Unseen

In 2025 we have been told being autistic means someone that will never thrive or succeed. Someone that will never hold a job or pay taxes. Never be creative, write poems, or be athletic. Dating isn’t an option, much less finding love or starting a family.

Ultimately this very publicized description leads us to believe this artist has a life not worth living; as though I’m left wanting more than my experience will ever be. While there are those with high support needs, many of us living life on the spectrum lead successful independent, creative, fulfilling lives. Often hearing, ‘But you don’t look autistic’ as though there is one physical description to fit us all. Because what does being autistic look like exactly? To some it’s only cliched behavior, stims, being too loud, a lack of eye contact or not speaking. My series explores that very idea.

What does autism look like from the outside in contrast to internalized feelings during a meltdown? Constantly viewed by others in the hardest moments of daily life, left to struggle alone, by those who say ‘toughen up’, or that ‘You’ll figure it out’ when we are stuck trying to process something. It’s feeling misunderstood and judged for being different. The dualities of perception vs reality, masking and being authentic.

This is an account of the intense emotions of these experiences, their impact and how they aren’t always recognized, especially in regards to mental health. While creating this series, I not only explored; but began to more readily recognize emotions and my response to situations I experience everyday. It allowed me to express the things I feel in an overload, shutdown or meltdown in a more universal way.

This is a deeply personal project by a mother photographing her son as they navigate life on the spectrum together. The face of the subject is not revealed so we see him as others do in the most challenging situations, as only a behavior or emotion. I accomplish this through simple bold digital imagery and dynamic color representations of the intense emotions that are involved and recognizable to all. The vivid colors and body language tell the story, becoming relatable and allowing anyone to see themselves and how it would feel in each moment.

This deeply personal project reflects vulnerable moments, in hopes of bringing the experience of life on the spectrum out of the long shadows of stereotypes. It’s a way to make those Unseen, finally be seen.