Forrest Gump is a classic American movie that has been enjoyed by millions of people since its release in 1994.
The movie tells the story of Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ who goes on to achieve great things despite the challenges he faces.
Forrest exhibits some social challenges and fixations, could it be that he has autism?
Forrest Gump Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and behavior.
It is a spectrum disorder, which means that it can manifest in a variety of ways and to varying degrees.
Common symptoms of autism include difficulty with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.
Forrest Gump: An American Classic
Forrest Gump is a beloved character that was brought to life in a movie with the same name.
The movie was released in 1994 and became an instant classic, loved by millions of people around the world.
The story follows Forrest’s journey from his childhood all the way to adulthood, portraying his life experiences during some of the most significant events in American history.
Forrest's Challenges
Forrest is a unique character who faces many challenges throughout the movie.
In the story, he is diagnosed as having a low IQ and suffers from physical disabilities as a child.
Despite his challenges, he manages to accomplish great things.
Forrest was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Vietnam War.
He became a successful businessman in the shrimping industry, successfully founding his own company.
while it is impossible to know for sure whether or not Forrest Gump has autism, there are many behaviors that he exhibits that are symptomatic of the disorder
He was a championship-winning college football player and a skilled ping-pong player, competing internationally.
However, it’s not just Forrest’s accomplishments that make him such a beloved character.
It’s also his kind heart and unwavering loyalty to his friends and loved ones.
He helps those around him without expecting anything in return and always stays true to his values.
The movie is based on a book with the same title, written by Winston Groom.
The book was published in 1986.
The movie adaptation remained faithful to the book’s main storyline but made some changes to the characters and plot to better suit the big screen.
Both the movie and book, titled “Forrest Gump,” are narrated by Forrest himself, which helps us understand how he perceives the world around him.
his kind heart and unwavering loyalty to his friends and loved ones make him such a beloved character
When the book “Forrest Gump” was written in 1986, the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was still in its early stages.
This has led many movie watchers to speculate whether Forrest’s character displays traits of autism.
There are certainly similarities between Forrest’s behavior and some of the characteristics associated with ASD, such as a preference for routines, difficulty with social interactions, and an intense focus on specific interests.
Did Forrest Have Autism?
There has been much debate over whether Forrest Gump has autism.
It is never explicitly stated in the movie or book that Forrest Gump has autism.
While the movie itself doesn’t provide a concrete diagnosis for Forrest’s condition, the character displays traits suggestive of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
For example, Forrest struggles with social interaction and has trouble with sarcasm and irony.
Forrest tends to repeat certain behaviors, like running and listening to the same song over and over again.
He also has a tough time making friends his own age and can be a bit awkward in social situations.
Plus, he didn’t start talking until later than most kids.
they concluded that Forrest fulfills the diagnostic requirements for autistic disorder
To add more support to this idea, two Japanese doctors, Shinji Ijichi, M.D., and Naomi Ijichi, M.D., analyzed the character in 1996 based on information from both the film and the original book.
Using the criteria for autism laid out in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), they concluded that Forrest fulfills the diagnostic requirements for autistic disorder.
While it is impossible to know for sure whether or not Forrest Gump has autism, it is clear that he exhibits many behaviors that are symptomatic of the disorder.
This has led many people to speculate that he does have autism, even if it is never explicitly stated in the movie.
Is Forrest Gump a True Story?
Forrest Gump is not a true story, but it is based on real events.
The movie takes place during some of the most significant events in American history, including the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
Forrest is a fictional character that the writer chose to add into real events and meet interesting celebrities from US culture.
Forrest meets US presidents, music pop stars like Elvis and John Lennon, and finds himself in an unlikely amount of US historic events.
What Disability Does Forrest Gump Have?
In the film, Forrest Gump is depicted as a character with unique challenges and traits, some of which are associated with recognized disabilities.
At a young age, Forrest is diagnosed with a low IQ of 75, which is demonstrated in a scene where his mother is informed by a school official that Forrest falls into the borderline range of intellectual functioning.
This labels him as someone who may struggle with certain cognitive tasks but, as we see in the film, is more than capable in many other areas.
Furthermore, Forrest’s physical disability is also made apparent early in the film.
He may struggle with certain cognitive tasks but, as we see in the film, is more than capable in many other areas
He is shown to have a ‘weak spine’ or what the movie refers to as a crooked back.
This condition requires him to wear leg braces to support his movement.
The iconic scene where he breaks free from these braces, however, underscores Forrest’s determination and his ability to overcome physical obstacles.
While Forrest exhibits behaviors that align with the symptoms of autism, the film never explicitly diagnoses him with the condition.
The brilliance of the character lies in its nuanced portrayal, which challenges audiences to broaden their perceptions about disabilities and neurodivergence.
Forrest Gump’s Impact on Neurodivergent Acceptance
Despite the debates over Forrest’s possible neurodivergence, there’s no denying that the film has significantly impacted the perception and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals.
The movie tells the story of a neurodivergent individual from his point of view.
This can help to promote acceptance and understanding of people with disabilities.
It portrays Forrest as a hero who, despite his challenges, leads a fulfilling life, inspiring others, and leaving a mark on the world around him.
It shows that regardless of cognitive abilities, each individual can live a life of substance and contribute positively to society.
Hearing stories about well known people with autism can help individuals with autism and their families know they are not alone.
Summary
In conclusion, while it is impossible to know for sure whether or not Forrest Gump has autism, there are many behaviors that he exhibits that are symptomatic of the disorder.
Regardless of whether or not he does have autism, however, the movie is an important contribution to neurodivergent acceptance and understanding.
Sources
https://www.apricott.com/resources/what-is-autism
http://www.synapse.ne.jp/shinji/aut/opin/fg.html
