Let Neurodivergent Kids Write Their Stories
Ghostwriting for Gracie Dix.
Award-winning writer Gracie Dix is a college student and the author of three books set in the VORK world. She has been creating stories since she could hold a pencil. When Gracie isn’t writing, she is most likely with animals. She can also be found singing, baking, creating art, and volunteering. She loves travel, her family, and is a loyal friend. When she’s not in school, Gracie lives in Dallas, Texas with her beloved dogs, Sandy and Lily, and her sassy cat, Ruthie. To keep up with her life and writing adventures, follow her on Instagram: @gracie.dix.author.
When I write about teenagers with superpowers, the possible powers of speed, invisibility, strength, mind control, x-ray vision, time travel, and more swirl through my head. As if being a teenager is not enough, my characters could have infinite choices. No matter how creative I get, I always find myself returning to the familiar themes of friendship, family, and respect.
Despite how cool superpowers would be, writing The VORK Chronicles has reminded me how much superpowers do not look like what we see in comic books. Sometimes, superpowers appear in the form of a neurodivergent kid who uniquely sees the world.
Growing up with ADHD, I knew what it was like to see the world differently. Though it interferes with focusing, my superpower has helped me, first, notice everything around me and, second, become inspired by everything. The ability to tell a story is not fully appreciated in neurodivergent kids. Writing is not just about rules and grammar. Those are learned later. It is about the ability to put pen to paper and dream of a world beyond ours. It is self-expression that allows authors to create stories.
Writing is a Superpower
It is my self-expression and mental health that led me to write and publish my first two novels during the COVID-19 pandemic! Like many, the pandemic created days when I just wanted to be somewhere else. So, I decided to make a place where anything is possible through my writing. That is the goal of writing; it’s not about who can use a semicolon the best! You can free yourself in your world.
Self-expression is often hindered by strict education systems and limited opportunities for young writers. If we want to expand literature, enrich the lives of others, and create a more inspired society, we need to encourage neurodivergent children to embrace writing. By sharing their unique experiences or perspectives, imaginative writing only becomes more enhanced.
Providing Support
Despite how beneficial writing can be for all students, neurodivergent children can feel exceptionally discouraged from pursuing writing beyond their studies. For a child with ADHD, I can personally say that the demand for strict organization before creativity is suffocating.
Learning differently is not necessarily a bad thing. Do not buy the myth that it is! Instead of forcing neurodivergent kids to sit still, stare at a board, and memorize each grammar rule, schools should encourage alternative forms of learning. This could be audio recordings, games, graphic novels, and creative exercises.
Empowering the Story
Writing should be a tool for empowering others, not a test on obedience. Beyond the classroom, publishing industries must also recognize that there is value in neurodivergent authors.
Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by interviews in person due to how distracting a studio may be. Yet, I still want to be heard. That is why I love guest posts! Publishing companies need to understand that some authors may have limits, but that does not mean they are unworthy of publishing. Similarly, publishing companies need to recognize the value in giving readers an authentic representation of what they might be going through. If we want to encourage literary creativity, we need spaces where neurodivergent writers can excel.
Everyone deserves to have their own personal ‘superpower.’ Maybe for you it is being empathetic, social, passionate…or invisible! No matter your superpower, neurodivergent kids
have their own. To showcase these powers, all they need is the chance to write a creative world – and for our world to listen to it.
For more inspiring words, read an excerpt from Beyond Superhero School below:
Jessica sat attentively in Mr. Casey’s fifth-period history class. She had rushed from her previous class to get there on time, but it turned out she was earlier than anyone else. Mr. Casey smiled at her, clearly appreciating the fact that she had been early. A group of kids began to file into the classroom. Nick was tangled in the middle of them. Once he was spit out of the group, he walked over to a seat next to Jessica and put his head down on his desk.
“Tired already?” Jessica wondered, putting a supportive hand on Nick’s back.
“Nah, I’ve just got a lot going through my head right now,” Nick said, sitting up. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m doing pretty well,” she said, raising an eyebrow in suspicion. “How are you?” “I… I just told you,” he stammered.
“You were trying to change the topic,” she stated, hiding a small grin.
He just stared at her blankly, and then it dawned on him. “You used your… your Super Sense!” he whispered, appalled. “You know we’re not supposed to use our Superpowers here. We’re In a normal school now!”
“Why are you so surprised? It’s not noticeable,” she responded innocently. “What’s not noticeable?” Spencer said he walked into the room just as the bell rang. “Nothing,” Nick muttered, putting his head back down.
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