Neurodivergent Representation in Books
This article by Hayley was first published on The Other Clinic Notebook.
‘Books are a uniquely portable magic’ – Stephen King
Portable Magic. I remember the sparkle in Carmen Sandiego’s* eyes as she told me about ‘The Boy with the Butterfly Mind’, a book with a character who like her, is a ADHDer and a child with separated/divorced parents.
Books bring the magic of imagination and creation, and the power of escape and transportation. On top of that, characters you relate to bring strong resonance and a comforting sense of belonging.
Thankfully, the society has moved leaps and bounds from ‘Oh autism, like Rain Man?’ to the appreciation of the diversity and intersectionality in neurodivergent identities. DSM-5-TR (commonly used diagnostic manual in the diagnosis of ADHD, autism, etc.) describes the different neurotypes in lists. These descriptions are arguably limited, considering the impossible task of reducing the complex human mind into a neat checklist. Art forms allow nuanced and humanistic representations of authentic lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals, and through the magic of literature, allow more people to experience what they experience.
Perhaps, magic has its limitations too. Writers do not always get it right. Knowledge is developmental and incremental. Our understanding of neurodivergence shifts over time, and it is not surprising if flawed neurodivergent representations are out there too. Do you recall reading old social media posts you have created and cringing at the words you used? What surprises me is, flawed does not always mean bad. Flawed representations might flow into possible discourse, which enrich understanding. Also, flawed might not always mean grossly inaccurate. Jamie in The Boy with the Butterfly Mind is very different from the Carmen Sandiego I have met in the therapy room, but the resonance she experienced made me wonder if the representation spoke of who she is in ways I could not have described better as her therapist.
Two of my favourite books shared by neurodivergent people
The Boy with the Butterfly Mind
Some dog-ears in my book:
Mr Patel says I distract the other kids, but it’s really the other way round.
I think she’s finally figured out that the only way to keep me out of trouble is to keep my mind occupied.
Some dog-ears in my book:
It’s not mild to Addie! It’s mild to you because we make it so, at great personal cost!”
It’s better to be open about who you really are, what you’re really like, and be disliked by a few than it is to hide who you are and be tolerated by many.
More neurodivergent representation to check out… @maistorybooklibrary
*A creative code-name created by one of the most creative minds I’ve come across – Thank you Carmen Sandiego.
