Photographing Neurodivergent Kids: A Candid Conversation with Meredith
What does it mean to truly see a child? Not just the polished, posed version, but their authentic, messy, wonderful self? Children’s photographer Meredith Zinner takes us on a journey through her approach to capturing neurodivergent children in all their uniqueness and beauty. She’s spent years capturing the spirit and individuality of children, including those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergences. In this unfiltered Q&A, she shares her experience, her mindset, and what she’s learned about seeing kids for exactly who they are.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what drew you to photography, especially working with kids who have ADHD or autism?
Meredith:
I was doing photography in L.A.—this was back in the film photography days—and I was just trying to keep my sanity. Some friends in Chicago, who I used to photograph, told me, “Just keep going, bring your camera.”
So I did. I went to a friend’s house where a bunch of them had gathered with their babies and toddlers. I found myself just totally drawn to the kids.
I don’t know why—it was weird because I knew I didn’t want to be a mom myself, chasing babies around with wipes and bags of Cheerios—but I loved being around them. I loved photographing them because it’s the beginning of their lives. They grow and change so fast. I wanted to give them proof of how adorable and curious and silly and messy and real they were.
Q: Do you remember your first session with a child who was neurodivergent?
Meredith:
I do, actually. Back then, “neurodivergent” wasn’t really a term anyone used. It’s just in the past 10 years or so that people have started recognizing it more.
I got a call from a mom who said, “I love your work, but my son is autistic and I don’t know if you’d even be interested.” And I just stopped her and said, “Wait, what? Of course I’m interested. Why wouldn’t you and your son deserve beautiful photos just like anyone else?”
“She was worried—she said, “Well, he might be in a mood or reactive.” And I said, “Just like any other kid.” I told her, “Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll come over, and if he’s not in the mood to receive me, I’ll come back. I’ll keep coming back until he is.””
I went to their house with a totally open heart, and he and I just clicked. He had this little menagerie of animal figurines, and we talked about animals forever. He was seven then—now he’s seventeen and into musical theater and singing and acting. I still photograph him and his family. I’m just so proud of him.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges kids with ADHD or autism face during a photo shoot?
Meredith:
I’ve photographed kids with Asperger’s too—though all the diagnoses keep changing. One family, visiting from Singapore, said, “He has Asperger’s and may not want to look you in the eye.”
And I said, “That’s totally fine. Whatever he wants to do in the moment, I’m good with.” I’m very flexible. I have a background in improv, so I approach things like: you bring me something, and I’ll say “yes, and…”
With that boy, we went to the park and he loved spinning. He was on one of those twisty swings, winding it up and letting it spin. He just loved it. I was watching, thinking, “Oh my God, I would be so sick.” But he was so in his element. He looked at the camera, we connected, and it was beautiful.
Q: Was that child autistic or had ADHD? Or both?
Meredith:
Yeah, that was autism. But honestly, more and more, we’re seeing it’s all kind of a mix. I have both—ADHD and a little autism—what they call AuDHD. I’ve heard it described it like a mixing board where each slider could be something different—light sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, sound issues, texture stuff. Everyone has their own “mix.” ADHD might be turned up high, OCD low. Some have a little autism, some none.
We’re learning there’s so much overlap. It’s why I like using the word “neurodivergent”—it’s a more inclusive way to describe that spectrum.
Q: Do you do anything different to prepare for a session with a neurodivergent child?
Meredith:
Nope. I show up with an open heart and no preconceived notions.
I just respond to what’s in front of me. That’s where my improv background really helps—I can pivot. Some kids are super sensitive to light or sound, or don’t like transitions. I just stay present.
Once I was photographing at a school for autistic kids, and someone started singing “Happy Birthday.” One little boy just started crying—the song was too droney and overwhelming. So yeah, I learned fast to avoid certain things. But I always find a way to connect. I don’t know how—it just happens.
Q: What would you say to a parent who’s nervous that their child won’t cooperate or “perform”?
Meredith:
I never want a kid to perform. I want them to be exactly who they are.
“One of my goals is to give kids proof—real, physical proof—that they were seen and loved and appreciated exactly as they are. Not who their parents wish they were. Their authentic, silly, curious, honest selves.”
So I tell parents: let kids be kids. Don't stress about perfect behavior or smiles. Honestly? Perfect is boring. The best photos come when they’re just being real.
Q: Can you share an example of something unexpected that ended up being a really special moment?
Meredith:
Yeah—kids fall sometimes. They’ll scrape their knees and cry. Parents will say, “Don’t photograph this!” And I’m like, “No, I’m gonna photograph it.”
“Because that photo might be the one where you see a parent comforting their child. That tear running down their cheek while they’re being held—that’s real. That’s love. You don’t have to look at the photo later, but I want you to have the choice.”
Q: Is there anything parents can do—or not do—to support the experience?
Meredith:
Make sure your kid gets a good night’s sleep, and then just—back off a little. Seriously.
“Don’t put pressure on your kid to smile or behave perfectly. Let them wear what feels good. If there’s a favorite toy, blanket, or outfit? Bring it. That kind of comfort makes a big difference, especially for neurodivergent kids.”
And don’t worry if they get dirty or silly or wild. That’s the good stuff. That’s the stuff you’ll actually want to remember.
Q: Are there any questions you wish parents would ask you beforehand?
Meredith:
In my client intake forms, I always include a spot that says, “Tell me anything I should know.” If there are sensory needs, communication styles, emotional triggers—anything—it helps me show up better for your kid.
I’m not trying to fix them. I just want to create a space where they feel safe and seen.
Also, little things like a mom fixing their kid’s hair? I photograph that too. It’s real. It’s love.
Q: Has working with neurodivergent kids changed how you approach photography in general?
Meredith:
Totally. I remember going with one family to a sensory-focused show. A kid nearby had a meltdown and you could feel every adult in the room tense up—and then, all at once, relax. It was like, “Right, we’re safe here. We don’t have to apologize.”
“That’s what I want all my sessions to feel like. No pressure. No shame. No performance. Just safety and connection.”
Q: Do you have a favorite photo or moment from one of those sessions?
Meredith:
I love when kids connect with me, when they’re just fully themselves. Up to about age 6 or 7, kids aren’t self-conscious yet—but even then, phones are teaching them to fake-smile early.
“But the best compliment I ever got? One kid I’ve photographed since birth, when their parents said, “Come on, just the adults now,” said, “Meredith’s not an adult—she’s one of us.” That’s how I want them to feel.”
Q: What advice would you give to other photographers who want to work with neurodivergent kids or families?
Meredith:
Come in with an open heart. Be ready to connect. Don’t have a plan you’re attached to—just follow their lead.
Some kids need time. Some need quiet. Some are obsessed with grass or clovers—so let them explore that. Meet them there.
“Let go of your agenda and be present. If you do that, they’ll let you in—and you’ll get something truly special.”