Hmm I've read debates on whether ASPD is non-neurotypical, some people get a bit upset when you associate sociopaths and psychopaths with autism since since ignorant people like to link the two, despite only sharing some superficial similarities. Other's also argue that despite people with ASPD having different brains, they have a behavior disorder rather than a neurotypical one since not everyone with different brains (people with depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, etc) are considered part of that group according to some circles.
A few people would say I have a neurotypical disorder due to my depression, but that's a really grey area given it could stem from either sides. The subject is still extremely new, so more research still needs to be done on it.
Sorry, babbling a bit there.
I usually do a mix of research on the technical side, talking with mental health professionals and assistance in mental health facilities willing to share their experiences, talking with people who live with the disorder about their experiences, along with watching vlog types of videos and documentaries. (if I can find any) Then I like to brainstorm, figuring out patterns then applying them to how my character would deal with them specifically, putting into consideration that their background and personality are usually going to be vastly different from the real people I talk to. Everyone's experiences with mental illnesses/disorders are so subjective, it can be a real challenge.
Of course this is all for more than ASPD, I actually put a lot of my research focus on stuff like depression, PTSD, anxiety, psychosis and schizophrenia. I like to be really thorough since mental illnesses and disorders are some of the main subjects in my story, and I want to apply them to the best of my abilities... I'm also kind of a nerd for psychology. Psychopaths, sociopaths and narcissists are just the hardest people to get into the minds of.
What do you struggle with personally most when creating settings?
Probably the architecture and vehicles. It's not that they're the most difficult things, but I really, really don't like them on a personal level. I hate driving and having anything to do with cars, as well as cities. It's obnoxious because they're so simple, yet so complicated and specific. The slightest misstep in perspective or design can make a page look hideously uncanny.
Do you spend as long developing your setting as developing your characters? Why/why not?
This depends? If you're talking about this writing wise, then no, since I don't actually write out my story. At least in greater detail than a bullet point.
Visually, yes, I like to think I do given it takes a bit longer to build up a passable setting. Laying down perspective and grid lines can take some time when working almost strictly in a traditional medium, depending on detail and number of perspective points.
As for why, I try to give my setting attention for practice, as well as it wouldn't personally feel right to not put effort into the character's surroundings. At least for a couple panels a page.
Go through your current WIP. How many of your scenes take place in 'blank rooms' with no/few details?
Currently I have a two page spread I'm working on, the first page only has two real background scenes while the rest is kind of blank. This was intentional, the two characters in this page are outside and I wanted it to have that "blindingly bright" feel, so I only put in enough background for readers to know the general location. The second page has a scene change where everyone is inside, there is a background in every panel except one. I wanted to give a little more attention to the background in this page because it is a reoccurring location, as opposed to the one-off scene in the previous page that no one will care about or ever see again. Also it's intended to have normal indoor lighting, so no blinding brightness.