I found my people
Yup, I’ve ADHD.
Recently diagnosed (yay! I joined the club!) all of a sudden my entire life makes sense.
My need to connect with people on a meaningful level immediately, being flooded with emotions at the drop of a hat (or the sight of an elephant), my impatience with injustice (or small talk), endless energy, preference for spending time with kids and animals isn’t some magic superpower (well …) but rather just how my brain is wired.
Earlier today while walking my dogs in the park, I bumped into a friend and her family I’ve been photographing every year since their firstborn was 6 months old (he’s now 11). He was with his best friend I’ll call Alex who, of course, I wanted to know EVERYTHING about. Alex and I both asked and answered lots of questions. We spoke about our feelings, how we both are often targets for bullies, and, as he had the most extraordinary curls cascading past his shoulders, I said how freaking GORGEOUS his hair was and asked if I could touch it. (Yes I ALWAYS want to touch beautiful hair for some reason and yes I ALWAYS ask beforehand). To my delight Alex said yes. I reached out, squealed a little as it was truly extraordinary, like, some of the best hair ever, and we began walking everyone home.
We reached Alex's home first. I shared a massive hug with him while saying goodbye, then walked my friend and her family I’ve been photographing forever back to their place,
My friend said ‘wow, I’ve never seen Alex like that. He’s usually incredibly reserved and takes a long time to warm up to people.’ I asked ‘really? He was so lovely. After our hug goodbye he said ‘I really hope I get to see you again soon’ and my heart is bursting because of it.’
“Yeah, he doesn’t connect with many folks … I’m pretty sure he’s on the spectrum”.
“I guess I never really notice things like that” I replied. “But that would make total sense as I seem to connect really well with kids … especially neurodivergent kids … probably because … well I’m there too!”
Walking my dogs back home I was overcome with so much emotion and joy. My dopamine was dancing.
I’d really love to photograph more families with neurodivergent kids of all ages. If you have or know of any, please send them my way!