Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker says her Doctor celebrated neurodiversity “without slapping on a label”

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The actress Jodie Whittaker, known for her role as Doctor Who, discussed how the character of the Thirteenth Doctor is designed to honor and celebrate neurodiversity.

Though the character wasn’t overtly classified as neurodiverse, Jodie Whittaker, who played the role from 2018 to 2022, asserted that the Doctor clearly showed signs consistent with a neurodivergent persona.

In an interview with Doctor Who Magazine, she commented: “I didn’t see it as a conversation, but it was definitely present. The Doctor’s reactions in specific instances seemed so genuinely hers to me that they highlighted a neurodiverse character without the need for a label. It was simply ‘the Doctor’.

She commented: “Indeed, I knew every bit of it. It was acting without the conventional air, if you will. Essentially, it was understanding how the character would react in specific situations. That’s what fascinated me most about the role. And that’s why portraying the Doctor is an exceptionally captivating experience.

At times, we attribute specific characteristics to individuals by referring to them as neurodiverse, having ADHD, or being autistic, which isn’t a criticism but rather an explanation. However, in the case of the Doctor, the focus was not on offering an explanation, but rather on portraying their unique qualities.

Her traits could hint at qualities often linked with autism, but The Doctor remains the Doctor. The charm in portraying the Doctor lies in the fact that there’s no need for conformity.

Chris Chibnall, as the showrunner at the time, noted that this aspect of The Doctor evolved gradually throughout the series, and he’s astounded by the profound impact the character has on audiences with neurodiversity.

In a groundbreaking move, Whittaker became the inaugural female Doctor, marking a significant milestone in television history. After concluding her tenure in 2022, she reappeared in Ncuti Gatwa’s last episode, “The Reality War,” earlier this year.

Doctor Who Magazine is on sale now.

You can find episodes of Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer. Explore our comprehensive guide featuring reviews for each episode since 1963, actor and staff information, behind-the-scenes facts, and unique content pulled from TopMob’s archives.

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2025-09-13 14:34