The Big Bang Theory Avoided Labeling Sheldon For A Good Reason – Looper

When Freddie Highmore landed the role of Dr. Shawn Murphy on “The Good Doctor,” he told the Times of India that a lot research was conducted. He wanted to ensure his portrayal of an individual on the spectrum was — and continues to be — as authentic and respectful as possible.

While Chuck Lorre appreciates the work that goes into bringing an autistic character like Shawn to life on-screen, it was also something he wanted to avoid with Sheldon. In “The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series,” he said, “We did not want to put a label on Sheldon … I think not having a label gave Jim [Parsons] a great deal of more freedom to play the part as he wanted to play it, as opposed to how we might have been pressured to do for a very-real syndrome that can be difficult.”

Thanks to this freedom, a number of memorable Sheldon moments are able to take place that would’ve been out of character if he was on the spectrum. A prime example is Penny (Kaley Cuoco) rubbing Vaseline on his chest while singing “Soft Kitty.” Autistic individuals often have a high sensitivity to touch, so having someone he just met in such close proximity wouldn’t be realistic.

Amy Farrah Fowler actress Mayim Bialik, a neuroscientist, weighed in on the situation during an interview with Radio Times. In her opinion, a label isn’t needed, even if Sheldon is showing strong signs of being on the spectrum. “I think what’s interesting and kind of sweet and what should not be lost on people is we don’t pathologize our characters. We don’t talk about medicating them or even really changing them.”