Inattentive ADHD and Me
The aim of this project was to educate young girls (8+) with Inattentive ADHD about their condition in a relevant and engaging way. The outcome is an activity book that encourages them to reflect on their condition creatively. The finished book is a collaboration between myself and the reader, as it remains unfinished until the activities have been completed. The book is also intended to celebrate and empower girls with ADHD, rather than imply that their behaviours are abnormal, which is what many current resources do. Characteristics synonymous with ADHD are illustrated in a positive light throughout the book and discussed in a matter-of-fact tone.
As part of this project I also made an installation called Defying Uniformity to highlight the detrimental consequences of late diagnosis. It analyses how the ‘uniform’ approach to education in the UK disregards girls with ADHD and their need for alternative learning methods. To initiate the brief, I used instagram to connected with women around the world with ADHD by encouraging them to reflect on their younger years and contribute their names and stories. I obtained around 300 contributions.
The installation consists of classroom furniture that symbolises uniformity. These objects were sprayed pink and decorated with the handwritten contributions to signify the defiance of this uniformity. This installation gives women with ADHD who were overlooked, unnoticed and ignored as young girls the recognition they deserve. It is an acknowledgement of the hardships they faced prior to diagnosis and serves as a reminder of the persisting issue.
Below are photos of the installation.