I have the disability. I read a book on the subject manner. There are cases of people with AS that don't have all the traits that another person would have. For instance, a friend of mine who always has it, doesn't prefer things done a certain way. He's either overcome that or has never gotten it. On the other hand, like me, we both get worked up if something is missing and throw a tempter.

Sheldon has Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, not Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Asperger's. I think some people are seeing a hero on TV in Sheldon because they feel so unrepresented, misunderstood, and marginalized. He is a great character, and well written if so many people can identify with him. Unfortunately, so many symptoms of numerous disorders and diseases are so strikingly similar it is shades of grey and personal circumstance to really diagnose. At, best, we're all just guessing. Hasn't Sheldon, himself, pointed out many times that he's not crazy, his mother had him tested? =)

Yes..he acts just like my aspies son.....TO THE TEA!!

I just found this while looking for characters with Asperger’s for a paper. Anyway, I think Sheldon has Asperger's while my husband isn't sure. We see different "quirks" that Sheldon has and our son has, who does have Asperger's. Not only Sheldon, but don't forget Jerry from "Boston Legal" or Max from "Parenthood." I think it is great characters are being portrayed having Asperger's. Maybe people will stop thinking my son is just being belligerent if they see these shows and learn this is how he is. There aren’t medications to help like with ADHD, so stop trying to change him. In time he may “act better” but don’t think it is going to happen overnight... if at all.

Hi Joel:
I just came across this comment: I came to the same conclusion a few weeks ago: I've listed Sheldon and other characters I feel have AS at aspiesontv.blogspot.com

I'm 47 and have been married 15 years. When my husband discovered this show, he laughed his head off and bought the series because I'm a female Sheldon, complete with my own spot on the couch. I'm a little more socially aware, but it didn't come naturally, I had to learn it. Yes, I have Asperger's. I suspect Asperger's is actually pretty normal because so many people are quirky like 'us'. I see the argument about it as redundant, and am tired of feeling like a circus freak to the 'normals'. The fact that aspie behavior is funny is a GOOD thing, maybe it'll open a few doors for some of us who aren't tolerated very well or very long, even though we are sincere and mean well ourselves. Sheldon is a blessing to have on tv, and I thank the writers for that.

I believe Sheldon does have AS, whether undiagnosed or not. I agree with whoever said that the writers probably don't want to "label" him to keep their options open, but I think they have an opportunity to show the autism community that someone with AS can become a theoretical physicist and Sheldon can become a good role model for those living with AS, not like others on TV who have been portrayed as a myriad of symptoms.

Yes, I understand this is a comedy & they have to keep it "light", but I think they just need to come right out & say that Sheldon is an Aspie. We all already know it! I knew when he was incapable of understanding irony and was fully convinced when I saw his facination with trains (when playing with that kid and on this week's episode). Come on, just admit it! =)

Hi. I'm a psychiatrist. The way Sheldon behaves and interacts with people would be best explained as Asperger's Disorder. Sheldon is a bit of a caricature of the disorder, but overall it is pretty accurate. His rigidity and obsessional traits (eg. needing to sit on a specific spot on the couch) as well as his lack of interpersonal skills are right on, but a bit more over the top than most of the patients that I've seen.

No, I don't think he has Asperger's -- he's just kind of a caricature of an IT/Science/Geek taken to the extreme level of anal retentiveness for the sake of getting laugh. From what I knew of Asperger's from someone that dated a guy with it, there are also severe mood swings and tantrums which Sheldon hasn't displayed. There's a character on Grey's Anatomy right now with Asperger's, being played by Mary McDonnell, who does have those traits and she doesn't seem like Sheldon at all.

The first time I saw this show, the main thought-train I had was ... That could be MY kid if I hadn't gotten him some help when he was little. My kid is autistic and a super genius and could still be Sheldon in a few more years.