The question of whether Patrick Bateman, the infamous protagonist of Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho, is autistic has sparked considerable debate among readers and filmgoers. While the novel and film never explicitly diagnose him with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), certain aspects of his behavior, personality, and interactions align with some characteristics associated with autism, prompting this ongoing discussion. This exploration will delve into the arguments both for and against this interpretation, acknowledging the complexities of diagnosing a fictional character.
Arguments Suggesting Autistic Traits in Patrick Bateman
Several facets of Bateman's personality and actions could be interpreted as indicative of autistic traits. Crucially, it's important to remember that these are potential interpretations, not definitive diagnoses.
Repetitive Behaviors and Routines:
Bateman's meticulous attention to detail, his obsession with maintaining a perfectly ordered and controlled environment, and his rigidly structured daily routines are all reminiscent of repetitive behaviors often observed in individuals with autism. His precise descriptions of his physical appearance, his meticulous business card comparisons, and his adherence to specific exercise and grooming rituals all point to this potential.
Social Deficits and Communication Challenges:
Bateman's interactions with others frequently demonstrate a lack of empathy, difficulty understanding social cues, and a stilted, almost robotic manner of speaking. He struggles to form genuine connections, often engaging in superficial conversations and failing to grasp the emotional nuances of social situations. His inability to appropriately respond to emotional cues or build meaningful relationships could be seen as a manifestation of social communication difficulties common in autism.
Sensory Sensitivities:
While not explicitly detailed, some interpretations suggest Bateman might experience sensory sensitivities. His intense reactions to certain sights, sounds, or textures could be viewed as a possible indicator of sensory overload or heightened sensory perception, frequently experienced by those on the autism spectrum. The novel’s focus on his detailed descriptions of textures and materials could be interpreted as a sign of heightened sensory focus.
Arguments Against an Autistic Interpretation of Patrick Bateman
It's equally crucial to consider arguments against the diagnosis. Assigning a diagnosis to a fictional character is inherently problematic, and doing so without thorough clinical assessment is inaccurate and potentially harmful.
The Predominance of Psychopathy:
The most compelling argument against Bateman's autism is the overwhelming evidence of his psychopathy. His extreme violence, lack of remorse, manipulative behavior, and superficial charm are far more consistent with the characteristics of psychopathy than autism. These traits significantly overshadow any potential autistic tendencies.
The Unreliability of the Narrator:
The novel is told from Bateman's unreliable perspective, making it challenging to determine the true nature of his experiences and actions. His narration is often self-serving, distorted, and exaggerated, making any interpretation open to significant doubt. We cannot trust his self-perception, and therefore, any interpretation of his behaviors should be treated with caution.
Overlapping Symptoms:
Some traits attributed to autism can also be symptoms of other mental health disorders, including antisocial personality disorder (psychopathy). The overlapping symptoms make assigning a definitive diagnosis based on observations alone highly speculative.
Conclusion: A Complex Character Beyond Simple Diagnosis
Ultimately, whether or not Patrick Bateman is autistic remains a matter of interpretation and debate. While certain aspects of his behavior resonate with some autistic traits, the overwhelming evidence points towards a primary diagnosis of psychopathy. Attempting to diagnose a fictional character is a complex undertaking, prone to misinterpretation and potentially perpetuating harmful stereotypes about both autism and psychopathy. It is more productive to analyze Bateman’s character within the context of the narrative and its exploration of sociopathy and the anxieties of late-capitalism, rather than reducing him to a single diagnostic label.
