Sherlock Holmes: World's First Autistic Hero

For years, I've been a fan of the master detective, Sherlock Holmes. From the books and stories to the films and television productions, I love his adventures. And for the last few years, I have been the parent to two Autistic children. So recently, I have been re-reading the stories and watching some of the Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett adventures (leading up to finally seeing the new film this weekend), and suddenly, it hit me like a ton of bricks: Sherlock Holmes was Autistic! I'm sure that if I were a psychiatrist, I could write a facinating, best-selling book on the subject. However, since I'm merely an over-educated working class fellow, you're just getting a blog. Somehow, dear reader, I know you'll get over it.

Now, perhaps I misspoke. Holmes was either a very high-functioning Autistic or at the very least fell somewhere in the Autism Spectrum, possibly having Asperger's or a similiar disorder. Looking at the character in a completely new light after being around my children, I see many similarities. In no way do I make these claims lightly, but with the view of someone who has worked with those affected by this disorder.

First off, Holmes is a savant. His musical talent, his ablity to see things that average observers would overlook, and the way he has a vast amount of knowledge about subjects that interest him, but not have any knowledge of subjects that he deems "unnecessary". In "A Study in Scarlet", Watson informs Holmes that the Earth revolves around the sun, to which Holmes comments that he will immediately try to forget this information. I find a parallel to my children here. My daughter can't remember to bring dishes down from her room or repeat what I've told her two seconds after I've said it, but she can nearly memorize any book about dinosaurs she reads, and can tell you anything about Pokemon you would want to know (or not know, as the case usually is). Mr. Holmes sees the world in a much different way, and has a true sense of right and wrong, which is typical for someone that falls within the Autism Spectrum.

He also is able to look at the most minute detail, and through his own deductive reasoning, can tell more about the object or person than others might be able to. It is this attention to details - no matter how small - that make me think his mind works like that of an Autistic person.

Second, Holmes has an over-active mind. When there is no case to occupy his time, he self-medicates, usually with his seven-percent solution of Cocaine, but was also known to use Morphine. While I don't know many Autistic children that shoot up, it's not too far off from treating them with Ritalin or anti-depressants to calm their thoughts. However, while working a case, his mind is constantly focused on it, allowing nothing else to occupy his thoughts. I see this with my own kids as well as other Autistic people that I have spent time with. They can only focus on the task at hand, and usually get quite upset when that task is disrupted.

In this same way, Watson often mentions that Holmes' housekeeping skills leave much to be desired. Papers are often stacked in disarray, giving the appearance of clutter. But when something is needed out of the disorder, Holmes can find exactly what it is he needs with little searching. As Nietzsche would say, out of his chaos comes order. I am always amazed at the state of my kids' rooms, and how nothing can be found, but my children can usually go right to what it is they are looking for.

And one cannot read the stories without noticing Holmes' anti-social behavior. While he can interact with others, he is very curt, often impolite. While this may be due to a large ego, I think it could also be associated with Autism. He knows "how" to act, but doesn't necessarily execute it in the right way. He also rarely shows emotion, and other times has fits of mania, and wild mood swings, which could be attributed with bi-polar disorder. It is here I would point out that many Autistics are often diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. His relationships are few and far between. His closest friend is Dr. John Watson, whom he has deep feelings for and is loyal to a fault to, but still insults him often, not thinking about the other's feelings. And his one and only love, Irene Adler, passed away, and he never found another woman that he felt was a worthy match for him. Perhaps he is incapable of true love as most know it, much like someone with Autism. It's not that they don't want someone in their lives or can't love, they just can't love like the average person.

Watson also goes into detail throughout the stories about Holmes' hygene. While he leaves his apartment in a shambles, he himself has a "cat-like" love of personal cleanliness. He is always clean shaven, and well-groomed. I can only think of my son, who would take four or five baths a day if he were allowed.

I feel that the evidence is there in the stories. Sherlock Holmes, in my humble opinion, falls somewhere in the Autism Spectrum. And I couldn't be more delighted. Perhaps he can become an inspiration to a new following, adding to the millions who already love his tales.