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nam dosan is autistic and/or neurodivergent coded: a (VERY LONG) thread!
#startup
includes screencaps of examples!
#startup
includes screencaps of examples!
before i start, i just wanna say that as a neurodivergent person, i immediately saw myself in dosan (and a little in dalmi too). to me, he's definitely coded as ND and it is a little sad seeing people criticize him for things that are v often neurodivergent traits.
im not saying that to say u cant dislike dosan, but to be more cognizant of what you are mocking and disliking him for. i also think a lot of his personality is influenced by neurodiversity so i hope it makes ppl understand him better :) alright let's get started.
#1 not getting social conventions, understands world differently
these r partly personality, but also signs of adhd/autism. there r many scenes where he comes off "awkward" or unusual bc he interprets things differently than others. he also views life and thinks scientifically.
these r partly personality, but also signs of adhd/autism. there r many scenes where he comes off "awkward" or unusual bc he interprets things differently than others. he also views life and thinks scientifically.
#2 taking everything literally, not understanding sarcasm
this is a pretty common trait among autistic ppl. it goes along w not understanding social cues. it's a cute quirk, that shows how "scientific" he is, but also a big part of why i personally consider him ND.
this is a pretty common trait among autistic ppl. it goes along w not understanding social cues. it's a cute quirk, that shows how "scientific" he is, but also a big part of why i personally consider him ND.
#3 untraditional socializing, talking style, and mannerisms
i can't really screenshot everytime his body language reminded me of neurodivergency, but it's clear that it's intentional as other characters have noticed it:+
i can't really screenshot everytime his body language reminded me of neurodivergency, but it's clear that it's intentional as other characters have noticed it:+
also, it's shown that the way he socializes has impacted his life; ie. not dating anyone until dalmi or people around him becoming frustrated
#4 extremely intelligent with little to show for it
dont get me wrong, i believe he will succeed! but his story in which he's a supergenius that was still unable to succeed is very relatabe to many autistic/adhd people. we struggle in society for a variety of reasons.
dont get me wrong, i believe he will succeed! but his story in which he's a supergenius that was still unable to succeed is very relatabe to many autistic/adhd people. we struggle in society for a variety of reasons.
#5 lets people win
this is very much relatable to nd ppl, ESPECIALLY those with adhd. often times we are criticized, feel pressure from high expectations, and can't work consistently. as a result many adhd people overcompensate and try to be overachievers+
this is very much relatable to nd ppl, ESPECIALLY those with adhd. often times we are criticized, feel pressure from high expectations, and can't work consistently. as a result many adhd people overcompensate and try to be overachievers+
on the other hand, many of us underachieve because we know we cannot meet expectations or fear rejection. rather than constantly overexert ourselves, we purposely downplay ourselves to keep other's expectations low, so rejection hurts less.
#6 issues dealing with criticism, rejection, disapproval, low self esteem
the treatment adhd/autistic kids receive at home or at school (high expectations, pressure to do well, intense criticism, people disappointed in you, etc)+
the treatment adhd/autistic kids receive at home or at school (high expectations, pressure to do well, intense criticism, people disappointed in you, etc)+
makes them grow up to be very sensitive to disapproval and fearful of rejection.
it's not specifically neurodivergent (although it is commonly referred to as rsd, a "symptom" of adhd), it just makes him even more relatable to us.
it's not specifically neurodivergent (although it is commonly referred to as rsd, a "symptom" of adhd), it just makes him even more relatable to us.
#7 physical contact
dosan is physically affectionate w dalmi, but u can tell both at first with her and others he is a little awkward at initiating touch, especially light touches like with his hands. issues like this r common traits among adhd/autistic ppl
dosan is physically affectionate w dalmi, but u can tell both at first with her and others he is a little awkward at initiating touch, especially light touches like with his hands. issues like this r common traits among adhd/autistic ppl
#8 the validation of his interests by dalmi
in episode 2 dosan is hesitant to talk about AI with dalmi. adhd/autistic ppl often know a lot abt specific topics but are dismissed, or called annoying for info-dumping. he was clearly moved at dalmi's interest in his interests+
in episode 2 dosan is hesitant to talk about AI with dalmi. adhd/autistic ppl often know a lot abt specific topics but are dismissed, or called annoying for info-dumping. he was clearly moved at dalmi's interest in his interests+
as someone with adhd it was relatable and also v comforting to see dalmi talk abt and ask him questions abt a subject shes not used to bc ik how it feels to have ppl not care abt your interests/knowledge.
#9 the "gifted kid" that burned out
this is similar to #4 and #5 but it's just a very common experience of neurodivergent ppl to be considered "gifted" when theyre young, not able to conform to neurotypical society despite their intelligence, then falling behind later in life.
this is similar to #4 and #5 but it's just a very common experience of neurodivergent ppl to be considered "gifted" when theyre young, not able to conform to neurotypical society despite their intelligence, then falling behind later in life.
#10 stimming
everyone stims to a degree, but ive seen dosan do it pretty often on camera. also, responding to stress/anger by stimming (knitting) instead of a "typical" response screamed adhd/autistic to me. he has an untraditional way of self-soothing.+
everyone stims to a degree, but ive seen dosan do it pretty often on camera. also, responding to stress/anger by stimming (knitting) instead of a "typical" response screamed adhd/autistic to me. he has an untraditional way of self-soothing.+
at the bus station, he got down on his knees, bowed his head while sobbing. this could just be melodramatic kdrama stuff, but that is very similar to what i do when im having an (adhd) meltdown. its also not typical to do that in public so to me that had to be a form of stimming.
#11 lots of random knowledge and skills at his disposal
this is a v relatable trait that dosan has. autistic/adhd ppl usually jump from interest to interest (hyperfixation). they get incredibly invested in random topics for absolutely no reason.+
this is a v relatable trait that dosan has. autistic/adhd ppl usually jump from interest to interest (hyperfixation). they get incredibly invested in random topics for absolutely no reason.+
they also get distracted easily and procrastinate by focusing on these interests (like i am now). he's always pulling random facts out of thin air which is part of his nerdy personality but also makes me think he's neurodivergent lol
thats all (for now). i tried to explain everything without writing too much, but if u have any questions or i said smthn wrong/unclearly pls lmk, i am happy to talk more abt this! i might also make a thread of small dalmi moments that give me adhd energy.
overall i hope this thread gave more insight into dosan's character. he means a lot to me as someone w adhd and when you look at him w this pov he becomes even more worthy of appreciation and understanding. ok bye dodal neurodivergent babies i love them sm
adding this to the thread, i was hesitant to include dosan's lack of eye contact first but the fact that the writer literally made that part of his character is crazy!! https://twitter.com/libraskuzy/status/1328547682881769472
to clarify
- im not "diagnosing" him hes fictional. im speaking from experience+prior knowledge
- it's not abt ships
- there's nothing wrong w being ND
- it's not a "theory"
- everything in the thread is stuff i picked up on casually
- stan dosan
- im not "diagnosing" him hes fictional. im speaking from experience+prior knowledge
- it's not abt ships
- there's nothing wrong w being ND
- it's not a "theory"
- everything in the thread is stuff i picked up on casually
- stan dosan
