Daniel and mental health: Difference between revisions

Daniel is confirmed to be autistic by both his [[Elisabeth Shimer|mother]], and by Daniel himself, on multiple occasions.<ref>[[Spiddlekick Interview]]</ref> Autism, formally classified as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a loosely defined, but interconnected, range of neurological challenges with social interaction and communication.  

His naïveté, poorly developed social skills, and the many [[meltdowns]] Daniel has had are all common symptoms of ASD. In addition, Daniel has been speculated to have sensory issues. He rarely, if ever, [[Hygiene|bathes]], which has some theories to form that Daniel may have hypersensitive issues to bathing— he may be hypersensitive to water running on his skin. In turn, Daniel regularly smells absolutely rancid and has had documented issues with foot fungus, [[Trench Foot|trench foot]], and [[scabies]], which have spawned in more speculations that Daniel may be hypo-sensitive to those areas of his body, and perhaps to smell.

Another, much more dangerous, symptom is his [[Self Harm|self harm]]. Daniel can be seen in several meltdowns hitting himself, punching holes in walls, screaming, wailing, and slamming his head into his hands. This may be his version of saying that he does not like what is going on around him, as that is a common reason people with autism self-harm this way.<ref name=":0">https://autism.org/causes-and-interventions-for-self-injury-in-autism/</ref> Even though this is often a way for people with autism to signal things, it has also been speculated that Daniel does this to garner sympathy. Self harming is, oftentimes, a learned behavior, and Daniel may have self harmed this way when he was younger and gotten the attention he wanted and/or needed, so this is what he has learned; hitting, banging his head, screaming, and various things will get him the attention he wants.<ref name=":0" />