Creativity as a Path to Empowerment for Neurodivergents

"The Quiet Girl"

At the gym, a group of high school students stood in anticipation of being divided into teams for their obligatory PE lesson. Approaching one of the students who had yet to be matched up, the instructor asked, "Is there anyone without a partner?"

Jenny lingered alone near the bleachers, and her arm inched skyward.

 "Oh, hello Jenny! I didn't even notice you there. That works out perfectly. Abby, you'll team up with Jenny."

Abby was unable to conceal a combination of frustration and disdain at being paired with the quiet girl. After all, who wants to be partnered with someone who is as proficient at sports as a fish climbing trees?

As each set of players got into position, Abby addressed Jenny in an attempt to take advantage of an unfavorable situation. "Why are you so quiet?"

Jenny tensed with anxiety, as this was something she heard regularly but even then could not come up with a sufficient answer. "I'm not sure... I just am," she muttered meekly.

Abby rolled her eyes before intensifying her style of play, becoming increasingly irritated when Jenny failed to send the ball over the net. "Seriously? We don't stand a chance if you don't put in some effort and try to hit it."

"Sorry, I'm just not great at this kind of thing," Jenny replied.

"No kidding," Abby muttered, as if Jenny's existence was nothing but an inconvenience to Abby's day. Tensions reached an all-time high until Abby couldn’t stand Jenny anymore. She went to the locker room to complain about Jenny's poor skills to her friends, all-the-while not caring that little Jenny could hear every word.

***

This story is loosely based on real events from my daily life as a teenager in a small town high school. The crowded hallways were often a sensory nightmare, leaving me feeling like an outsider among a sea of people. Every day was a struggle - to put on a mask and make it through the day without breaking character. The social pressures of fitting in weighed heavily on my shoulders. My mind felt like a jumble of thoughts of which I could never quite understand. It was easier for me to simply remain silent than expend what little energy I had left to make social chit-chat.

Soon, my peers matured from their middle school personas. They transformed into teenagers seeking romantic relationships and discovering their individual talents. I was left behind wondering why everyone else had changed while I struggled to keep up with them. My fears of abandonment, anxiety, and self-doubt continued to rise like a flood that threatened to suffocate me.

The only solace I found was from the world inside my head – a safe haven filled with stories, ideas, and warmth that nobody else seemed to understand. But even this comfort began to seem hollow amidst the daily grind of societal pressures. Before long it felt like my thoughts had become laced with chains, to keep me a prisoner of anxiety that eventually led to self-hatred.

But even though I felt alone, something inside of me defied convention and encouraged me to push through. God and the kind individuals He brought along my path reminded me that even if I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere, that I had a purpose, even if I couldn’t see it yet. 

Discovering Art Unlocked Infinite Possibilities

While I had always been a creative soul and from an early age loved drawing, painting and creating, public school and life in general had a way of squashing creativity. For most of my high school years, I turned to reading and creative writing as a way to escape reality and challenge my imagination. Everything seemed so much more simple in those fictional stories. I related so deeply to the characters and loved the control and excitement around building my own worlds.

It wasn't until I started showing an interest in photography that a friend finally suggested that I take some art classes. At first, creating art was daunting, but with practice, it became a meditative experience. As I carefully added brushstrokes to my canvas, my surroundings fell out of focus. My anxieties melted away, and everything else seemed insignificant. For once, I felt like I could just be myself - a feeling of ultimate liberation. 

And although it felt like I was in a bubble of serenity when painting, it also allowed me to better connect with others. Through my artwork, people began to understand me in ways that words never could convey. I finally felt seen and heard - like my existence mattered.

Art had become an outlet - an escape from the chaos of life and an opportunity for self-expression. Here, tucked away in this small corner of the world, in this school art room, I found the comfort and confidence I had been searching for. Not only did art give me a sense of purpose and direction, but it also gave me a sense of identity and pride. It was through art that I felt like I belonged somewhere again—and like I was good at something.

The Power of Creativity

As neurodivergent individuals, we know that there is a unique power within us that can be tapped into to manage our stress and anxiety. This power comes from our deep and rich inner world - our creative side – our ability to create art, music, and stories. By exploring and incorporating creativity into our everyday lives, we can learn more about ourselves and manage our struggles.

Expressing ourselves through art offers a variety of benefits, including:

1. Self-expression

Self-expression is essential for personal growth. Through art, writing, music, or other forms of creative expression, we have the freedom to communicate our unique perspectives and experiences. This ability allows us to take a closer look inside and learn more about our true self.

2. Self-regulation and self-care

Engaging in creative pursuits provides a healthy outlet to channel and process our emotions. Through creative expression, we also learn to identify our emotions and manage them to prevent them from becoming overwhelming. This process of self-regulation, in turn, promotes self-care and mental wellness. Engaging in enjoyable creative activities can help us prioritize our needs, understand ourselves better, and live more balanced, healthy lives.

3. Connection with others

Creative expression allows individuals to share their stories, experiences and perspectives which can inspire and connect with others in powerful ways. Creativity, be it art, music, writing or other forms, can unite people and bridge divides in an impersonal and fragmented world. By showcasing people's creativity and opening up channels of communication, it can create opportunities for people to form emotional and social bonds. 

4. Decision-making

Creativity can also be beneficial with decision-making. Creative people have a natural ability to examine many ideas simultaneously and can quickly discern which approach holds the most promise. By exploring multiple options at the same time, creative thinkers can break down complex problems to find unique and innovative solutions. Creative decision-making encourages individuals to consider fresh perspectives, leading to more robust and refined ideas.

Creating something from nothing is a powerful experience. It allows us to explore the depths of our own being and emerge renewed and empowered. We are each equipped with our own personal talents and creativity can help us to discover them. For neurodivergents, such creative exploration can also provide an essential outlet for managing anxiety and stress in a way that’s productive and constructive. Trust your intuition and don’t be afraid to explore the unknown; you might just come out the other side in a place beyond your biggest dreams.

This post is part of Jen Parr's Neurodivergent Canvas series on LinkedIn. 

Love this post? We'd love your support in helping our artists via the Creative Impact Fund.