FIC: Of Spectrums and Spoons [The Avengers]

[atraphoenix]

Title: Of Spectrums and Spoons
Author: atraphoenix
Fandom: The Avengers
Characters: Natasha Romanoff, Clint Barton, Bruce Banner, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Thor, Nick Fury and Maria Hill
Rating: G
Summary: Natasha had been taught to pretend - to make eye contact and to act and respond just like she was supposed to act and respond - from an early age.

Author'

Comments

[raqs_loki]

goddamn this just makes so much sense. I love it. very touching, beautifully written, and thoughtful approach to the subject matter. also, many feels for spoon theory :)

[atraphoenix]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you thought so. (And that is an adorable icon, too.)

[anonymous]

As a woman on the spectrum, I agree with many of the above comments, that this fic really is the holy grail- good, non-stereotypical portrayals of people on the spectrum, and ANY portrayal of women on the spectrum, are sadly rare

[atraphoenix]

Unfortunately, you're right. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen the subject covered badly, but I could probably count on the fingers of one the hand the number of times that I've seen the opposite. The unfeeling / lack of emotions stereotype is probably the one that make me the angriest, but they're all unhelpful and damaging in different ways and to varying degrees.

I'm so happy you thought I handled the prompt well, particularly since I'm allistic (though not neurotypical). I consider myself an ally with a reasonable knowledge of the spectrum and the prejudices that people on it face, but even the most well meaning person can make mistakes sometimes. (I’m lucky enough to have a brilliant beta who also happens to be a Black Widow fan, a disability rights activist and on the spectrum herself.)

(Ooh, Brave! I can't wait until that comes out in the UK. August seems like a long way away.)

[healer_twilight]

This is really awesome. Really, REALLY awesome. I see that you've already recieved bunches of glowing comments from people and several personal stories, so I thought I'd share mine

[ladyicsaylis324]

Hear, Hear. I'm an Aspie myself, and this story struck a chord in me that none of the others managed

[sweetwatersong]

This fic showcases some of the reasons why I love fandom because it allows me to see through someone else's eyes in ways I can't normally, and because through it I meet those who can teach me so much. My experience with autism and other disabilities is very limited; I've never thought much about the issues involved, the difficulties and discrimination that may arise. I'd like to believe that I don't treat anyone differently, but I may be having my own little moments of ableism without realizing it

[anonymous]

beautifully done. ty for pointing out that yes, we do have feelings, even if we do not have the ability to express them. also, love the way you managed to get in a small reference to the horrible, horrible Autism Speaks.

Fics like this mean a lot to us autistics, because it helps get out the word that the stereotypes are not true - and they only keep many, many of us in the closet. I am commenting anonymously because I am on the spectrum, but I do not have the job or the life where I can be open about being autistic.