Published Paper Details:

Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003) is widely recognized for its sensitive portrayal of neurodivergence through the perspective of Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old protagonist. While much critical attention has focused on Christopher's voice and unique worldview, this paper shifts its lens to the often-overlooked struggles of his parents. It seeks to explore how the novel portrays the realities of parenting a neurodivergent child, emphasizing the fragile balance between care, sacrifice, and human vulnerability. The discussion highlights the emotional, social, and relational challenges faced by Christopher's parents, ranging from patience and compassion to frustration, guilt, and marital strain. Beyond challenges, the paper also examines the sacrifices embedded in their roles as caregivers, including personal compromises, emotional endurance, and the reshaping of their identities as both individuals and parents. These struggles show that parenting a neurodivergent child demands not only resilience but also the acceptance of imperfection and the ability to endure love in its most difficult forms. By foregrounding these experiences, the paper argues that Haddon's narrative not only illuminates the complexities of neurodivergence but also broadens our understanding of family dynamics and the resilience of caregivers. Ultimately, the novel invites readers to reflect on the intertwined struggles of children and parents, reminding us that the story of neurodivergence is also a story of shared endurance and love