THRICE EXCEPTIONAL - RUN BY KIDS?!
Yup! All of our art/designs is created by neurodivergent children, for ALL children (and adults). These kids are hoping to spread the message that they are trying to be
1. Exceptionally kind
2. Exceptionally accepting
3. Exceptionally worthy
Did you know neurodivergent children have brains that work differently the than the "norm"?! Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are considered neurodivergent. They see the world in a different, often times more observant, creative and artistic way!
Contrary to popular belief, ADHD is not actually a deficit of attention--it's a surplus! With so many thoughts and ideas running through their minds at any given time, often they can appear checked out. The truth is, their bodies are indeed physically there, but their brains are somewhere else. Somewhere fun. Or perhaps reliving that moment they tripped in the cafeteria that day and oh. my. gosh. I hope no one saw me and why did my mom make me wear these shoes- she knows they're too big on me- or wait, does she know? No, I think I forgot to tell her-no wait I did tell her--
Uh oh...Mrs. Rollings just caught me not paying attention in math class, AGAIN. Why can't I just be good like the other kids? Why is everything so much harder for me?
Yes. That is really what it's like.
The truth is that ADHD comes with good and bad. Executive function disorder- which is the brain's inability to properly organize, prioritize, initiate, and complete tasks- is one of the more challenging symptoms. People often become mislabeled as lazy and inattentive when really, they are just living in a constant state of overwhelm.
One of the good qualities children with ADHD often have is an interest in many different things. They are lifelong learners and often have many hobbies. There is so much the world has to offer, and these kids want to experience and do it all!
Children with ADHD often experience emotional dysregulation and what's called rejection sensitive dysphoria. Emotional pain inflicted by real or perceived rejection/criticism can cause the body and brain the same level of distress as if it were to experience a physical injury.
Children w/ADHD also have a dopamine (the brain's feel-good chemical) deficiency due to the prefrontal cortex of the brain processing dopamine too quickly.
ADHD is as heritable as height, so there is a good chance if your child has ADHD, so do you! You may not even be diagnosed. Girls are often misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or diagnosed much later in life due to their symptoms presenting differently. Often times their hyperactivity is in their mind versus outwardly seen, or they have learned masking skills to compensate for their differences.
Children w/ ADHD often have sleep issues, anxiety, depression, or another comorbidity.
Children with ADHD are often times exceptional (gifted) in at least one area, creative, and emotionally intelligent/intuitive. Have you ever heard of Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michael Jordan, Walt Disney, Emma Watson, Simone Biles, and Justin Timberlake? They were all diagnosed or suspected to have had ADHD. See? Some pretty awesome people are neurodivergent.
About the artists:
Max, Age 5
-Loves drawing monsters, people and animals
-Loves dancing, his friends, soccer + baseball
Artistic specialty: Max creates unique characters and images from memory.
Favorite medium: markers and crayons
Maddyn, Age 7
- Enjoys drawing monsters with a feminine twist as well as cute animals & characters
-Loves singing, ballet, and acting
Artistic specialty: Maddyn is great at drawing animals from memory
Favorite medium: markers, gel pen, and colored pencils
Olivia, Age 10
-Loves sketching realistic objects and cute characters
-Does ballet and plays piano
Artistic specialty: realism & capturing object and image details
Favorite medium: graphite pencils, oil pastels