For years, Associate Professor Bradley Irish of Arizona State University knew his mind worked differently. But it wasn’t until he was diagnosed with autism two years ago that he gained a deeper understanding of his unique cognitive approach. Rather than being surprised or dismayed, Irish embraced his diagnosis as an opportunity to explore neurodiversity in literature. This journey led him to write Literary Neurodiversity Studies: Current and Future Directions, an academic book that examines how neurodivergent individuals engage with literature in distinctive ways.

Irish’s book is groundbreaking in the emerging field of literary neurodiversity studies, a discipline that applies the principles of neurodiversity — acknowledging the vast range of cognitive functioning — to literary analysis. The book seeks to highlight how different neurological perspectives can shape the way readers interpret literature, from character analysis to authorial intent. For example, figures like Sherlock Holmes can be examined through the lens of modern autism research, revealing insights about their cognitive processes and behaviors.

Importantly, Irish emphasizes that the goal is not to label authors or characters with specific diagnoses but to explore how diverse cognitive styles manifest in literature. He hopes his work will not only provide validation for neurodivergent readers but also enrich literary studies by recognizing the varied ways in which minds engage with texts.

Ultimately, Literary Neurodiversity Studies underscores a powerful truth: understanding diverse ways of thinking enhances our appreciation of literature and the human experience as a whole. For more information, visit ASU News.