Brick Heck, the quirky character from the beloved TV series “The Middle,” has captivated audiences with his unique personality and relatable traits. For viewers familiar with neurodiversity, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Brick often resonates deeply. Interestingly, unlike characters like Shaun Murphy in “The Good Doctor” who receive a specific autism diagnosis, Brick’s character exists in a diagnostic gray area, leading to what we might call a “Brick On The Middle Diagnosis” – an unspoken understanding of neurodivergence without a formal label within the show’s narrative.
This approach, common in television, avoids explicit labels, as discussed in a Cinemablend article concerning “The Big Bang Theory”‘s portrayal of characters with traits associated with autism and OCD. There are valid arguments for and against this. On one hand, depicting characters without labels emphasizes individuality and avoids reducing them to a diagnosis. It allows viewers to connect with characters on a human level, beyond any specific condition. However, the absence of explicit labels can also be a missed opportunity for positive representation. For many, seeing characters explicitly identified as autistic provides role models and fosters a sense of belonging. The downside, of course, is the risk of perpetuating stereotypes if not handled carefully.
Brick embodies several traits often associated with autism. His lack of social awareness, his tendency to whisper to himself, and his intense special interests, particularly in books and obscure facts, are all characteristics that can be relatable to individuals on the autism spectrum. While never officially diagnosed within “The Middle,” Brick has been widely interpreted by viewers and commentators as an autistic-coded character. His portrayal is often presented humorously, with his parents frequently bewildered by his behavior. The only medical condition explicitly mentioned in the show is Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type IV, which the actor Noah Wyle, who plays Brick, also has.
Consider this scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC2VGUVvvAg. In this clip, Brick is single-mindedly focused on his desire for a book about Peru, seemingly oblivious to the social cues around him. When his mother suggests checking online, Brick passionately expresses his need for a physical book, emphasizing the tactile and sensory experience of reading – “you can feel it.” This highlights Brick’s reliance on established routines and familiar methods of information gathering, contrasting with the then-newer concept of readily available online information.
Later in the clip, as Brick discovers the internet’s vast resources, his naivety and unfiltered curiosity are played for comedic effect. However, the humor stems from relatability rather than mockery. Many viewers, especially those with neurodivergent traits, can identify with Brick’s tendency to hyper-focus and delve deeply into topics of interest online. The portrayal of Brick’s internet “binges” on seemingly random subjects resonates with the experience of exploring special interests online, a common behavior for many neurodivergent individuals.
Brick’s character encourages us to reflect on why we readily accept and even appreciate these “quirks” in fictional characters, yet often find them challenging in real life. Traits like intense special interests or repetitive behaviors, such as Brick’s later-season “whoop” tick, are presented as integral parts of his personality. Brick’s evolving quirks, like the “whoop,” demonstrate that these traits can change over time, mirroring the lived experiences of autistic individuals. While some might find his whispering or other repetitive behaviors “annoying,” the show consistently portrays these as inherent aspects of Brick’s character, contributing to his unique identity.
Ultimately, Brick’s appeal lies in his representation of a neurodivergent individual without relying on a formal diagnosis. This “brick on the middle diagnosis” approach broadens the scope of representation, making the character relatable to a wider audience, including those who are neurodivergent but undiagnosed or those who simply recognize and appreciate the diversity of human experience. Brick Heck invites viewers to embrace individuality and reconsider societal norms around “quirks” and neurodiversity.
