Neurodiversity, as defined by Harvard Health Publishing, asserts that “there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits” (Baumer, Nicole and Julia Frueh. “What Is Neurodiversity?” Harvard Health Publishing. 23 November 2021). Within the framework of the neurodiversity movement, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) “is associated with differences in communication, learning, and behavior, though it can look different from person to person” and can encompass a population with “a wide range of strengths, abilities, needs, and challenges” (Baumer). Also known as autism spectrum condition, ASD is a form of neurodivergence that affects development, learning, and socialization in those who have it. Because autism is genetic, it can be inherited from a parent or can be the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. As a result, a person with autism will navigate the world in ways that are different from the neurotypical norms of mainstream society. 

Contrary to outdated beliefs that still persist in modern media, autism is not a disease or a mental illness that requires treatment or medication, nor is it something that needs to be “cured,” although therapy is often helpful in supporting people with autism as they navigate the complexities of a world that was not designed to accommodate their neurotype. For most of human history, autism was severely misunderstood, resulting in mistreatment of people (and especially children) with the condition. Even after the condition was identified, autism in girls and women often went entirely undiagnosed because it was wrongly assumed to manifest primarily in young boys. Autism has also been grossly misrepresented in both literature and film, and even modern titles often rely on heavily stereotyped, exaggerated, and negative depictions. More positive and realistic representations like those in Ellen Outside the Lines are needed to break down long-standing stigmas and promote greater empathy and understanding for individuals with autism.

Throughout Ellen Outside the Lines, Sass makes it a point to create realistic depictions of the various challenges and experiences that people with autism can have in certain situations. People with the condition often experience strong emotions and become overwhelmed in situations involving crowds, chaotic noises, or other overstimulating sensory experiences, particularly if there is too much sensory input at one time. In an attempt to mitigate the stress of these experiences, many people with autism use self-stimulatory strategies (or “stimming”) that can range from more overt behaviors such as hand-flapping or rocking back and forth to subtler versions such as hair-twirling, finger tapping, or nail-biting. Autism is a common condition, with about one in 35 children in the United States having it. Autism can lead to difficulties with socialization, such as misunderstanding nonverbal cues, body language, and more nuanced aspects of language, such as sarcasm. Within the context of Sass’s novel, the protagonist, Ellen, experiences a range of challenges as she strives to navigate the complex interactions of her largely neurotypical peers. Combined with the unique environment of Barcelona, these pressures compel her to find new strategies to cope with overwhelm and use her talents and interests to make new friends. Her character arc reflects Sass’s commitment to celebrating various forms of diversity within his narratives.