WAS YOSEF ON THE SPECTRUM?
BY SAMUEL J. LEVINE
The story of Joseph (the title of my book uses the Hebrew "Yosef") presents a fascinating and memorable narrative, which has been the focus of careful study for countless generations of readers and scholars of the Bible, as well the subject of a wide range of art and literature, from the visual arts to acclaimed novels, to Broadway and Hollywood productions. Much of this interest, among both religious adherents and broader culture, likely stems in large part from the challenging questions that arise in the course of the story.
Joseph's behaviors, interpersonal relationships, and personal journey and development are often difficult to understand, and at times seem to defy explanation, as he faces concomitant and interconnected challenges and opportunities, and as he experiences, often at once, both surprising success and unexpected failure. Over the years, I have read the biblical story of Joseph numerous times, and I have studied the text through the prism of the works of classical Jewish commentators, spanning thousands of years and geographically disparate locations across the world.
A number of years ago, as I read the opening verses of the story, it occurred to me that many of Joseph's characteristics and behaviors are consistent with those of an individual on the autism spectrum. As I continued to reread the events through the lens of contemporary understandings of autism, I observed that throughout the story, in one episode after another, Joseph's behaviors and experiences closely resemble those common among individuals who are categorized with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome. Upon further examination, I realized that understanding Joseph as an individual on the spectrum helps illuminate not only the text of the Torah but also many comments and teachings about Joseph found in the classical Jewish sources I had previously studied.
On this basis, through a close reading of both the biblical text and classical Jewish commentators, my book attempts to achieve a coherent and cohesive understanding of the story that offers a plausible account of Joseph's behaviors toward others and those of others toward him, while at the same time accounting for both his successes and his failures. Although, of course, individuals with autism spectrum disorders vary widely in their symptoms and their behaviors, common characteristics include many of the behaviors Joseph exhibits and the interactions he experiences.
For Joseph, these include: social challenges, punctuated by an inability to read social cues, understand and anticipate the feelings and reactions of others, and navigate social settings; attachment to animals or to inanimate objects in place of interpersonal relationships; heightened intellectual capacity and creativity in narrow areas of interest; repetitive and inflexible behaviors and routines; an obsessive and compulsive focus on a personal vision and a private way of viewing the world; and a rigid and literal understanding of truth, ethics, and morality that sees virtue in extreme terms rather than allowing for nuance.
In terms of Joseph's behaviors, the biblical text uses the Hebrew word na'ar, often translated as "lad," to describe a seventeen-yearold Joseph's interactions with his brothers who marginalize him. Noting that this term is ordinarily reserved for a young child, some suggest that Joseph engaged in seemingly childish activities, such as tending to his eyes and his hair. Building on these suggestions, Joseph may have been engaging in self-stimulatory and repetitive behaviors, playing with his eyes and twirling his hair in a manner that is not uncommon for an individual on the spectrum, but deemed by his brothers to be immature and off-putting. Likewise, Joseph is portrayed as a particularly skilled shepherd, exhibiting a talent and interest in animals often found among children and others on the spectrum.
Similarly, picturing Joseph as being on the spectrum may help explain some of his otherwise puzzling and problematic interactions with his brothers. Indeed, viewed through this lens, Joseph emerges as a more familiar and less enigmatic individual, exhibiting both strengths and weaknesses commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder. For example, near the start of the story, Joseph tells his father, Jacob, about his brothers' misdeeds, sparking their resentment. Biblical commentators attribute Joseph's determination to bring this information to his father's attention as a reflection of Joseph's dedication to truth and morality, notwithstanding the social repercussions of his actions. Likewise, Joseph insists on recounting his dreams to his brothers, depicting his ambitions of ruling over them, not surprisingly evoking their hatred and jealousy. Joseph's apparent compulsion to share his thoughts and visions with others, without anticipating or recognizing the effects that his words and action have on them, is also consistent with characteristics of individuals on the spectrum.
BRILLIANT AND CHALLENGED: I realized that understanding Joseph as an individual on the spectrum helps illuminate not only the text of the Torah but also many comments and teachings about Joseph found in the classical Jewish sources I had previously studied.
Indeed, as a result of Joseph's brothers' inability or unwillingness to understand him, their relationship quickly and precipitously deteriorates, such that the brothers repeatedly demonize, ostracize, and marginalize him. Although Jacob tries to mediate, his attempts to indulge Joseph only breed further resentment and isolation on the part of his brothers, to the point that they remove Joseph entirely from among them, selling him into slavery in Egypt. Notably, during his time in Egypt, Joseph constantly speaks truth to power and displays both his talents and his commitment to morality, albeit in ways that are often lacking in social skills and awareness.
In addition to explaining Joseph's experiences, this understanding of the story may offer positive perspectives, encouragement, and important lessons for children and adults on the spectrum and those who interact with them, including their families, friends, and caretakers, as well as others who are unfamiliar with autism spectrum disorder. For example, during his initial encounter with Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and prescribes a response to the forthcoming famine, expressing himself in ways that demonstrate, at once, both his brilliance and some of his social challenges. Pharaoh recognizes Joseph's potential value to his kingdom, but he also anticipates that, on a social level, Joseph may be vulnerable to the maneuverings and attacks of others. To accommodate his deficits, Pharaoh provides Joseph with dignified clothes, an honorable name, servants, and a wife from a distinguished family to protect him and help him navigate his social surroundings. With these supports in place, Joseph is safe to go out on his own, leaving the protective watch of Pharaoh and traveling throughout the Land of Egypt.
It is not uncommon for individuals with disabilities, once they receive the appropriate services, structure, and supports, to be able to exercise the talents they possess and achieve the goals that would otherwise continue to elude them. As Pharaoh recognizes, like many who are on the spectrum, Joseph's deficits are in areas relating to social expectations and interactions. Unencumbered by these external concerns, Joseph is now free to focus on his areas of strength, constructing and implementing his masterful plan to save Egypt and the surrounding lands.
Finally, at the end of the story, having attained great success as the viceroy of Egypt and after the death of Jacob, Joseph speaks one last time with his brothers. Contrary to their fears of possible vengeance on his part, Joseph responds in a thoughtful, gracious, and heartfelt manner, which may offer a message of optimism for individuals on the spectrum, their families, and their friends. Joseph assures his brothers that they have no reason to fear, and that he will continue to provide for them and for their children. Accordingly, the text concludes with the declaration that Joseph "consoled them and spoke to their heart." As this verse emphasizes, Joseph now speaks to them in a way that shows his ability to see their perspective and to touch their heart, and likewise, Joseph's brothers seem to understand and accept him. Now, outside of the protective watch of either Pharaoh or Jacob, Joseph is truly reconciled with his brothers. •
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Samuel J. Levine is Professor of Law & Director, Jewish Law Institute, Touro Law Center.