>>213369597
Almost certain that was just the character recognising that he had the 'tism, in a world prior to any official recognition of it as a psychological condition. The film of course plays up Reed's muted demonstrative emotional response to crises and overreliance on science and data to draw conclusions.
The biographies of scientists prior to the 60's, that obviously inspired the likes of Reed Richards and Dr Doom, often related strange and eccentric character traits and habits. These guys were probably somehow 'aware' that there was something just a bit off about their own psyche and character, but had no formal means of diagnosing it.
It really makes you wonder whether the formal diagnosis of autism might have an adverse effect. A self-prophetical aspect that encourages young minds to simply accept they're fundamentally and irreparably different, and worse, afforded a special liberty to do stupid shit like obsess over Sonic the Hedgehog. Rather than simply coping and blending in to the best of their ability, while using their autistic powers for good.
Obviously the most deranged spazlords would still be locked away in sanitariums, but there was clearly a gap, now recognised as the spectrum, where slightly offbeat individuals could thrive and fill in niches. Now they type in autism on google and see Sheldon and Chris Chan, and before you know it, they have to collect every piece of Goofy memorabilia for their Goofemporium because they just have to.
