Pen&Quill Read
asked:
Is this a good depiction of autism? Is this insulting to the condition or insightful?
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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,
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Sophie
No, not from what I can tell. I don't think the story really portrays Christopher as a human with thoughts and feelings, just an outdated stereotype. I've only really seen the play and I hate it, I don't know what the book is like, I've only read the opening, but from what I can see, the character of Christopher is only what the neurotypical author thinks is going on in an autistic person's brain. I think neurodiverse people should be the ones writing stories about neurodiversity, especially in first person. Sorry if I sound bitter, but Christopher and most autistic people, including myself, are very different. I don't think it's the worst, but definitely not the best.
Lucas
No absolutely not. I am autistic myself and this is an extremely harmful and outdated portrayal of us. It is very clear that the person that wrote this book is neurotypical and hasn't actually spoken to autistic people about what they experience. The book is definitely an insult to the autistic community.
Cara Larsen
It's a very outdated, harmful, and stereotyped depiction. Autistic people are so much more human than this book gives us credit for.
Ahmed
It is definitely helpful, and makes you know and feel what the victim is going through. I really liked this book
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