Autism in Fiction

Autism in Fiction

The Texas-based novel “Fortune on the Spectrum” delves deeply into the life of Denny Jagen, an autistic character.  Although autism in fiction is unusual, Texas author Mark Ferdinand was inspired to write an adventure novel by his son who was diagnosed with autism at age three.  He imagined what kind of adventures such a character may have as he overcame challenges of normal society.

Denny Jagen was diagnosed with autism at three years of age. Autism gave him the gift of obsession. This gift made him the youngest, self-made millionaire in Texas history. Autism also made him vulnerable to the forces of the outside world, of both society and nature. Fortune on the Spectrum is the journey of an unstoppable young man, destined to succeed and challenged to survive. Denny’s story takes you through struggle, humor, love, finance and danger from the voice of an atypical mind.

Mark Ferdinand lives on the South Texas coast with his wife, daughter and son. Fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, carving, auto and home repair occupy his spare time. He has written on the topic of autism spectrum disorder from a father’s perspective in parenting articles and in other non-fiction venues. Having limited typical communication skills, his son introduced Mark to new ways of interpreting his needs and aspirations. As his son grew older Mark became fascinated by the story potential within these amazing children. This prompted the creation of a dynamic adventure story focusing on a character with autism.

Corpus Christi author and Texas author Mark Ferdinand. Mark writes novels with autistic characters, and Texas fiction.  Mark is actively working on the next installment of the life of Denny Jagen, exploring HAUTISM, and other fun projects to come. 

Autism in fiction writer Mark Ferdinand writes novels with autistic characters, Texas fiction, and true tales of reptiles and amphibians. Paperback, Kindle and Android and Apple versions of his work are available.