I want to talk about one of my favourite headcanons and I don't have anywhere else to do it, so you can have my ramblings. We all know that Newt Scamander is autistic, but has anyone considered that Theseus might be too? I have.
So, let's talk about autistic Theseus Scamander:
Autism is genetic so it isn't a stretch of the imagination to think that Theseus might also be on the spectrum.
The beautiful thing about the Scamander brothers is that they are both so similar but so different at the same time.
So, his traits:
- Theseus is very, very rigid when it comes to rule-following:
We see this multiple times in the movie franchise. While Newt has a very strong sense of what is right and what is wrong and isn't afraid to go against the 'norm' to do the right thing, Theseus is the complete opposite. He, too, has a strong sense of right and wrong but he finds it very difficult to go against the rules and laws of the Wizarding World.
This was observed in SOD, where he makes a comment about being the 'Head Auror of the Ministry of Magic' when Newt asks him to do something to help the cause (without spoilers).
Theseus knows that what he must do is right and for the good of the Wizarding World but he doesn't overly agree with the way that Newt and Dumbledore go about things (and I bet he's envious of Newt's ability to break the rules so easily).
- Theseus has particular routines and dislikes change:
Another massive trait of autism (for some people) is that they don't like change. Theseus really struggles to adjust to the fact that Leta has gone in SOD, and he really struggles to accept that the Wizarding World is changing. He has a strict routine of going to work as an Auror and then coming home. He clearly struggles with the changes made in SOD where he's got to do other things.
- Theseus doesn't understand social situations and finds it difficult to read emotions and feelings:
We see this in COG when he hugs Newt. Newt is very clearly uncomfortable with the hug and interaction but Theseus doesn't recognise or pick up on this. People have put this down to Theseus being ignorant of Newt's autism, but I feel it's because he struggles to pick up on social cues too.
We also see this in SOD, where he struggles to read what Albus is wanting him to do.
- Impulsivity:
As noted above, Theseus struggles with his emotions. When he is upset, he acts impulsively and doesn't really think about the implications of his actions. A perfect example of this is when Leta is killed. He goes into a whirlwind of anger and upset and lashes out in his own way.
- Theseus struggles with eye contact:
Again, Theseus doesn't struggle in the same way that Newt does - who avoids it as much as he can - but rather the opposite. Theseus uses a little too much at times. We observe this when he is speaking to Newt and Leta. He stares intently at them, which some autistic people do.
It's usually one or the other with people on the Spectrum; too much eye contact or too little. Theseus falls into the former.
- Theseus has a really strong bond with Newt:
Despite their differences, Theseus loves Newt and does everything he can to protect him. He and Newt get on well and communicate with one another in a very unique way. I think this is because they're both on the spectrum. They're siblings, sure, so they're going to argue but the main cause of their disagreements is a lack of understanding about the other's perceptions and opinions.
- *SPOILER FOR SOD* Theseus struggles with his motor skills and co-ordination:
When Newt and Theseus are imitating the movements of the creatures in the German magic prison, Newt comments that Theseus is not doing the correct movements. To which, Theseus states that he is. He doesn't recognise that his movements are wrong because he's focusing solely on the co-ordination.
Autistic people often have issues with their motor abilities, and Dyspraxia is a co-mordible disorder alongside ASD.
I love Theseus Scamander and I love all of his autistic traits. And, as an autistic person that is so, so similar to Newt, it's so nice to have another character to relate to in other ways because I see myself in both of their characteristics.
