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zixinwonderland · 1 day

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🗡️Edward Midford and Autism coding 🗡️

During my Hiatus from the Kuroshitsuji fandom, I got diagnosed with autism. It took me some time to come to terms with that and to figure myself out.

I returned to the Kuro fandom last summer, due to (what I now come to recognize as) my longtime special Interest finally getting an anime adaptation and upon rereading some of my favourite arcs, I came to the realisation that I see a lot of my (and my peers) autistic traits in Edward. What's interesting about this character is that he has a lot of autistic traits, that are not really touched upon in media. So lets get into it!

The gentleman extreme (and how everything is taken a bit too literal/seriously):

In his introduction in chapter 52 he is shown to uphold the same beliefs as his mother, scolding his sister for behaving in an unbecoming manner. He's shown to be very close to his family and strictly upholds their values of protection. At first one may assume he is just like his mother, but it is quickly revealed that he is far more ridiculous. His upholding of his gentleman status is often paired with anger, such as in chapter 58, where he scolds other men for not letting women and children go on the lifeboats first (king behaviour) and also being the one to later recommend to look for more survivors. He has a strong code of ethics and upholds it, even if it is seen as ridiculous or even dangerous.

When it comes to clothing, he also upholds strict values and instantly gets flustered and afraid when that standard is not upheld, to the point where he needs physical distance and shields his eyes.

From these tidbits already we can observe that he is ridiculously formal, upholding the social decorum to the very extreme. While autistic individuals are known for their non-conformity, they are also known to accidentally not conform by confirming too much and following instructions to every detail. I fall into both extremes, but I definitely stick to the latter when it comes to social interactions.

I think Edward definitely falls into that category, because he represents how ridiculous the Victorian code of ethics and etiquette can be if upheld at all times. I may dabble into headcannon territory again, but I strongly believe that knighthood and the chivalry connected to it is something like a special interest for him, which contributes to the way he acts.

Aggression and volume:

In his introduction he yells at his future brother in law. A complete overreaction and incredibly ironic considering his previous scolding regarding etiquette. This happens multiple times, especially when confronted with Ciel his gentlemanly behaviour suddenly turns into childish banter. He is usually soft spoken but can be louder if he is simply commanded to do so.

Volume control is something a lot of autistic people struggle with. For me it's especially when talking about special interests or talking to a person who interrupts me A LOT. I am quiet and do not speak often, so when I do I must make the most of it.

Based on cannon evidence, I believe that Edward may struggle with this too. He's loud to get his point across, because he believes that loudness will make others listen to him.

Spiky hair, in this economy?

So we all know Frances and her strict rules regarding men's hair, right? Everything has to be slicked back and she thinks Sebastians hair is atrocious (so do I). So why is it that her son is the only one allowed to run around with this type of hairstyle? Alexis has very nicely brushed back hair, Elizabeths is also nicely done. Isn't it strange that she makes an exception for ONE family member?

So here is where I dabble into headcannons, because I think the exception was made because he has sensory issues regarding his hair. He doesn't like it slicked back in any way and feels uncomfortable with any product in his hair.

Once again, heavily falling into headcannons, so take this one with a grain of salt.

Elizabeth and her influence:

Edward is incredibly attached to her sister. Mainly being protective of her and not trusting other men (especially his brother in law) to treat her with the respect she deserves. He knows and appreciates her skill and knows she's incredibly capable. So...why is he so attached?

Elizabeth is an important catalyst for his behaviour, because it shows the extremes of his gentleman code. His good manners instantly turn into ridiculous aggression as soon as he sees something that he views as a threat to her. Despite his behaviour towards Ciel, he does care about him, because he realises how important he is to his sister. Elizabeth is a person of comfort for Edward. He admires her talent and sees her as a valuable family member who has been through a lot of hurt.

Autistic individuals often have trouble with boundaries and attach themselves onto others quickly, which leads to them unintentionally treating them incorrectly. This is definitely the case here, since he gives little (social) agency to Elizabeth for the sake of her protection. He genuinely cares about her but is unable to set healthy boundaries, because his way of emphaphy differs from the social norm.

Masking and copying behaviour:

What is interesting about Edward is how he copies the behaviour of others. He has a role model and copies their behaviour because he desires to master it. So why does he do that?

My answer is masking. Edward genuinely admires these people, but is unsure of how to adapt their skills in his own way, so he copies them. This is something we can often see in masking. Behaviour that is seen as acceptable by society is often copied by autistic individuals to blend into society. I think for Edward it's a combination of masking and admiration. His strong upholding of the Gentleman code also fits well into this category.

