a person can do imo.
Specifically, a redstone Minecraft YouTuber. Who invents stuff like the Nexus.
(On fireworks, something he's made frequent references to and also tried to make as a kid) "I'm like a kid in a candy store right now!"
Anxiety around change/transitional periods
"Whenever I'm recording a new series with a bunch of new people, the stress... I start to feel it in my stomach." (Gem: "Aw, that's anxiety!")
C: Other things I felt were relevant but couldn't decide on a category for
"I used to go out after rainstorms and pick (worms) up..." (Guude: "Would you let them go ever, or-") "No, I usually forgot about 'em... found 'em later all dried up..."
Cleo: "To be fair, Etho never claims he's a grown up, he just sort of.. giggles and runs away."
Hiding in the bathroom at MCC
Mannerisms such as his "sleepy" or monotone voice from earlier years, or "whisper-shouting" rather than actually yelling.
