Asperger's Syndrome In The Movie 'Forrest Gump'

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Throughout the movie Forrest Gump, the main character played by Tom Hanks portrays himself as being on the autistic spectrum. From start to finish the movie shows scenes from his childhood all the way through to his adult life. At a movie stand point Forrest has plenty of unintentionally funny commentary along with actions. On the flip side, what is made out to be comical in the movie are actually red flags for a developmental disorder. The combination of his socially awkward characteristics, knowledge, and repetitive behaviors, yet highly functioning led me to his diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome. To begin, from childhood all the way through to adulthood Forrest Gump was rejected by peers for his lack of social abilities. This was an automatic red flag, difficulty in social situations throughout his life was a major component to this disorder. As a child Forrest was bullied by other peers because of his lack of social skills, unless it was him rambling on about his life and his “momma”. As Forrest grew older he never gained the insight of what was …show more content…

In Forrest’s case, he attended the University of Alabama and played football there as well. It is more common than not that an individual excels within the classroom but not socially. Along with that many people with Asperger’s perform repetitive movements or words. Forrest repetitively talks about his “momma”, what she has told him and experiences with her. As far as repetitive movements, Forrest is notorious for running; the famous quote “Run Forrest Run”. The quote started when Jenny was telling him to run away from the boys throwing dirt at him in elementary school. From that moment on Forrest says that he never stopped running, this being his repetitive movement. While playing football at Alabama “Run Forrest Run” was still in full effect, and if he was not told “Stop Forrest Stop” he would continue to run out of the football

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