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Roxanne Cooke

Nonfiction Writing

What’s it like being raised by a single mother with undiagnosed autism? For me, it meant feeling like a misfit among peers and family. This scenario is the opposite of what you commonly see online and in media — non-autistic or “neurotypical” parents raising autistic children. I’d like to open the door on this relatively unexplored topic by telling my story via personal essay.

Gallery

Residency

#2 Red Room

May 17, 2026 – May 21, 2026

This was my second artist residency at the Sou'wester. I'm working on an emotionally challenging piece of writing, so I promised myself I'd listen to cues from my body and mind and be kind and gentle. I began most mornings journaling, enjoying the view of the Sou'wester grounds from the second floor of the lodge. Some…