From the blog that brought you this post comes another analysis of one of my favorite autistic characters, Abed Nadir from Community!
Abed’s most ‘obvious’ trait would be his struggles with social interaction, specifically misreading social situations, social confusion and inappropriate social displays.
Abed’s special interests consist of a fascination with TV/Movies. Abed frequently makes pop-culture references and leans on the fourth wall with his mentions of media tropes occurring in various situations the group encounters.
Abed doesn’t stim very often, but when he does it’s usually because he’s anxious. Occasionally he will stim idly or when he’s happy.
Abed’s only prominent displays of echolalia are his repetition of the word “cool”. It has become a sort of catchphrase for him.
Abed tends to shutdown when he is distraught or overwhelmed. He appears nearly catatonic during these shutdowns. The group tends to become concerned that they have ‘broken’ him.
Abed does not like alterations to the group dynamic. He is uncomfortable with alterations to his routine and living space.
Abed’s sensory issues are usually not obvious, although he is almost always wearing clothes that offer maximum comfort, like sneakers, jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, flannels, and cardigans. He apparently experiences auditory sensitivities as well.
Abed will take on different personas depending on the social situation he’s in. He tends to mimic characters from TV/movies.
When Abed is extremely distressed, he tends to whimper quietly or emit a high-pitched shriek.
Difficulty Reading Faces/Body Language
Abed tends to be confused by others’ facial expressions and body language, he often has to outright ask others what they are feeling. His ineptitude in this skill gets him into trouble sometimes.
Abed frequently retreats into fantasy when faced with overwhelming situations in reality. His imaginary scenarios have bordered on psychosis at times.
Abed has manipulated the group on several occasions. He has a strong desire for control and structure, and he will sometimes manipulate his friends for, as he puts it, “ the benefit of the group”. Other times Abed simply does it to create positive results for himself, not realizing or not caring how his actions might upset others.
Abed has shown difficulties with visual thinking, as he struggles to tell time on an analog clock, and has has trouble differentiating left from right.
Gullible/Easily Manipulated
Abed is more gullible in the earlier seasons. He has a weak grasp on the concept of “messing with” someone and tends to take people at their word. Abed’s desire to make his friends happy also means to is easier to take advantage of him, which his friends have done on multiple occasions.
Abed tends to speak in a flat, monotone voice regardless of the emotions he is expressing. He lacks inflection in his speech, and although he does know how to use it, it just doesn’t come naturally to him.
Heightened Self-Awareness
Abed is extremely self-aware, possibly relating to him being genre-savvy. He knows others view him as odd. He is extremely aware of his strengths and flaws, his motives, and the reasons behind the actions of others. Abed has had inner dialogue with himself revealing he’s self-aware even when he appears to be the most out of touch with reality.
There ya go, I love Abed! Such a great representation of an autistic person, and just a fantastic character in general.
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