Thank you for letting me be myself

Receiving my Autism/ADHD diagnosis prompted me to reflect on what the key supports are in my life, one of them being the group of people in these images. Despite often feeling isolated (a frequent experience of neurodivergence), I am fortunate enough to have an incredible network of friends and family. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here today.

Part love letter to my community, part reminder that we are often less alone than we think, this book celebrates friendship, neurodiversity, and reclaiming space. I made digital collages with text responses from the friends who I have photographed over the last 14 years. I wanted to give them a chance to contribute to the work, provide a space for them to have more agency over their image, and disrupt the inherent power dynamic between photographers and their sitters. I used collage to create visual overwhelm for viewers, which speaks to the sensory overwhelm that I experience because of my neurodivergence. I hope the work challenges preconceived ideas around neurodivergence, provokes important conversations, and shows there is no singular experience.

Printed by Bambra
Cover - 300gsm Wanda Uncoated / Text - 150gsm Earl White

Thank you for letting me be myself is supported through the Australian Cultural Fund.