Kaitlyn Litchfield Photography Presents

WENTWORTH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY -

BACHELORS IN COMPUTER NETWORKING

BOSTON UNIVERSITY - MASTERS IN COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Engineer, Empathetic, Runner, Kind,

Self-certified 'So-So' athlete, Brewery Aficionado, Support for the runners in the back, Has the best laugh

Autism

What are some challenges you’ve faced because of your diagnosis?

“I wouldn't call them "challenges" but more of "gotchas" - a lot of the typical stuff like my communication style, the way I process information, and how I adjust in social settings are a bit different. I know growing up, all of these things were challenges, but I don't like to label that as such anymore, seeming I persevered in the end.”

If I had the World’s attention I would say...

“I would tell people that folks on the spectrum are still human. Even if we can't necessarily communicate in a way that always registers with neurotypical folks, we're still deserving of love, acceptance, and access to the same support systems and opportunities.”

Optimistic, Overcomer, Non-Judgemental, Energetic, Caring, Kid Lover, Dog Lover, Church Goer, Coloring Enthusiast, Beach Bum

Dyslexia, ADHD, PANDAS

“My whole life I was told that I was lazy, not as smart, or that I was bad speller because I have ADHD but when I was finally diagnosed with dyslexia at age 14 it was such a relief to have an answer.

If I had the World’s attention I would say...

“Dyslexia isn’t about being smart, neurodiverse people are not dumb we just have a different way to processing information.”

PANDAS

“I had strep throat all of second grade and the combination of medicines I was on altered my brain chemistry. The part of my brain that controls motor skills and impulsiveness (which is already affected from ADHD) is triggered when I have a flare up of PANDAS. A flare up can last an hour or the longest episode I had wastwo months. There are whole parts of that time I can’t recall. During those episodes I can’t remember how to read or write for example. But I just look normal.”

Animal Lover, Son, Brother, Snuggler,

Sweet, Affectionate, Silly, Best Laugh Ever

Autism

From James’ Parents

James was diagnosed with Autism at 18 months. I noticed at 14 months he wasn’t making eye contact or answering to his name.

James is a wonderful brother who loves his sisters. He is caring, loves tickles, cuddles, and has the most amazing laugh

He knows the name of every animal on earth! Animals bring out James’s imagination and creativity which is why he chose to be surrounded by his stuffed animals!

James began speaking only when singing. He has a beautiful voice, and can carry a tune! He is always surprising us - we found out last summer that he taught himself to play a song on the piano by ear.

Squishmellow Squisher, Cool Girl, Bookworm, Math Geek, Friendly, Kind, Sensitive, Strong, Genius, Loves Bunnies, Proud, Cookie Eater

Autism, ADHD, OCD, Anxiety

“I’m different and I like it because nobody is really ‘normal.’

Somethings about school are easy like a math test. But lunch, recess, and friendships are hard. Friendships are hard because they’re hard to make but easy to lose. It’s like trust. It's hard to earn it back if you do one thing wrong. I prefer activities that have less people except your show at The Frame Center because there were cookies!

Autism isn’t a symptom or a disability it's just something that makes me me.

You were just diagnosed 2 years ago. 

Do you feel different now that you have a diagnosis?

“It's actually harder, before I didn’t have to hide anything now I feel like I have to Mask. Now I have to pretend, I feel different because not that many people I know have Autism.”

Pasta Maker, Leader, Barrier Breaker,

Empowered, Hard Worker, Awareness Maker

Autism, OCD, Anxiety, Gender Dysphoria

“My passion is showing the awesomeness of neurodiversity. When I was young, the feeling of having to mask who I am was exhausting and it was not until I worked with a neurodiversity club in high school that I was able to feel good about myself and gain the confidence to see my neurodivergence as a strength. The things that I love to do include my weekly meetings with the Turing Alliance (neurodiversity club), my job at Chitarra Pastaria with my neurodivergent colleagues, and my social club for young adults on the Autism spectrum in Brighton called the Common Room. Someday, I would like to start my own non-profit in the capacity of helping other neurodivergent individuals. I also want to help people who are both neurodivergent and queer because there is a big overlap between both groups.

