Ever since my youngest son Henry's first word, "brachiosaurus," he has shown unique interests and curiosity. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed that Henry's challenges were similar to my own struggles with attention deficit disorder back in the late '80s. However, my disorder often went unnoticed by teachers because I was a well-behaved girl. It was only after my art education studies that I was able to identify the coping mechanisms for success that I had developed naturally through countless difficulties. Recognizing Henry's struggles, I made sure he received the in-school support and diagnosis that I lacked. This collaborative photo series honors Henry's neurodiversity using the cyanotype printing process, allowing his unique perspective, interests, and enthusiasm to shine. The series also explores that the documentary process can exist in imagery and by incorporating physical elements from the environment pictured in the development process. We invite you to observe a diverse mind and experiences through Henry's artistry and collaboration. Our images recognize the richness of our society by making space and acknowledging the strengths of neurodiverse individuals. These assets are not despite but because of how they experience the world.
