Woody Brown: From 'Write-Off' to Acclaimed Novelist, Giving Non-Speaking Autistic People a Voice
Woody Brown, a 28-year-old non-speaking autistic author, has transformed his life from being underestimated and infantilised by specialists and teachers to becoming an acclaimed novelist. His debut work, Upward Bound, published by Jonathan Cape, offers a poignant exploration of life in an adult day care centre in southern California, giving a voice to individuals often misunderstood by society.
A Journey of Misunderstanding and Breakthrough
As a child, Brown was labeled a "lost cause" by experts who believed nothing was going on inside his mind. His parents, however, sensed otherwise. At age three, after watching Soma Mukhopadhyay on 60 Minutes—who taught her autistic son to type—Brown's mother, Mary, took him to see her. In a breakthrough moment, Brown correctly spelled "cat" using letter cards, revealing his hidden cognitive abilities.
Despite this early sign, school teachers dismissed him, placing him in the lowest special education class. Brown recalls being in the "pit of despair," with his frustration leading to disruptive behavior, such as throwing chairs. It wasn't until age 12 that he was allowed into a remedial class, marking the start of his gradual ascent toward academic and personal growth.
Communication Through a Letter Board
Brown communicates primarily by tapping on a letter board held by his mother, Mary, who then voices his responses. While he experiences echolalia—repeating words or phrases in a high pitch—his formal and eloquent style shines through in his writing. Upward Bound is told from multiple perspectives, including Walter, a character loosely based on Brown, who is only understood by his mother. The novel critiques how neurotypical society often patronises and overlooks autistic individuals, portraying staff with unexpected tenderness.
Brown's relationship with his mother is central to his success. "She has been at my side for every moment of my journey," he taps. "Without her there is no me." Mary, a former story analyst in the film industry, assists by translating his tapped sentences but insists she has no creative influence over his work, highlighting Brown's independent brilliance.
Academic Achievements and Multitasking Mind
In 2022, Brown became the first non-speaking autistic graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning top writing honors. He completed his master's at Columbia University in 2024, with Mary accompanying him to classes. To focus, Brown uses a cart with three computer screens, playing videos like Thomas the Tank Engine or Angry Birds simultaneously. "My brain is so busy that I have to occupy more than one channel at a time," he explains, describing his mind as having "thousands of train lines all running at once" in a 3D universe.
Addressing Autism in Society
Brown's work challenges misconceptions about autism, particularly as some political figures in the United States, like Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have referred to it as a "disease." Brown finds such rhetoric "dangerous" and stresses that autism is a disability that doesn't define a person's worth. In Upward Bound, he explores themes of anxiety and isolation, noting that "anxiety is a constant companion" but manageable through practices like meditation.
The novel also touches on unrequited romances and the search for connection, with Brown expressing a "fabulistic" wish to find companionship despite his dependencies. He is now working on a second novel, Alfie, a bildungsroman about a baseball player in Arkansas, showcasing his ongoing literary ambitions.
A Voice for the Unheard
Through Upward Bound, Brown aims to reach neurotypical readers not out of pity but through the quality of his storytelling. "I want neurotypical people to read my book because it was a good book," he taps. "That way I can reach the hordes who underestimate and infantilise us, and show them how vivid and magnificent we are." His journey from despair to purpose serves as an inspiring testament to the potential within every individual, regardless of their communication challenges.
