Atypical Love Anthology
What do you think of when you hear romance, sex and autism/ neurodivergence? Perhaps Rainman? The IT Crowd? Christopher from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime? Awkward outsiders, somewhat detached from intimate human connection… Fictional autistic/Neurodivergent+ characters traditionally have not been given romantic leads, or at least not particularly successful ones.
Neurotypical writers have historically produced a range of ‘entertaining’ autism stereotypes and exaggerations, often at the expense of the autistic character. Unfortunately, this can affect real perceptions towards actual autistic individuals and autistic/ND communities; not only do ‘undatable’ stereotypes perpetuate misinformation and stigma, but they can also be harmful to how AS/ND+ individuals see and view themselves. Mainstream representations currently lack rounded authentic contemporary AS/ND+ icons and role models and so, instead, are left contending with depictions that, far too often, paint us as undesirable, aromantic, without sexuality…. ultimately ‘undateable’.
Though many of us (neurodivergent+ individuals) can and do experience differences and difficulties occurring from having a brain that apparently ‘doesn’t quite fit’, a huge amount of us seek, find, and thrive in loving, intimate, romantic, (and sexual!) relationships – a statement which shouldn’t at all be revelational… The autistic/neurodivergent+ community is begging for authentic, nuanced AS characters and role models; we want to be able to recognise ourselves within ‘contemporary’ autism, and we deserve to paint our own narrative. So, why not begin with some ‘Atypical Love’?
Emma Robdale and Alice Riley, the two Autistic/Multiply ND+ editors and co-founders of this project, run MixMatched together in Canterbury. MixMatched is a Neurodivergent+ arts/literature spoken word collective, their regular spoken word events and workshops have unveiled a cacophony of ND+ talent and narratives, where the submissions for Atypical Love have in part been sourced from. Through our events, we have also made strong connections with LGBTQIA+ communities and many of our attendees and contributors identify as: Neurogender, Neuroqueer, GenderVague, or/and Autigender – genders that are influenced and connected to Neurodivergent+ identity (e.g, people who experience their gender and Neurodivergence as interconnected). We ran, ‘MixMatched Neuroqueer’ to draw attention to individuals within our collective who identify as Neuroqueer, and are pleased that several submissions to ‘Atypical Love’ feature Neuroqueer protagonists, hopefully enabling these terms to be more well known and understood.
Alice and Emma are currently collating eight submissions for ‘Atypical Love’ (this collection of Neurodivergent+ short stories on romance.) Although autism and romance may be the most stigmatised diagnosis/identification, at MixMatchedUK we recognise Neurodivergence+ narratives as incredibly multifaceted, and ‘co-morbid’ in nature. Meaning that many neurodivergent and mental health conditions have similarities and overlaps and that many Neurodivergent+ individuals have multiple diagnoses. With this in mind, we decided to open up the collection to all neurodivergent+ identifying writers. And, it is our hope and desire that this anthology can reduce stigma and stereotypes, and build upon a sense of Neurodivergent+ solidarity/kinship, while also being an opportunity to more widely showcase and advocate our talented ND+ writers. We already have seven eclectic, enchanting, steamy shorts for the anthology.
All contributors identify as neurodivergent+ (an umbrella term referring to Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette’s Syndrome, OCD, BP, BPD, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Manic Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, etc.). Each story features a neurodivergent+ protagonist and focuses on romance, dating, and intimate connections.
Our Writers and Their sHORT sTORIES
Emma Robdale is a neurodivergent performer, writer, poet, artist, comedian, and community builder. She is just finishing her PhD titled, ‘In Our Own Words: Exploring Neurodivergent+ Culture, Ingenuity, and Creative Expression within the Disciplines of Performance and Creative Practices’ at the University of Kent. During her time living in Canterbury, she founded MixMatched, a neurodivergent-led events brand.
The Emerald Tear – Joseph is given three wishes by a mythical genie. But when their connection grows to more than friendship, he is forced to make a decision about their future with his last wish.
Alice Riley is a writer based near Margate. In a previous life, she ran a dating blog for many years, and wrote for Bustle, The Metro, and The Telegraph, along with appearing on ITV’s This Morning. Upon moving to Kent in 2021, she met Emma and they collaborated to run MixMatched and edit Atypical Love. Her work now largely focuses on neurodiversity, and she is also a member of the charity Neurodivergent Friends Thanet.
The Other Krossley – The secret stepdaughter of the most famous family in Britain, Evie Krossley has been kept out of the limelight. But breaking out to see the premiere of the film adaptation of her favourite comic book brings her more fame than she bargained for.
Carole Kenrick is a physics teacher, writer, and performer based in Canterbury. She currently runs The Really Helpful Science Education Blog. Her story “Coming Home” explores her ADHD diagnosis.
Coming Home – Ana navigates four dates in a single day, a nightmare for her ADHD brain. But it results in some interesting connections.
Miriam Lohr is a drama student living in Germany, and the UK. Miriam is a highly talented writer and this will be their breakthrough published piece of fiction. “Party Favours” explores the uncomfortable reality of how hard parties can be for a neurodivergent person.
Party Favours – A reluctant party-goer wakes up in the birthday girl’s bathtub after one too many shots the night before. She soon finds that sometimes connections can be made in the most unlikely places.
Zara Relphman is an emerging writer who generated the idea for her story “Guardian” at the Love Is In The Air romantic fiction masterclass tied in with this book. She generated the idea for Guardian during a game of DixIt. She is also a writer for the website Pen To Print.
Guardian – Guardian fairy Elowyn breaks the rules when she falls for Matilda, the woman she has been tasked with protecting. But will their love survive the wrath of the faelic state?
Lennie Varvarides is the founder of Dyspla, an award-winning arts organisation producing and developing the work of dyslexic + neurodivergent storymakers. Dyspla works internationally in film, immersive theatre, installation and digital art. Incorporated in 2013 to shed light on the Neurodivergent Aesthetic, Dyspla is at the forefront of neurodivergent creativity.
Melissa – An experiential screenplay-short story hybrid where a neurodivergent woman explores her sexuality.
Echo Darling is a drama student at the University of Kent. His first piece of published fiction, “But I Love Her” explores the complexities of family dynamics and neurodiversity in relationships.
But I Love Her – An experiential screenplay-short story hybrid where neurodivergent woman Melissa explores her sexuality.
Kevin Marmen is a Kent based writer and performer. He is most well known for some of his spoken word pieces, including his poem ‘Autistic Man’ inspired by american beat poets, which you can see on you-tube.
The Conservatory – Love is complicated… After meeting the one Tom feels like his life has become stilted, and he’s watching himself living, rather than being in the moment.
Chloe Lewer is an emerging writer based in Canterbury. Her contribution “Oxford Love Story” showcases the complexity and beauty of asexual love.
Oxford Love Story – Our heroine meets a kind but eccentric stranger on a day trip to Oxford. But as they get to know each other, the pair realise they have more in common than they think.
Elinor Rowlands is the founder of Magical Women, an organisation that creates empowered and relaxed spaces for neurodivergent women, removing the risk found in neurotypical situations. She is currently working on a PhD titled Stimming in Autistic Creative Practices.
Fancying Ian – An autistic girl has a crush on a classmate from afar but struggles to make her feelings known.