Joseph is originally introduced to us in Vayeishev as a shepherd with his brothers at the age of 17 (Genesis 37:2) however he brings bad reports to his father Jacob.
This is the first time we see that Joseph has no filter. Continuing with his dreams, he speaks out and shares his dreams indiscriminately building a source of resentment with his brothers.
We learn that Jacob makes Joseph a fine tunic (Genesis 37:3) and we are taught that is was because Jacob loved him more. The explanation given in the text is that he was a "son of his old age" however often we see a parent giving one child special attention because that particular child needs more support and guidance.
If we consider the possibility that Joseph is on the autistic spectrum (clearly high-functioning), not only does that give us an explanation for the lack of consideration as he shares his thoughts, reports and dreams, but it is also well documented that a person with sensory issues may dislike the feel of certain materials next to their skin. This is another consideration to the "special tunic", with his ornamented garment, Jacob could also pick out his son at a distance allowing him to step in if necessary.
Joseph has shared his dream about the sun, moon and stars and the brothers were jealous yet Jacob understanding that the dreams were prophetic "kept them in mind".
After having given "bad reports" Genesis 37:2, Jacob had decided that Joseph would not go out shepherding with his brothers regularly at that point.
Nevertheless Joseph is not a child * and Jacob decided to send him out again to prove his capability. He gave Joseph very clear instructions.
1)Your brothers are in Shechem
2) Go now
3) Look to the welfare of your brothers
4) And the welfare of the flock
5) Bring me back word
Joseph was given step by step instructions (almost a checklist) of what he should do.
*At 17 we cannot class Joseph as a child when Levi at 13 was considered a man to take up arms to avenge the honor of Dinah.
Joseph arrives in Shechem and his brothers and the flocks are no-where to be seen. He is wandering in the empty field. This was not in the instructions given to him by Jacob and Joseph does not know what to do next without the direction from someone else.
A "man" came to him and Joseph asks this total stranger for help. "I seek my brothers; tell me please, where they are pasturing". We have to question why Joseph thought it was appropriate to ask this man where his brothers are. Additionally, why would he know who Joseph's brothers are?
The "man" approached Joseph. Joseph was just aimless in the field without direction.
Once again, these actions can be attributed to someone with high functioning autism or with a neurodiverse mindset. Joseph shows a lack of comprehension about what he should be doing when the circumstances around him have changed.
Potiphar's wife "finds favour" with Joseph. Joseph cannot stray from the correct path. Although he has ultimate power within the household, the idea of "doing wrong" is abhorrent to Joseph. Joseph is incapable of seeing grey. Everything within his existence is black or white and he does as he is told without straying from the directed path in this particular instance, that is to ensure Potiphar's household runs smoothly.
What is strange here is that when he is continually harassed by Potiphar's wife, again he cannot manage the interpersonal relationships involved. She grabs his garment and he literally "flees". We have a grown man running away from a difficult situation.
Once imprisoned we again see Joseph showing a lack of foresight with his interpretations of the dreams of the butler and baker. Joseph has no qualms about sharing the imminent death of the baker demonstrating a lack of tact and empathy.
After interpreting Pharoah's dream, we see a clear example of how Joseph's mind works.
He dispassionately ignores any emotions surrounding the concept of famine. Joseph then directs Pharoah towards a workable plan with specific steps, one by one, needing implementation, in order to create the future wherein Egypt not only survives, but thrives through the years of famine.
By serving Benjamin not just one portion but also the portions due to his own immediate family (Joseph, his wife and two sons), Joseph is putting the brothers in the same position as before. Would the blatant favouritism once again cause jealousy amongst the brothers?
Joseph needs a physical test so he can "see" whether or not the brothers have moved on and really repented for their actions. It is not enough to watch their reactions on the first visit to Egypt or even now without him setting up the "test".
With a neurodiverse personality, it is not unusual for things to have to be repeated or replicated in order for the differences to be seen. Without visible evidence, nuance is often lost.
This source sheet has touched on a number of different instances where we can consider Joseph as having an atypical neural network. This does not in any way indicate that Joseph was incapable or "less than". On the contrary, if we consider the Torah as a blueprint for living and acknowledge the many diverse personalities within the Torah, it is powerful that one of our major historical figures shows tendencies that could be attributed to being on the autistic spectrum.
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/lists/5-symptoms-of-high-functioning-autism/