Rory Gilmore.. Neurodivergent?

Disclaimer: This is merely a fun exercise for entertainment and for those of us seeking media to identify with rather than an attempt to diagnose a fictional character. On a show that specializes in manipulation and resistances, and consistently portrays them reasonably, its worth an examination, but just for entertainment and identification.

"Gilmore Girls" offers another example of how neurodivergent individuals can be vulnerable to manipulation and mistreatment in social situations. When talking about GG and ASD, we can start with well.. ASP..

In the show's sixth season, Rory Gilmore, a highly intelligent and driven young woman who also exhibits many traits associated with neurodivergence, finds herself the target of manipulation by her new boss, Mitchum Huntzberger.

The ableism inherent in the way fans turn on Rory when she displays the less socially acceptable aspects of autism is a sad but realistic reflection of the way society often stigmatizes and marginalizes neurodivergent individuals. The narrative's rewriting of Rory as a spoiled and entitled millennial brat fails to account for the very real challenges that autistic individuals face in navigating the post-college world. Rory's struggles to adapt to life outside of the structured environment of academia are a common experience for many autistic individuals. The loss of the predictable routines and clear expectations of school can be disorienting and overwhelming, leading to the kind of instability and aimlessness that Rory exhibits in later periods.

Rory's small town nurtures her self-centeredness, leading her to assume others will agree with her perspectives. Growing up with the privilege and legacy of the Gilmores, she is unprepared for Marty's rejection which systematically devastated her established worldview and concept of self. As someone who has experienced similar recently, I can say even Paris wouldn’t wish it on her worst enemy on her list. This disruption peels back Rory’s façade, ultimately leading to the incident where she hijacks a boat. (I must add that Logan is coming off better than Michael in Arrested Development but that lens of self-involvement is at play).

Rory's choices, including her reckless involvement with the married Dean and the unpredictable Logan, are seen as her downfall by many fans, yet these actions are quintessentially aligned with the college age autistic experience, on a much less grand scale. Given Rory’s ability to spar verbally with her mother Lorelai, it's no surprise that many autistic fans see themselves in her. Rory’s intelligence mirrors her mother's but diverges into her own realm of interest: books. Every ADHD baddie needs their ride or die Aspie.

Mitchum's Manipulation and Gaslighting: When Rory begins working as an intern at a newspaper owned by Mitchum Huntzberger, she is initially thrilled at the opportunity to learn from a respected figure in the journalism world. However, Mitchum quickly begins to undermine Rory's confidence and sense of self-worth through a series of manipulative and gaslighting tactics.

Mitchum's decision to tell Rory that she "doesn't have what it takes" to be a journalist, despite her evident talent and dedication, is a cruel and calculated move designed to shatter her self-esteem and make her question her own abilities. This kind of psychological manipulation is particularly harmful to neurodivergent individuals, who may already struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

The Impact of Mistreatment on Mental Health: The consequences of Mitchum's manipulation are severe and far-reaching. Rory, who has always prided herself on her academic and professional achievements, is left reeling from the blow to her self-esteem. She begins to doubt her own abilities and loses sight of her goals and aspirations, ultimately deciding to leave Yale and abandon her journalism dreams.

The Importance of Support and Empowerment: Rory's experience with Mitchum Huntzberger highlights the crucial importance of support, validation, and empowerment for neurodivergent individuals navigating complex social and professional environments. It is essential that those in positions of authority, whether in the workplace, educational settings, or online communities, actively work to create inclusive and supportive spaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.

Also by the way, Lorelai's rapid speech, struggles with executive function, and aversion to stability as hallmark traits of ADHD is astute. Her quick wit and intelligence are often misunderstood by her bougie parents, who see her as immature and unsuitable for the fancy-schmancy world of Hartford high society. Growing up in a stifling environment that demanded perfection and conformity must have been a nightmare for a young girl with ADHD. Lorelai's Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is also on full display throughout the series, as she consistently claps back at the expectations of others, especially her parents.