Being neurodiverse is not something to hide, it is now much more mainstream. You don’t have to pretend anymore.”

ECONOMIC STUDENT AT SUFFOLK

ECONOMETRICS & GAME THEORY FOCUS

Enthusiastic, Energetic, Renaissance Man, Engineer, Pasta Maker, Video Gamer, Strategic, Certified Genius, Tactical Mastermind,

Game Theorist, Vibe Quantifier

Autism, ADHD

“I am a really good Masker so it was hard to diagnose me. As I’ve gotten older it's become more and more apparent that I am Autistic. I do operate differently and I’m ok with that. I would rather be Autistic than not, I like being able to be really engaged in activities.

As a kid, I have always interacted with important people because of mom’s job and have been able to “mirror” their behavior.

I like direct language, I need people to be very specific with me. This is why I like social video games because we know the rules and we are working towards the same goal but I’d rather play video games in person. I think it should be more of a social vehicle.“

22 YEARS OLD

JUNIOR AT MITCHELL COLLEGE MAJORING IN COMMUNICATIONS WITH A MINOR IN PERFORMING ARTS

Actor, College Student, Creative, Charismatic, Intelligent, Out Going, Honest, Curious, Adventurous, Learner, Runner, Loving

Autism

“Autism is a certain level of uniqueness for me, I feel like I have a very strong understanding of things that happen in the world around me.”

“Socializing with unfamiliar people can be awkward for me because I don’t always understand what they’re saying. I can’t discern whether someone is being serious or not.”

What would you tell 10 year old you...

“I would tell him to just keep doing his best and to enjoy your childhood. If you blink you’ll miss it, cherish being a kid and never forget you have a wonderful life. You’re going to be awesome.”

If I had the World’s attention I would say...

“In a world where you can be anything, just be kind.”

Elevator Enthusiast, Brother, Son,

Jacket Zipper Upper, Old Soul, Beach Lover, Brave, Teacher, Beautiful

Autism

From Brooks’ Parents

“Around the age of 1 he began to withdraw. It felt like he was in his own world, like he was slipping away, and we were desperate to hold on to him. He did not “play” with toys in the way we would see his peers playing with them . He became fixated with wheels and would want to spend a lot of time spinning wheels on toys. He also lost interest in many things that used to make him happy and content. For example, he started to dislike baths, so that was always a struggle.

Brooks never gives up and overcomes challenges everyday. He is so resilient! He’s incredibly empathetic and cares deeply for the people he loves. He also is always authentically himself! That is a beautiful thing to witness . He teaches us lessons everyday and we are so grateful he is ours.“

Dreamer, Sunny, Silly, Curious, Warrior, Trumpet, Cuddler, Kind, Gentle, Champion, Could be a hair model

Autism

From Brooks’ Parents

It has been such a struggle because I feel alot of people don’t understand, let alone strangers at the playground that make obnoxious comments like "he doesn't look Autistic..."

Brooks loves his family, Sonic the Hedgehog, and the golden era of professional wrestling—equally.

Brooks is very happy it is spring and also very angry that the leaves do not immediately appear.

Creative, Introverted, Video Gamer, Murder Mystery Solver, Escape Room Lover, Pasta Maker, Nail Artist, Entrepreneur

Autism, ADHD, PTSD

“I was diagnosed with Autism 9 months ago when I turned 18. I wasn’t doing well in college, it wasn’t a great environment for me because I had too much freedom and I needed more structure and guidance.

I always thought I was just shy, introverted and had trouble connecting with people but I am Autistic.

I have always consciously masked, when I would stim people would say they were afraid of me because I wasn’t diagnosed so there was no explanation for why I was doing that. I didn’t want to scare people so I just hid that. I do still mask especially when meeting new people. I present myself in a certain way and then when I think people are comfortable with me I tell them I’m Autistic.

If I had the World’s attention I would say...

“We may function differently but it doesn't matter if you’re queer, black, white, hispanic, Latino...we all believe the same, we are all human.”