Does Lion El'Jonsson have Asperger's Syndrome?

[Wildeybeast]

OP is right, the Lion sucks at reading people and playing well with others. It's possible to chalk it up to a rough childhood, but for a guy that can, in his own words, perform hyperspace calculations in his head, he ought to be genius enough to figure how to read people. Case in point, he handed over those super seige engines to Perturabo as he lied straight to the Lion. He really lacked in this regard.

Not sure we can blame him for the tank one. Vulcan, Corax and Ferrus didn't spot it until said tanks were blowing their legions to smithereens.

[Stephen Wood]

Can't see the point of this post.
The authors title. Lack of knowledge of the
Disorder and tact has left a very distasteful taste in my mouth.

Really think Bols have dropped the ball publishing it
And the negative comments coming in aren't good for
Anyone.

[Resinpants]

As the OP, the point of the post is in discussing the motivations and thoughts behind these characters. I was simply hypothesising a point of view. I was a teacher in an SEN school (Special Educational Needs) and came across pupils with a wide range of conditions. Autism, as many have observed is measured on a spectrum, and as such can be difficult to diagnose. Postulating such speculation invites comment from others, some who agree, others who don't, some of whom will have more experience than me.

On the subject of those who agree or disagree, I didn't set up the poll, if I had, I wouldn't have used the phrase "wrong with his noggin"!

It's disappointing to read many of the comments, because where some of us use the words "Asperger's" and "Autism", others see "retard" and "*******". I have been accused of missing the point, but being abusive goes far wider of the mark. Mental Health awareness is increasingly important, and discussions surrounding them should not be taboo. Why shouldn't fictional characters have mental health issues?

I thought that the "Tarzan"argument wasnt sufficient. So I put forward another idea. There is some sound opposition, and that's fine, perhaps the answer is "No"! I thought that a Forum was a setting for people to air their views, and spark debate, that's the point isn't it?

[Psychosplodge]

Most of the regulars will happily debate anything with you without resorting to abuse. regardless of if they agree with you or not.

[iamian]

well, OP, I have aspergers/autism, and am not offended... in fact anyone offended on my behalf is offensive.

[ElectricPaladin]

well, OP, I have aspergers/autism, and am not offended... in fact anyone offended on my behalf is offensive.

[Resinpants]

Thanks! I guess some people are just rude! I was tempted to say how offended I was by their rudeness but I think I'll just drop it.....

[Resinpants]

as someone with Aspergers/Autism I would say probably, though he could just be an antisocial dick.

Maybe so! He could have inherited that from the Emperor too! The Emperor's not exactly a "people person" is he? If you have contrary opinions or aren't a human you're kinda screwed!

[Aspire to Glory]

I believe that ALL of the primarchs had trouble relating to others in one way or another. They were weapons, forged for leading the deadliest warriors in history. Even charismatic ones like Horus and Sanguinius were prone to throwing childlike hissy fits. They weren't made to have a great deal of empathy.

I mostly blame The Lion's reputation on extremely poor writing. ADB actually made him pretty awesome, and at the same time dispelled the unfounded theory that El'Johnson was waiting to join the fight until a victor was likely.

[Kovnik Obama]

To OP : No. A Primarch's brain isn't a human brain, therefore it cannot have a specifically human disorder. Furthermore, a Primarch's brain is designed, as opposed to evolved. What would appear to us to be a pervasive disorder could be the intended result.

In any cases, Asperger's core features also includes stereotyped and repetitive motor behaviours, as well as the inability to harmonize interests and information gathering (Asperger's will often memorize ridiculously large amounts of data about things they do not care at all about, and can't stop themselves). Obviously, these aspects of Aspergers would be highly detrimental to any strategos.