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I’m old school about most things. I’ve been wearing my puzzle piece ribbon the past few weeks for Autism Awareness Month–now known as Autism Acceptance Month. April is typically the month I talk about my only non-historical, non-Southern Gothic published novel. Yep, Corroded. It tends to get lost in the shuffle because it doesn’t fit in with the other books, but it’s important to me.

But Corroded isn’t too much by itself compared to the other books. I haven’t stopped writing about people on the autism spectrum. There just wasn’t the same labels for things a hundred years ago. Here is an example of another neurodivergent character.

Discernment, set in 1910, doesn’t use labels, but Alvin’s rigid thinking, social awkwardness, and attention to patterns/details will be familiar to many readers. His thinking and detailed observances are some of his biggest strengths. He doesn’t read subtle body language clues–which Deborah picks up on and realizes she needs to be assertive to get anywhere with him.

Alvin doesn’t read beyond the face value of Aunt Catherine’s words and trusts her because he never had to distrust an adult family member before. And he sticks to his interests (obsessions) when doing social things. No small talk. It’s football, chess, or math. Again, Deb sees this and doesn’t try to change him. She supports him and encourages him to join the gym with the guys he played football with because she knows he needs a layer of common ground to go anywhere with a friendship.

Deborah sees his quirks, accepts them, and quietly adjusts herself to best fit his needs to support him. She wants to be sure he’s happy and healthy because she sees how rare he is. Isn’t that what we all wish for in life? Someone who truly gets us. I hope you have your someone.