Neurodivergent

adjective: having or related to a type of brain that is often considered as different from what is usual, for example that of someone who has autism.

Autism

noun: a neurodevelopmental condition of variable severity with lifelong effects that can be recognised from early childhood, chiefly characterised by difficulties with social interaction and communication and by restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour.

This is Neurodivergenthood

An open and honest reflection on being a father to a child who is autistic.

This is an introduction to a personal project exploring father’s experiences with their autistic children. I am not comfortable being on the otherside of the camera but I think it’s too important not to be the first. The following images are the reactions to a set of questions on the topic of autism and being a parent to a child who is autistic.

Question:
How has having an autistic child affected your mental health?

It’s taken a beating recently. Trying to be the father I never had only to be blocked by an overwhelming force that she didn’t choose.