Thread by @JHMarble

I often joke that “comedians are their own neurotype.”

The truth is that many are autistic, but probably don’t know. In her new @netflix special #Douglas, @Hannahgadsby makes her autism central. I hope it helps many folks recognize & accept themselves.

Cc: @BYT #BentzenBall

I Cc’d @BYT #BentzenBall here because I’ve been fortunate to meet and hang out with many comics because of it.

It’s there I noticed that many (most?) comics are not neurotypical. So many have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, depression, bipolar, or other traits. That’s a good thing...

I’ve noticed the best artists (and comics) tend to be some sort of “other” than the mainstream standard in society - an immigrant, gay, a person of color, a woman working in a male-dominated medium, etc. This also includes those who are neurodivergent...

Great art offers a sharp examination and criticism of society. Comedy does the same while making you laugh. So, if something pushes you outside of the mainstream, you’re more apt to see the mainstream for what it really is and then offer critique.

(Wow...that sounds pretentious)

I’m not saying all comics are autistic. What I am saying is that I’ve seen a constant pattern among great comics of being some sort of “other”. As a result, I’ve also seen comedy become a magnet for autistic people - different life experiences drive people to the same place.

So, to end this rambling thought:

I think there are a good number of comics who will watch @Hannahgadsby’s #Douglas, see themselves reflected, and begin to wonder if autism is what drove them to comedy.

That’s a great thing.

❤️♾