How Being Autistic Makes Me a Better Editor

A little over a year ago I was diagnosed as autistic, something I’m adamant on being open about, especially because so many women go undiagnosed for way too long. In many ways, I’m thankful that I wasn’t diagnosed until adulthood because my autistic traits were accepted while I was growing up; I was allowed to be autistic, maybe with the judgment of being quirky, but I wasn’t pressured into masking in some ways.

When I received my diagnosis, the process felt strange to me. Why is autism a “disorder”? Isn’t it just part of who I am? So many of the stereotypes and widely held beliefs about autistic people did not ring true for me. Because of this, I was able to appreciate being autistic. And I discovered that being autistic makes me a better editor. “How?” you might ask.

Many autistic people see things differently than neurotypical people. We are the epitome of “thinking outside the box,” oftentimes because we don’t see the box or don’t understand why the box is the frame from which everyone else seems to operate. I think this tendency is what frequently leads to the “genius” stereotype because the “unique” ideas of autistic people sound prodigious to neurotypical people.

Despite the stereotypes, being able to think of various original ideas is exactly what you want in a developmental editor. Developmental editing, in my opinion, is a creative collaboration between an author and an editor in an attempt to elevate the manuscript. Authors don’t need run-of-the-mill or ordinary suggestions to improve their stories.

Now, am I saying authors need autistic editors’ brilliant and visionary suggestions? No, that’s completely buying into the “genius” stereotype. But they do need autistic editors’ uncommon and maybe unusual suggestions. The goal is not for the editor to come up with the greatest or most unique idea. The goal is for the editor to come up with different ideas that inspire the author’s best ideas. And, I would argue, autistic editors have an advantage in pursuing that goal.