Well.. it IS Great Britain, which is still a classed society in some respects. Here in the US, we wouldn't jump to that conclusion, but if you live in a society that traditionally recognizes classes by birthright and someone educated uses the word "common" in reference to you, I think you very well might take it the way the parents did.   See 3 other replies

I have found out that many people don't know that are multiple meanings to the word "common". The doctor, of course, meant that it happens frequently, but some people will only know "Common", a place; "common" an adjective meaning lower class; "common" shared, or automatically assume one or the other. This is so much the case that I avoid the word when I teach adults, or I make it a lesson in a new meaning for the word.It always puzzles me because it's such a common word. I agree that the scene does seem forced though.   See 3 other replies

The labeling helps when it gives folks perspective on themselves and others. Asperger's is currently diagnosed based on 6 or more hours of observation/tests, etc., so it is based on what is observed from outside the person, not based on what causes the differences. This being said it is pretty clear that the brains of people identified as having this syndrome have striking similarities, and there appears to be progress in diagnosing it in the very young with MRI. Doing this is useful because it changes how children with Asperger's are treated. Kids with Asperger's are generally not very responsive to normal limit setting methods. If one were to consider that the character Martin does have Asperger's, and accept that his parents use the techniques that Martin mentions, then you can rest assured Martin probably spent a long time with a sore body locked in a cupboard. It is also quite likely that most of the time he had no idea the reason he was there, or that he had a very distorted understanding of it. Being socially inept is a crippling symptom of the Asperger's, but it is not the whole of the problem. There are sensory issues and a need for sameness. There is a tendency to obsess and go round in circles without acting. There is having a brain that just can't stop analyzing.   See 11 other replies

You're totally right, but usually when someone takes offense to something you've said, you (a) realize it, (b) say something ameliorating and (c) take care not to do it again...What's funny is that he does none of these things :) I don't think they are relaxed and happy. I think they are accustomed to their lives and Doc Martin is definitely not something they are accustomed to!   See 3 other replies

interesting & useful -- thanks for sharing this!   See 11 other replies

I can not imagine that there are two many people in the field who would rule on that he belongs somewhere on the autistic spectrum. He meets all of the criteria guidelines for having Asperger's Syndrome in the DSM. But this is a cuter check list that makes it pretty plain. It is meant for self evaluation, which can be the first step in diagnosis, answering yes to 5 or more indicates a complete evaluation is reasonable.I find social situations confusing.
I find it hard to make small talk.
I did not enjoy imaginative story-writing at school.
I am good at picking up details and facts.
I find it hard to work out what other people are thinking and feeling.
I can focus on certain things for very long periods.
People often say I was rude even when this was not intended.
I have unusually strong, narrow interests.
I do certain things in an inflexible, repetitive way.
I have always had difficulty making friends.How children are raised is important but it is likely not the whole story.   See 11 other replies