this is not to start up any discourse or armchair diagnose but i don't think people notice how so often the traits they point out in vernon are overwhelmingly prevalent in nd people and as an autistic carat who relates to vernon a lot in the ways he comes across as 'socially awkward' i guess it's just like...? bc he is so kind and very clearly cares deeply about people and it's crazy when i see people say he's not! not everyone shows their feelings in the ways YOU deem 'appropriate' and that's okay :(