Contemplating the neuroaffirmative potential of fandom studies

Abstract

Fandom holds rich potential for affirmative research into Autistic and other neurodivergent experiences. Yet this is a subject that has been overlooked in both fandom and autism studies, located in the histories of pathologization and stigmatization that the Autistic subject and fan both share. While avoiding the erroneous, essentializing claim that all fans are Autistic, fans are nonetheless more aligned with the neurominority than with the neurotypical, positioned against the neuronormative mainstream. This article considers fandom as a vessel for Autistic culture and affect, with the special interest providing a curious meeting point for scholars of both autism and fandom, holding the potential to pioneer innovative and engaging directions in neuroaffirmative research.