The Rosie Effect

Though The Rosie Effect doesn’t explicitly diagnose its protagonist as neurodivergent, Don describes himself as having different “wiring”—a possible metaphor for neurodivergence. He prefers routine to a methodical degree, a trait often exhibited by those with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He is often assumed to be on the autism spectrum by other characters, and Graeme Simsion uses these assumptions to explore common misconceptions about autism. One misconception is the equation of Don’s self-regulation of emotions to a lack of emotions. When he oversees Sonia’s labor but doesn’t accompany her to the hospital, social worker Lydia accuses him of lacking feelings. Incidents like this highlight how emotional and logical people handle problem-solving—specifically emergencies—differently. This episode encapsulates a larger discussion throughout the book about problem-solving abilities and which “type” of person, an emotional person or a logical person, one would want in charge during a disaster situation, like an airplane crash. On more than one occasion, a character hints that they would prefer an autistic person to be piloting the plane during a crash, under the assumption they would be more likely to respond with appropriate action rather than panic.

Lydia’s assessment of Don’s lack of emotion is inaccurate and informed by the stereotypes surrounding people with ASD.