Why Many Neurodivergent People Are Drawn to Speculative Fiction and Fantasy Worlds
Bridgette Hamstead
Many neurodivergent people have long found solace, excitement, and deep personal meaning in speculative fiction and fantasy worlds. These genres offer more than just escapism; they provide a lens through which neurodivergent individuals can explore identity, possibility, and alternative ways of existing. Stories set in futuristic landscapes, magical realms, or entirely new worlds often resonate deeply with those who have spent their lives feeling different or disconnected from the mainstream. The themes of transformation, survival, resilience, and self-discovery in speculative fiction mirror the real-world experiences of neurodivergent individuals who have had to navigate a society that does not always understand or accommodate them.
Science fiction and fantasy invite readers to imagine realities beyond the rigid expectations of the world they inhabit. Many neurodivergent individuals grow up being told that they must conform to societal norms, often at the expense of their own well-being. Speculative fiction challenges the idea that there is only one right way to exist. It introduces characters who think differently, who exist outside of traditional social structures, and who carve out places for themselves in unconventional ways. This can be incredibly validating for neurodivergent readers who have spent their lives feeling like outsiders. Seeing characters who struggle with feeling alien or different, yet ultimately find strength in their uniqueness, can be a powerful affirmation of self-acceptance.
The world-building aspect of speculative fiction is another major draw for many neurodivergent individuals. Many autistic and ADHD readers, for example, have a deep love of pattern recognition, complex systems, and intricate details. The immersive nature of speculative worlds, with their own histories, languages, and intricate rules, can be incredibly stimulating and fulfilling. Some neurodivergent people engage with these worlds not just as consumers, but as active participants—memorizing lore, creating fan theories, designing their own fictional universes, or analyzing the deeper philosophical themes of their favorite stories. For those who experience difficulty navigating the real world, speculative fiction can offer a sense of structure and control, where rules and logic are clearly established and where creativity is not only accepted but celebrated.
Fantasy worlds also allow for a reimagining of identity and belonging. Neurodivergent people often struggle with rigid social expectations and a constant pressure to mask their true selves. Many stories in speculative fiction explore themes of transformation, chosen identity, and redefining one’s place in the world. Characters who awaken to hidden powers, discover new facets of themselves, or defy the limitations imposed upon them can serve as metaphors for the neurodivergent experience. In fantasy and sci-fi, identity is often fluid, with characters who shapeshift, evolve, or exist outside of the binary constraints of real-world categories. These stories allow neurodivergent individuals to see that their differences are not flaws but strengths, that there is space for them to exist as they are without needing to conform.
The presence of neurodivergent-coded characters in speculative fiction also contributes to the connection many neurodivergent individuals feel with these genres. While neurodivergence has not always been explicitly named in literature, many beloved characters display traits that resonate strongly with autistic and ADHD readers. Characters who are hyperfocused on their areas of expertise, who struggle with social norms but excel in their unique skills, who process the world differently, or who find companionship in nontraditional ways often become icons for neurodivergent readers. Whether it’s the logical, highly analytical perspective of characters like Spock from Star Trek, the intense focus and curiosity of Matilda from Roald Dahl’s Matilda, or the outsider status of mutants in X-Men, these figures provide representation that neurodivergent readers may not find in other genres.
Speculative fiction and fantasy also offer a break from the relentless expectations of reality. The modern world is built around neurotypical norms—fast-paced work environments, strict schedules, social hierarchies, and unspoken rules of communication. For many neurodivergent individuals, keeping up with these expectations is exhausting. Fictional worlds provide a space where these constraints do not apply, where alternate ways of thinking, existing, and interacting are not just possible but often necessary for survival. Many neurodivergent people turn to these genres as a refuge, a place where their unique ways of seeing and engaging with the world are not just valid but celebrated.
The accessibility of speculative fiction has also played a role in its deep connection with the neurodivergent community. Many neurodivergent individuals have difficulty engaging with traditional social activities, finding comfort instead in solitary hobbies like reading, writing, gaming, and deep diving into complex fictional universes. The internet has only strengthened this connection, allowing neurodivergent fans to build communities around shared interests. Fan forums, role-playing games, and collaborative storytelling spaces provide opportunities for connection that do not rely on conventional social norms. Through these spaces, neurodivergent individuals can engage in meaningful, structured interactions that revolve around their interests rather than the pressures of neurotypical social expectations.
For many neurodivergent creators, speculative fiction is not just something to consume—it is something to create. A significant number of sci-fi and fantasy writers are neurodivergent themselves, crafting worlds that reflect their own experiences of feeling different. Many of these authors use speculative settings to explore themes of neurodivergence, even when it is not explicitly named. The act of writing allows for a controlled environment where the author can construct social dynamics, sensory experiences, and communication styles that make sense to them, offering a space where their internal world can take form without the limitations of neurotypical expectations.
The deep connection between neurodivergence and speculative fiction is not just about escapism—it is about possibility. It is about imagining a world that does not force people to suppress who they are but instead allows them to expand into their full potential. It is about seeing characters who reflect the struggles and strengths of neurodivergence in ways that feel real, even in the most fantastical of settings. It is about finding a sense of belonging in a world that often feels alien.
Speculative fiction is, at its core, a genre of exploration and transformation. It challenges the idea that the way things are is the way they must always be. It allows for alternative ways of thinking, for new perspectives, and for the radical idea that difference is not a weakness but a source of strength. For neurodivergent readers, it is not just entertainment. It is a reminder that they are not alone, that they are not broken, and that their way of experiencing the world is just as valid as any other. It is an invitation to imagine a future where they do not have to fight for space, but where they already belong.