Representations of autistic protagonists in young adult literature

This thesis contains a novel, Violet Within, and an accompanying exegesis, Representations of Autistic Protagonists in Young Adult Literature. My exploration of representations of Autistic protagonists in Young Adult literature throughout the exegesis is informed by Critical Disability Studies as a theoretical framework. I analyse shifting dominant ideas about Neurodivergence and the importance of language usage. I will discuss how integral Autistic representation is and how this can be transformative for readers and how this links with notions of Authentic Identity and Autistic masking. When analysing Autistic protagonists in YA fiction, I delve specifically into the importance of and research into representations of behaviour, empathy, and language. This includes an exploration into the Medical and Social models, dominant ways in which Autistic characters have been represented and ways of storying behaviour, language, and empathy to contribute to shifting those dominant notions. My research takes a practice-led approach to exploring how YA literature can authentically convey Autistic experiences, and by doing so, challenge prejudices and negative stereotypes while simultaneously increasing awareness and understanding of Autistic people. Violet Within is a coming-of-age novel about Violet, an Autistic 16-year-old navigating the challenges, anxiety, and euphoria of school, friendships, relationships, and change.