Date of Award
2026
Type
Thesis
Major
English Language and Literature - Creative Writing Concentration
Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts in English
Department
English
First Advisor
Dr. Patrick Jackson
Second Advisor
Professor Natalie Temesgen
Third Advisor
Dr. Nancy Shore
Abstract
Cynthia Short’s thesis analyzes the consumption and contortion of neurodivergent experience across the clinical, personal, and artistic stages. Combining intersectional memoir with clinical research, traditional poetics, and spoken word experience, she weaves a first-person narrative of consumption and redefinition by systems that did not understand her. Yet, she argues that imperfect confession -done without self-knowledge, resources, or proper self-worth to resist consumption – still has its place. Her collection of twenty-nine self-authored poems serves as a testament to the growth her imperfect confession allowed, outlining her struggles with identity, clinical experimentation and economic survival in a world not meant for her.
Recommended Citation
Short, Cynthia, "Unmasked and Unprotected: An Autistic Poet's Journey of Imperfect Confession" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 795.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/795
