Abstract
Literature has evolved from its prime purpose of ‘teach and delight’ to ‘inform and sensitise.’ World Literature is open to all discussion and new genres keep evolving and pre-existent genres are evolving with distinguished creativity. Literature, which was initially used as a tool to express emotions and ideas have now begun to accommodate those feelings that have been alien to the common public. Disability is often stereotyped with the victim, supercrip and villain model. Most of the Young Adult fiction discussing Autism and its Spectrum Disorders are accompanied by the diagnosis of extraordinary intellect. They would be naturally categorised under the supercrip model. Literature, through its novel genre of Disability Studies has succeeded in bringing the life, experience, thoughts and desires of the people to the spotlight. It is vital for the acceptance of such people for the betterment of the society.
Keywords: World Literature, sensitise, Autism, Spectrum Disorders, intellect, Disability Studies
Young Adult Autism and Asperger’s narrative is applauded by the public, but not well received by the people suffering from the disease. Judith Newman’s memoir — To Siri, With Love, is the author’s experience in bringing up her autistic son Augustus John (Gus). The book is a sincere narrative of a mother going through her tumultuous life with a blend of happiness and the quirks of the disease. The author is the mother of twins — Henry and Augustus John; Henry is a neurotypical teenager, whereas Gus is autistic.
Newman’s To Siri, With Love was boycotted with a hash tag on twitter, started by an autistic parent of autistic kids. The accusation is that, the way the author discloses her son’s personality and the way she at times describes him is rude and offending to the autistic community in general.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) such as Asperger’s Syndrome, in the literary narratives seem more cool, knowledgeable and smart, except for the times that they experience meltdown. The obsession of the Autistic people towards a particular topic shows that much improvisation can be made in the different arena of life.
Research proves that people with autism or its spectrum disorders have been obsessive with certain things that interested them. This obsession and extreme passion has led to great invention and discoveries. Great scientists like Sir Isaac Newton, Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin and many others are suspected to have had autism.
Judith Newman’s memoir discusses different people with autism and its spectrum, whom she has met during her childhood and otherwise. The good aspect about the book is that it features the advantage of artificial intelligence, the Apple assistant — Siri, which helped Gus to have some level of interaction and keep up with his interests.
Judith Newman’s take on autism is not welcoming to the particular target community. It also must be the choice of any individual to have a stand regarding their sexuality. Choice is essential for peaceful and solemn existence. Hence, it is essential for people with autism, to speak for themselves and letting the world know who they really are. The biased opinions in the society can be over thrown only through the voices of the affected.
Works Cited
Primary Source:
- Newman, Judith. To Siri with Love: A Mother, Her Autistic Son, and the Kindness of Machines. Quercus Editions Ltd, 2017, London.
Secondary Sources:
- Urbano, Maria R., et al. “Relationships, Sexuality, and Intimacy in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Recent Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Volume I, Michael Fitzgerald, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/53954.
- Rhywiol, Kaelan. “Why I Believe To Siri with Love by Judith Newman Is a Book That Does Incredible Damage to the Autistic Community.” Bustle, Bustle Digital Group, 8 Jan 2017.
- “Disability, Accessing sexual and reproductive health services and reproductive rights for all persons with disabilities.” Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, 11 Jan 2019.
- “20 Incredibly Successful People on the Autism Spectrum.” ABA Degree Program Guide.