I've been following discussions on this particularly in autism forums. I wouldn't say there's a dichotomy or that it's an either/or thing. But I do see many people in groups asking for good examples or role models particularly of female autistics in books and films. Before thinking about myself in these terms, I thought of Saga in The Bridge as a good example. But several years on I think maybe it was a little too laboured as if the actor was trying to hard to capture all what it is to be autistic. Having said that I did love her quirky character and her vulnerability. She certainly used her neurodiversity to solve crimes and thought outside the box.
I am a slow reader as mentioned before in previous blogs so I only read about a dozen books a year. But once I was diagnosed I did seek out books by autistic women about their own experiences or empirical research from female autistics coming from a psychology background as I do. One of the first books that was recommended via a forum was Sarah Hendrickx 'Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder'.
I found this a very comprehensive and insightful as not only was she autistic herself but she used to work at Axia where my sister and I received our diagnosis. After that we both sought out lots of books although I can't remember the titles of them all. In fact I probably only read the two, although I bought my sister lots, particularly on ADHD. I think when newly diagnosed you can become voracious.
But once I'd decided to chart my own writing journey I began to think of my own books and characters in these terms. I've previously done a blog about Cathy and Helen from my novel Fruit Woman.
https://authisticwords.blogspot.com/2023/02/authism-helen-and-cathy-in-my-novel.html
I've explored the synaesthesia of Elaine in The Colour Of Wednesday.
https://authisticwords.blogspot.com/2023/07/autism-and-synaesthesia.html
I've also looked at the trichotillomania and severe anxiety of Carrie in The Other Side Of Carrie Cornish.
https://authisticwords.blogspot.com/2023/05/authism-exploring-probably-autism-of.html
I had already included some children one with autism and one with ADHD in Savage To Savvy before knowing about myself.
I have read novels too by other autistic authors eg Rosalie Warren whose books I can highly recommend.
But I don't require autistic characters necessarily, just exciting characters in great storylines. Rosalie has said that she, like me, has retrospectively realised that many of her characters actually have autistic traits.
Other autistics want to see themselves represented more typically in novels and films to feel represented and validated, and I do understand this. I also did a video dialogue of this subject discussing with my sister (off camera!)
How about you? If you think of good examples where autistics, particularly women autistics have been well portrayed and who are very relatable then do mention in the comments section!
Many thanks.
