Neurodivergent Characters in Young Adult Fiction
Which character from Katherine V. by Jennifer Niven struggles with ADHD, making her school life difficult, but she uses her creativity and determination to navigate challenges in her academic and personal life?
Katherine V. (Katie)
Which British space scientist, known for her work on satellite technology and public science outreach, has openly discussed how dyslexia has influenced her path into STEM and her advocacy for neurodiversity in the field?
Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Which condition involves individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism, who demonstrate exceptional abilities or talents in specific areas like mathematics, music, or art?
Savant Syndrome
Which superhero from DC Comics, known for his super speed, is depicted with ADHD traits, including impulsivity and an intense focus on solving problems when in motion?
The Flash(Barry Allen)
Who is the creator of the globally successful Pokémon franchise and has openly discussed how his experiences with autism influenced his creativity and the design of the game?
Satoshi Tajiri creator of Pokemon
Which protagonist from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon has autism and uses logic and reasoning to try to solve the mystery of a neighbor’s dog, showing the strengths of his unique perspective?
Christopher Boone
Which Olympic swimmer, known for his record-breaking achievements, has been an advocate for ADHD awareness, sharing his own experiences with the condition to reduce stigma and encourage understanding?
Michael Phelps
Which group of conditions includes disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias, characterized by excessive worry, fear, or unease in everyday situations?
Anxiety Disorders
Which character from Star Wars: The Force Awakens is shown to have difficulty with reading and learning, a struggle that can be interpreted as a representation of dyslexia, but still becomes a hero of the Resistance?
Rey (Star Wars: The Force Awakens)
Which actor, known for his roles in Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers, has publicly shared that he has Asperger’s syndrome, and how his neurodivergence influenced his work in entertainment?
Dan Aykroyd
In Turtles All the Way Down by John Green, which young woman grapples with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and her struggles with intrusive thoughts become a central part of the story as she navigates her relationships and personal growth?
Aza Holmes
Which autistic woman, a vocal advocate for the neurodivergent community, gained attention with her YouTube channel where she interviews celebrities, raising awareness about autism and communication challenges?
Carly Fleischmann
Which neurodivergent condition involves difficulties with spatial and visual-spatial tasks, such as reading maps, interpreting facial expressions, and coordinating motor movements, despite strong verbal and academic skills?
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD)
Which character from the Harry Potter series, known for her eccentric behavior, whimsical thinking, and a different way of interpreting the world, is often interpreted as having traits of autism or other neurodivergent conditions?
Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
Which Swedish environmental activist, who has Asperger’s syndrome, became a global voice for climate change awareness with her "Fridays for Future" movement?
Greta Thunberg
In Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, which character struggles with social anxiety and feeling like an outsider due to her traumatic past, but through her relationship with Park, she begins to find ways to overcome her fears?
Eleanor
Which billionaire entrepreneur, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, publicly revealed that he has Asperger’s syndrome during his hosting of Saturday Night Live in 2021, raising awareness about the condition?
Elon Musk
Which condition, often referred to as dyspraxia, affects motor coordination, causing difficulties with tasks such as handwriting, sports, and even everyday activities like buttoning a shirt?
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Which protagonist in The Lightning Thief series by Rick Riordan is diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, traits that help him survive the dangerous world of Greek mythology and serve as strengths in his heroic journey?
Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan)
Which British inventor, famous for creating the Dyson vacuum cleaner, has spoken about his struggles with dyslexia and how it fueled his unconventional thinking in design and innovation?
James Dyson
In The Testing series by Joelle Charbonneau, which character is portrayed as having dyslexia, and despite her struggles with reading and comprehension, she excels at problem-solving and survival skills?
Amira
Which autism advocate, known for his essay Don’t Mourn for Us, has been a leading voice in the neurodiversity movement, calling for a more positive understanding of autism and autistic individuals?
Which group of neurodivergent conditions includes conditions like stuttering, apraxia of speech, and speech delays, where individuals struggle with producing and understanding speech or language?
Speech and Language Disorders
Which Marvel superhero, known as Daredevil, has both enhanced senses and struggles with navigating the world as a blind person, and has been interpreted by some fans to possibly have traits of ADHD or other neurodivergent conditions?
Matt Murdock (Daredevil)
Which Academy Award-nominated actress, known for her roles in Splash and Kill Bill, has openly discussed how she has autism and how it has shaped her approach to acting and life?
Daryl Hannah