He was "Real Nerd" Toby Radloff.
I emailed Wayne Harold, Toby Radloff's producer, shortly after American Splendour came out here in Ireland and asked him if Toby was an Aspie expecting a firm yes. Some of the scenes in American Splendour really cut me to the bone, such as Harvey Pekar and Toby talking about loneliness over a tray of jellybeans.
I asked Wayne if Toby was autistic. Wayne emailed me back within half an hour telling me that Toby's friends discussed the possibility with Toby over the years. Yes, Toby is an Aspie but he prefers to think of himself as Real Nerd Toby Radloff, that keeps him happy, that is his identity.
I later emailed someone called Jim, can’t remember who he was, it was a few years ago now. Anyway here is what he said to me.
Quote:
Mr. Jordan - Thanks for the note. After reading up on AS, I have no doubt that your diagnosis is correct. When I talked with Toby about it, he showed no real interest in determining whether he had it or not.
I think he's come to grips with who he is and genuinely would not trade it for "normalcy", whatever that is.
Good luck with your cause.
Jim
Anyway allot of enlighten ones contacted Toby and others after I did. I’m sure Toby et al. are sick of Aspergers by now. One gentleman from the UK sent a 35 page hand written description of AS/autism to Toby, there is dedication for you.
Quote:
“To Be Interested in Old Music Is To Be a Social Outcast!"- R. Crumb
To be honest, Crumb and Pekar are Aspies. Toby, judging from his additional language peculiarities (monotone voice) is most likely high functioning autistic, I'd expecxt he had a language delay in childhood.