This is an interesting and thought provoking read.

A few points of contention.

1. I do think that comedy often deals in stereotypes (of all kinds) for laughs, and I don't necessarily see that as a negative thing. Recently, all the men in Barbie are nitwits, for instance. I think whilst stereotypes have some basis in reality (or they wouldn't be stereotypes) intelligent audiences understand real life is more nuanced. In the case of The Big Bang Theory, it's obvious Sheldon is autistic, regardless of any official diagnosis. And diagnosed or not, autism creates challenges that can lead to comically absurd situations. To say otherwise is dishonest.

2. I say the above as the father of a diagnosed autistic son (now 14) who hates that label (he insists autism doesn't exist, which I don't think is true) and absolutely refuses to play what he calls "the autism card". We're working hard to build his confidence and to encourage him not to descend into self-loathing with his cynicism (or misanthrophy in his view of others with autism challenges), but his struggles aside (some of which are compounded by his age, puberty, etc), his point is simple: Not everyone who is diagnosed with autism necessarily wants to be defined that way. All of which brings me to my next point.

3. Ever since we met, my wife believes I'm on the autism spectrum and has wanted me to be diagnosed. Now, 24 years later, I'm undergoing the process, but I'm deliberately dragging my feet because quite honestly, like my son, I don't want to be defined this way. I value the way my brain works but don't see the need to put a label on it. The difference is that I don't struggle with the self-loathing the way my son does (who views the condition as limiting rather than as a potential strength) and I think that's something he'll grow out of in time.

4. My son has no problem with autism being the subject of jokes. In fact, he makes many such jokes himself. Obviously not all autistic people feel this way, and that's fine. But autistic people aren't a homogenous Borg-like collective who all take offence at autism jokes or being the subject of jokes in a comedy series.

Obviously, society isn't built for the neuro-diverse, so there is no doubt such people have challenges. There should be compassion, understanding, and accomodations made for autistic people, but I confess that I at least have no problem with a series like The Big Bang Theory making Sheldon the object of jokes. It isn't cruel, for one thing. He's an endearing character people like. Just because one derives amusement from his predicaments doesn't mean we don't like him, if you follow me.

Anyway, that's my two pennies worth. As I said, a great article. :)