I was telling one of my friends that I love when books have neurodiversity or disability representation because it doesn't happen nearly as often as it should. To which she replied, "Oh, I hate it when books have that. They focus too much on it,"
...
...
...
I focus my whole life on my neurodiversity and disabilities. I don't have a choice about it.
Sorry, yeah, it's focusing too much on the MMC struggling with depression. Sorry that this book is focusing on how the FMC is self conscious about her prosthetic. Sorry that this character's autism is getting in the way of your enjoyment of the book. Sorry that this character is learning ASL to help their deaf partner. Sorry that this epileptic character is having a seizure. Sorry that this blind character is using their white cane. Sorry that this character with a speech impediment is struggling. Sorry that this character with PTSD is having a panic attack. Sorry that the character with CFS/ME can't shower for their date; or go on the date at all. Sorry the character with diabetes is taking their insulin. Sorry the character with an eating disorder has disordered eating. Sorry that the character with endometriosis is causing the character extreme pain. Sorry that the character with a wheelchair needs accommodation.
Sorry that we're struggling. Sorry that your perfect life is disrupted by the rest of us.
Sorry that your enjoyment of a book is disrupted by a character living with something that a shit ton of other people do.
Sorry that we're seeing ourselves in the way that you do every. single. day.
