“Just as two-dimensional, pathologizing narratives of neurodivergence had fed my internalized ableism, nuanced and compassionate narratives of neurodivergence deepened my capacity to embrace the complexity in myself and others, in life and in writing. These narratives offered multi-faceted depictions of people who–whether by inherent wiring or acquired coping–operated differently than what was societally-centered as ‘normal.’ Encouraged by the example of such stories, I wrote my first novel, Somewhere Soft to Land, with a neurodivergent protagonist who has many dimensions. I felt emboldened to allow Dzifa to be sharp, and messy, and tender, and misguided–to release her from the expectation to be likable or relatable and to let her be fully herself. Though there have been plenty over the years, I’m glad I can share at least four of the stories whose nuanced depictions of neurodivergence have moved and fortified me.”