The Big Bang Theory- offensive?

The Big Bang Theory for those who are unaware, is an American sitcom based around the lives of 4 quintessential geeks. Raj is the 'Asian one' complete with comedy accent and a certain ignorance to American culture. The necessary Star Trek Fan (with a Spok-ish hair cut) is Howard. Small and thin and still living at home with his domineering mother. Leonard is the one who has some grasp on the idea of coolness which he gains through out the episodes.
However, the undoubted hero of the show, and the reason for much of its popularity, is Sheldon who according to the other characters somewhat resembles a praying mantis. Played by Jim Parsons, Sheldon has been at the centre of a little controversy over his characteristics. He lacks empathy, is unable to discern sarcasm, doesn't like change, and has an inflated ego. He does not understand social norms, and makes little attempt to do so.it is agreed my most that these are the characteristics that the humour is centred around for much of the programme. These characteristics arguably show signs of various forms of autism or aspberger syndrome and some viewers feel that through this autism becomes a joke or something that can be laughed at.

When pressed on this topic Series co-creator Bill Prady stated: "We write the character as the character. A lot of people see various things in him and make the connections. Our feeling is that Sheldon's mother never got a diagnosis, so we don't have one"

Despite this on going debate, the show is undoubtedly funny because we all know someone who is like these characters. The viewer generally sees themselves in the place of Penny who lives across the hall from Leonard and Sheldon and although being good friends with them, becomes frustrated at their consistent lack of social knowledge and their arrogant intellect.