Neuroqueer embodiment and nomadic subjectivity in autistic life writing

Autistic life writing refers to first-hand accounts of autistic lived experiences which challenge dominant deficit-based understandings of autism. Within autistic life writing, texts that directly address the relationship between autism, gender identity and sexuality have recently increased in number. However, scholarly work on the subject of neuroqueer embodiment (intentional expression of neurodivergence that queers both neuronormative and heteronormative standards) within these narratives is limited. This gap is particularly evident when considering anthologies that present multiple autobiographical narratives together in one textual space. This paper examines neuroqueer embodiment as represented in Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in Their Own Words, an anthology of autistic life narratives edited by Maxfield Sparrow, using a feminist new materialist lens. Specifically, we use Rosi Braidotti's nomadic subjectivity to explore neuroqueer embodiment.Nomadic theory emphasises the fluid nature of subjectivity and argues for a non-essentialist view of identity that is continually in the process of becoming. Using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), four interconnected themes are identified: neuroqueer sensorimotor experiences, self-discovery, fluid identity and neuroqueer community, that collectively constitute a challenge to normative assumptions about cognition, gender identity and sexuality, opening up new onto-epistemic possibilities. Overall, this study attempts to (1) expand neuroqueer theory by emphasising the materiality of neuroqueer embodiment as expressed in life writing, (2) contribute to critical autism studies by offering a new interpretive framework for understanding the intersection between autism, gender and sexuality, and (3) contribute to medical humanities by demonstrating how neuroqueer embodiment challenges existing clinical frameworks which try to understand this intersection.