Writing Unmasked: Autistic Head Cannon - Weekly Writing Contest

Jun 27, 2025

01:05:26

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Part of our 12-Week Writing Series for autistic creatives and late-diagnosed adults.

In this episode of Writing Unmasked, Dr. Angela Kingdon is joined by writer and editor Jo Case to explore the hidden neurodivergent depths of beloved book characters. Together, they dive into the emotional power of autistic-coded characters, the experience of late autism discovery, and how fiction helps autistic readers find identity, resonance, and belonging.

From Anne of Green Gables to Harriet the Spy, this conversation celebrates the moment we finally saw someone like us—on the page.

We also announce the winners of our Week 7 writing contest on that very theme!

🎧 What You’ll Learn

How Jo Case's late diagnosis reshaped her relationship with literature and self
The emotional significance of autistic-coded characters in identity development
How fiction becomes a lifeline for autistic readers navigating masking and self-doubt
Actionable advice for autistic writers ready to move from journaling to publishing
A live reading of the winning entry from our Someone Like Me writing contest
How to name and honor your childhood book “mirror”—that character who saw you

🏆 Week 7 Winners

🥇 First Place:

“The Armadillo and the Cactus”

by Genya Vasilov

🥈 Runner-Up:

“The Runt and the Kitten”

by Fiona Baker

👏 Congratulations to our featured writers, and thank you to everyone who submitted! Want to see their full entries? 👉 Read their stories here .

👤 About Jo Case

Jo is the editor of Someone Like Me, an upcoming anthology of creative non-fiction by Autistic, gender-diverse, and women writers. She’s also deputy books and ideas editor at The Conversation and author of the memoir Boomer and Me, which explores autistic motherhood and late identification.

📘 Boomer and Me – Published by Hardie Grant
📚 Anthology Info: Someone Like Me (2025)

Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Someone Like Me’ Contest

Prompt: Write about a childhood book character you now read as Autistic.

🖊️ Open to: Everyone

🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, July 2 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK

💷 Prize: £10 per winner

📘 Publication: Winning entries featured on Substack and in the Neurodivergent Narratives anthology

🔗 Submit your entry here →

✅ Submission Rules