Is Star Trek: Discovery's Tilly on the Autism Spectrum?

Tilly's infectiously upbeat personality and general quirkiness have made her a fan favorite on Star Trek: Discovery. While much has been said about her delightful nature, there's also been talk amongst fans about whether or not the red-headed cadet was neuroatypical or fell somewhere on the autism spectrum.

Mary Wiseman, who plays the brilliant yet insecure crew member, is opening up about the widely discussed theory, explaining that Tilly's presumed autism was not something she nor the writers had in mind while crafting the popular character.

"This is not something we discussed in the room," Wiseman tells TV Guide. "And it's not something that I was actively working at, nor did I do the kind of research that I would want to do to really do that well."

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Though Tilly wasn't explicitly written as a character who fell on the autism spectrum, Wiseman says that she's touched by the fans who identify her as such.

"The fact that people are getting that out of her is so moving and inspiring," she added. "And the idea that this character that we all built together could make people feel seen or represented and show that they care so much is incredibly moving. I encourage people to put themselves in the show and see themselves in the show, and I'm gonna try my hardest to live up to that."

Star Trek: Discovery's season finale streams Sunday, Feb. 11 at 8:30/7:30c exclusively on CBS All Access.

(Full disclosure: TV Guide is owned by CBS.)