The language of comics and the representation of autism in Nori and I: contributions of comics studies to a dialogue with psychology

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2176148595717

Keywords:

Comics, Autism, Representation, Neuridiversity, Psychology

Abstract

This article analyzes how the language of comics can contribute to the understanding of experiences associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (TEA), establishing a dialogue between comics studies and reflections from psychology. Drawing on theoretical contributions on graphic narrative, formal elements—such as sequentiality, page layout, and the relationship between text and image—are examined in the Brazilian comic Nori e Eu, by Masanori Ninomiya and Sonia Ninomiya. The analysis discusses how these narrative elements enable the representation of sensory perceptions and situations of social interaction associated with autism, highlighting the potential of comics both as a medium for representing experiences related to TEA and as a subject of analysis in dialogue with psychology. The theoretical framework regarding autism is broadened by contributions from developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and neurodiversity studies, allowing for a more consistent connection between the formal analysis of comics and the understanding of subjective experiences associated with TEA.

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Author Biographies

Alessandra Hypolita Drumond Valle Silva Lopes, Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais

PhD candidate in Language Studies at the Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG). Holds a Master’s degree in Language Studies from CEFET-MG, as well as undergraduate degrees in Psychology (from PUC Minas) and Language/Literature (from Faculdade Estácio de Sá). Also holds postgraduate specializations in Neuropsychology and Behavior Analysis applied to autism and other neurodivergences, both from Faculdade UNA.

Nataniel dos Santos Gomes, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul

Holds a bachelor’s degree in Language and Literature (Portuguese/Literature) from the Rio de Janeiro State University (1996), a master’s degree in Linguistics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2002), and a PhD in Linguistics from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2007); also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Portuguese language at the Rio de Janeiro State University (2019). He is a professor in both the undergraduate and graduate programs (Academic Master’s and Professional Master’s in Language and Literature) at the Mato Grosso do Sul State University (UEMS), Campo Grande campus, and serves in the Graduate Program in Language Studies at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS).

References

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Published

2026-11-04

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 74 (2026): Perspectivas críticas para os estudos dos Quadrinhos

Section

Articles

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