Beyond that, the Blue cult arc also proves that he able to severely alter the way he behaves, if needed. Does he feel comfortable with that? Absolutely not. But he does have the great ability to do so if instructed, which proves to yet be another factor for him masking his behaviour.

Mediocrity in a Neurotypical society:

So Edward had this nice monologue about him being mediocre compared to his prodigy sister and I think it is exactly this scene, which makes me headcannon him as autistic. Because this is the exact trait I do not see often.

In media, many autistic individuals are represented as prodigies and amazingly intelligent and I can't help but hate that stereotype, because it puts unrealistic expectations on disabled individuals. I have prodigy friends who are autistic and I truly admire them, but I need people to understand that autism is a disability and not just "socially incompetent person who is going to revolutionise the world". As soon as one's interest is not deemed useful by society (which mainly includes "feminine" interests), they are not validated. Autism is only accepted by society if it proves to be impressive or useful. It is not seen as a disability, but as something to exploit.

I like Edwards monologue, because I relate and it rounds out his character really well. He accepts that he is not a prodigy, that he sucks in many regards, but that he still looks up to those who fit into the standard. His monologue is something that I've truly taken into heart, because you do not need to be a prodigy to be valid, you should not need to be extraordinary to be accepted as you are. You are allowed to be mediocre. You are allowed to treat your disability as a disability, because that's what it is.

Lastly:

Please remember that most of this is based on my personal expenses with autism. It is an incredibly diverse neuro divergency and manifests itself differently in all sorts of ways. Many of these traits may not apply to you or to anyone you know. This is just a personal observation based on my own and my companions experiences.

#10/10 absolutely agree #kuroshitsuji #black butler #edward midford

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zixinwonderland · 2 days

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Can’t believe people are trying to tear down this perfect boys good name

He’s not obsessed with his sister in an insectuous way. He just really cares about her and wants to protect her whenever he can. He’d do anything to make his little sister happy

The Midford family is one of the most wholesome parts of the manga and the sibling bond these two have is adorable

#please stop trying to twist his character hes such a good brother dude #black butler #kuroshitsuji #edward midford

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zixinwonderland · 3 days

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BODY HEADCANONS CONTINUE!!! this time with the midford family.. a family filled of just adhd and autism, I love them all part 2/??? part 1 !!

#as a midford connoisseur i whole heartedly agree #IM THE BIGGEST FAN OF THESE #black butler #kuroshitsuji #elizabeth midford #edward midford #alexis midford #francis midford #paula

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zixinwonderland · 3 days

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No, no, it's not like that; everyone relax. Edward isn't incestuous. He simply has a White Knight complex. He can't help it. His father's a knight, his mother is- well, look at her, and he's constantly striving to be as good and upright and fierce and proud as they are. He's overprotective of his sister because that's who he thinks he has to be- a gentleman and a defender of honor. And he never thinks he's good enough, which is why he lays it on so thick.

Plus, he's in Green Lion house, which means he's surrounded by Germans all day. He learns via observation and is a mimic par excellence, remember? Of course he doesn't know how to chill.

Leave the poor guy alone. And while you're at it, get him a weighted blanket.

#THIS NEEDED TO BE SAID #kuroshitsuji #black butler #edward midford

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zixinwonderland · 4 days

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got bored and made these😈

#edward midford #bardroy #ronald knox #elizabeth midford #alois trancy #edgar redmond #maurice cole #joanne harcourt #wolfram gelzer #finny #kuroshitsuji #black butler

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zixinwonderland · 4 days

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@dailymidford btw

One more inconvenience and I start a daily Midford blog

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zixinwonderland · 5 days

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These sillies.

🥺

#black butler #kuroshitsuji #public school arc #season 4

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zixinwonderland · 7 days

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INTERSEX FINNY TRUTHER

Finally sharing my Kuro body headcanons (plus like sexuality hcs n what not).. this will be fun since I love drawing different types of bodies so much!

Starting it off with the phantomfam!! Had fun drawing Baldroy and Snake here ngl

Part 1/???

#THESE ARE ALL SO SO REAL #especially aroace finny and snake #black butler #kuroshitsuji #finny #finnian #sebastian michaelis #ciel phantomhive #our ciel #mey rin #bardroy #snake #tanaka

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zixinwonderland · 7 days

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As far as I’m concerned, the Midfords are the true protagonists of Black Butler

#chesh on the mic #kuroshitsuji #black butler

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zixinwonderland · 7 days

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