Autism in the ranks of G.I. JOE

Introduction

In 2009 Hasbro released a brand new action figure as part of the G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra toy line. Agent Helix was a totally new character, and she would go on to appear in both the tie-in video game for the movie, as well as the comic series.

Everything about Helix is shrouded in secrecy, except for her skills. You always find her working alone, often on some covert mission for General Hawk.

It doesn’t matter what the mission profile, Helix is adept with both edged weapons, as well as firearms. She is an expert marksman, and martial artist. Though no one is invincible or unbeatable, Helix can take care of most problems on her own.

The other unique skill that makes her a savant is the fact that she can analyze an enemy, and instantly pick their strategy apart. It’s referred to as total organic battlefield awareness, and to date she’s the only known person with this ability.

All of these abilities and skills make Helix as deadly as she is beautiful, however she isn’t without her own Achilles heel. There’s a reason that she carries these gifts, and one for which she has endured ostracism and rejection.

Hidden wounds

Helix is neurodivergent, or in simplest medical terms, Autistic. It is the bane of her existence, and the weight that she struggles with when alone. She’s extremely capable on the battlefield, while remaining crippled by Autism in society.

Highly intelligent, socially awkward, with her own set of buttons you might unintentionally push. Before her time in G.I. Joe it crippled Helix in every area of her life. Now, she’s found a place that has allowed her to use Autism as an enabler.

Defining Purpose

In my research for this little gem, I consulted with one of the leading experts on Autism in the Carolinas, who has extensive experience in both the U.S. and other nations. I have also consulted with prior service members who are on the spectrum. Due to their roles, I will not disclose their identity.

So what is Autism exactly? The Diagnostics and Studies Manual of Mental Disorders defines Autism as persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities with symptoms present from early childhood causing significant impairment.

As it was explained to me by the above unnamed psychologist, Autism is not a mental illness, but rather a physical one. It isn’t treatable with medication, because at its core there’s nothing mentally wrong with the individual.

In simplest terms, Autism affects the way and speed at which your brain processes information. This may include an inability to perceive and interpret body language and cues, a lack of empathy, and most predominantly social awkwardness or anxiety to name a few things.

Autism affects a person’s senses, at different times and in different ways. Where one person may be sensitive to certain sounds, others may be sensitive to seeing certain things, or being touched in a certain way.

To what degree a person is affected varies from one individual to the next; there is no definable correlation between individuals. Only a pattern of certain sensory responses that are associated with being on the spectrum.

Nearly everyone on the spectrum is attracted to order, in almost every area of their life. Objects positioned in a certain direction, rooms and houses arranged a certain way, and even cleaned a certain way.

You may find neurodivergents who don’t like people touching them or their stuff, and collecting things that others would find odd. Construction paper, paper clips, and pens are a few things that come to mind.

The defining negative aspect of Autism are meltdowns. Often misinterpreted as angry outbursts or temper tantrums, meltdowns are anything but the previously named culprits of society.

A meltdown occurs when too much information overwhelms the senses, and subsequently the brain is incapable of processing that information. The meltdown is an uncontrollable natural response that is triggered by the brain’s inability to cope with the information flooding the neural pathways.

An example might be an autistic individual is afraid of someone confronting them, and they may throw their hands up and yell not because they are angry, but because they afraid, and want that individual to stop what they are doing.

They cannot legitimately process what is happening, and from their brain the conversation may be perceived as a verbal attack on their character or credibility. If so, the resulting meltdown would only serve to solidify misconceptions to the inexperienced and untrained.

To further expound on this, there are individuals like Helix who are high functioning, meaning they can communicate, and live a mostly normal existence. Put another way, there is nothing wrong with them.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are those who are crippled by their brain’s inability to process information, and who require constant attention and care. They cannot control things like speech, with many being nonverbal.

In between are many combinations and variations on these two extremes. You may have an individual who is high functioning, and yet who has severe sensory overload.

For the most part, high functioning individuals were formerly diagnosed with what is referred to as Asperger’s syndrome, while more severe cases were diagnosed as full on Autism.

In recent years however, both have been integrated into what is now called ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. The reason for this change is a simple one; because every single person is different, and so is their specific diagnosis.

Most adults who are high functioning would tell you they are not anti-social; they just abhor drama and having to put up with other people’s crap. They despise things like gossip and slander.

They are not in some cute contest to win a person’s favor; they simply want to live their life and be left alone. Over time many are able to compensate by learning their triggers and focusing on their strengths.

Others struggle to some degree or another. Those who endure constant abuse, bullying, and harassment often find themselves living in constant fear, crippled by the negative opinions and words of others.

Being mistreated at any age is interpreted as a sign of isolation and rejection, which further compounds and affects their ability to be productive and successful in life.

Scratching that itch

One of the most interesting things about Autism is the fact that nearly all high functioning individuals on the spectrum are extremely intelligent, with some having genius level IQs.

Though many may be crippled by specific areas, they are gifted in others. For whatever reason, Autistic individuals are often extremely analytical. They pick up on details that neurotypical individuals would overlook.

Some like Helix find that they are natural leaders, with an ability to flourish in austere environments. They have the ability to take what once overwhelmed their senses, and turn it into a tool to excel in specific areas.

One such area is pertinent to this blog, and that is the military. Though no official reports were available, there are many who have obtained waivers to enlist, while others simply don’t disclose it during their application process.

The structured environment of military life may appeal to some on the spectrum, providing an unintentional method of assistance to success through daily repetition and set routines.

Others however who have enlisted find this aspect of the military the least desirable. They loathe the closeness with individuals they do not like, and remain individualistic in their approach and mindset.

Many of these folks have ended up in the special operations community. The desire and need for purpose drive them to choose the most difficult paths, forging their character and personality to a razors edge.

Some go further still, and become designated marksmen and snipers. I have been told that some of the best long gunners in the special operations community were people found to be Autistic.

Their innate ability to focus on minor details such as those in Kim’s games, along with increased awareness and maturity have led many down this unique path.

During selection, unit psychologists are present to assist cadre with assessing the candidates ability to operate alone as well as in a team environment. They are constantly being assessed on their character, personality, and individual traits.

Specifically, they are looking for highly intelligent and mature individuals with passive aggressive personalities. That immediately makes an autistic candidate potentially attractive, because if they can harness the meltdowns, they can turn it to their advantage.

Whereas being on the spectrum was an obstacle in civilian life, it becomes the doorway to destiny in the military. Helix learned this lesson after General Hawk recruited her to G.I.Joe

Within a year she went from the day to day personal struggles, to being the tip of the spear in a special missions unit. To date, she is the only known member of G.I. Joe with no prior service.

The road ahead

The story of Helix should offer hope and insight into what is possible. The struggle as they say is real. No one will ever know how crippling Autism can be without experiencing it for themselves.

In that lies the potential for success, given the right opportunity. A door cannot be walked through without it first being presented as an option. As for Helix, let’s see where G.I. Joe takes her next..