Photographing Neurodivergent Children
Guess what? I am a mother to a child that is classified as neurodivergent. My daughter is wonderful, intelligent, a ray of sunshine, curious, brave, and wise beyond her years. My daughter also processes information differently than a “typical” child her age would. She has different strengths and challenges from people whose brains don't have those differences. My daughter has ADHD that effects her processing speed, gross motor skills, stimming tendencies, eating habits, vision, and some social skills.
I hate that word…”typical.” What does that even mean? Don’t we all grow at our own speed and run our own race? I hate that society has created this very rigid box of what success should look like.
So momma, who has been blessed with these special spirits that come with the need of extra help and guidance, I see you! I am you!
I have been fearful for my daughter. I have been worried about her being bullied for acting “different” because people don’t understand. I have been nervous for her to encounter new social settings.
So what does this mean on a photography site….
I Am Willing to Accommodate You to the Best of My Abilities
I would absolutely love to photography you and your family. If you or your child requires special accommodations like extra time, or an extra quiet studio, or the comfort of a special object, or no physical contact from me…not a problem…just please communicate these things to me while we’re setting up your session so we can work together to help make this as much of a positive experience as possible.
The only thing that I do require is the use of my studio lighting. I will say that I use such a large umbrella on my light that most people say they hardly even notice it.
You Don’t Need to Feel Embarrassed or Ashamed
Some of our family members and friends don’t understand our little family’s situation and the struggles we face on a daily basis. I have never been embarrassed by my daughter, but I have been embarrassed by some family member’s reactions or comments and pray that my daughter hasn’t picked up on it.
Please bring your child in to be photographed! They are beautiful and need to be celebrated! I don’t care if your child reacts in an unexpected way or needs extra time or has an unusual interest! I am not here to judge you, I am here to help create lasting memories that you can hold onto and see how far you’ve come!