Does Brick Actually Have Autism or Not Explained

Brick Heck, a beloved character from the animated television series "The Middle," has been a subject of interest for many fans and autism advocates. The show, which aired from 2009 to 2018, revolves around the Heck family and their everyday lives in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana. Brick, the youngest son, is known for his peculiar behavior, interests, and communication style, which have sparked discussions about his potential autism diagnosis. In this article, we will explore whether Brick actually has autism or not, and what the show's creators and autism experts have to say about it.

The Character of Brick Heck

Brick Heck is voiced by Atticus Shaffer, who brought the character to life with his unique voice and acting style. Brick is a quiet and introverted 9-year-old boy who has a fascination with death, history, and memorization. He often struggles with social interactions and has difficulty understanding sarcasm and figurative language. His communication style is often literal and straightforward, which can lead to humorous and awkward situations.

Bricks’s Behavior and Autism Traits

Brick’s behavior and characteristics have led many fans to speculate about his autism diagnosis. Some of the traits that have sparked this discussion include:

• Social struggles: Brick often has difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations, and he tends to be more comfortable interacting with adults than his peers.
• Literal thinking: Brick's literal interpretation of language and situations can lead to misunderstandings and comedic moments.
• Special interests: Brick's fascination with death, history, and memorization are common special interests associated with autism.
• Repetitive behaviors: Brick sometimes exhibits repetitive behaviors, such as reciting facts or engaging in specific rituals.

While these traits are not exclusive to autism and can be found in individuals without the condition, they are commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The Show’s Creators’ Perspective

In an interview with The A.V. Club, the show’s creator, Eileen Heisler, discussed Brick’s character and his potential autism diagnosis. Heisler stated that while Brick’s behavior was inspired by children with autism, the character was not explicitly written as autistic. However, the show’s writers did consult with autism experts and parents of children with autism to ensure that Brick’s portrayal was respectful and accurate.

Patricia O'Connell, the show's co-creator, also shared her perspective on Brick's character, stating that Brick's autism-like traits were meant to be a part of his charm and uniqueness, rather than a defining characteristic.

Autism Experts’ Perspective

Autism experts and advocates have also weighed in on Brick’s character and his potential autism diagnosis. Dr. Tony Pacitti, a pediatrician and autism specialist, has praised the show for its portrayal of Brick’s character, stating that his behavior and traits are consistent with autism spectrum disorder.

However, other experts have noted that Brick's character does not exhibit all the common traits associated with autism, such as sensory sensitivities or difficulties with executive functioning. Dr. Ari Ne'eman, a autism advocate and expert, has argued that Brick's character is more of a "neurodiverse" character, rather than a specifically autistic one.

In conclusion, while Brick Heck's character exhibits some traits associated with autism, his portrayal is not a definitive representation of the condition. The show's creators aimed to depict a unique and quirky character, rather than a stereotypical autistic one. Ultimately, Brick's character adds to a greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity, and his portrayal has been praised by autism experts and advocates.