P.S. Just wanted to let you know that the images included in this blog post are not exclusively of families with neurodivergent kids. They are photos from family sessions generally! Neurotype differences like ADHD, Autism, and other neurodivergensies aren’t visible. <3

Question: Can I have a photo session with my neurodivergent kids? 

Answer: YES, you absolutely can, and here in Minneapolis, Jessica Strobel Photography is the best studio for neurodivergent families!

Having Neurodivergent Kiddos is a Journey

If you follow me online at all, you’ll know that my family has been through some bonkers shake-ups in the way my kids are educated – because neurodivergence is a whole thing. I’m in the thick of it with you, Mama, and I completely get it. The schedule-juggling, the accommodations, the adjustments to what you’d usually plan to account for meltdowns – it’s a lot. It’s also beautiful, and magical, and your kids (like my kids) are amazing!

It can be both at once, and that’s what makes life worth living, honestly. But that’s not the point I’m getting to here.

Family Activities Like Photography Are Complex

When you have neurodivergent kids, or are neurodivergent yourself – whether that’s an ADHD diagnosis, suspected or confirmed Autism, or any other flavor of neurotype related difference, it’s going to naturally add steps that other parents don’t have to think about. It doesn’t matter whether those changes are for you, or for your kiddos, it adds complexity and we can’t ignore that.

I don’t mean it in a negative way – having to make adjustments to plans, putting accommodations in place, and making sure you can experience the world in a way that feels good, isn’t a BAD thing. But just because it’s not a bad thing, doesn’t make it automatically easy. I’ve been around the block here – it’s NOT easy. Even when an accommodation seems simple, that doesn’t mean putting it in place is. And that goes for things like school, sure – but it also leaks into other stuff, like working with professionals.

Not All Professionals Are Equipped for ND Families

Think back to the last time you were in a public place, and you – or your child – entered meltdown city because there was just one too many straws on the camel’s back, and the buzz of the lights finally sapped all capacity for nervous system regulation. I know you’ve been there too, because I don’t know a parent of a neurodivergent child who hasn’t. And I bet you, like me, can also think of more than a few times that the professionals around you dealt with it poorly – whether it was you, or your child.

This is, again, not something I mean to say negatively – but not every professional is equipped to work with neurodivergent families. Not every job role requires being trained, and honestly? If I had a penny for every time someone misunderstood one of my kids’ needs, I wouldn’t still be a photographer, I’d be lounging on a beach somewhere.

Photography sessions can be particularly stressful

When it comes to working with professionals in your everyday life, I’d totally get it if you avoid it at all costs. When something as “simple” as going out to eat means balancing more needs than the average family has to, it can be difficult to convince yourself that it’s worth it. And again – I get it.

Photography sessions, where you’re not necessarily in your own home, you’re working with someone you might not have met before, and you don’t know how they’re going to respond to your family’s needs – if popping to the local Olive Garden isn’t on your list, it makes sense a family photo session wouldn’t be either. There’s lights involved. Flashes. There’s new environments you can’t control – and like I said, new people. New people who may or may not respect requests you make ahead of time, which is a whole other issue to balance.

Jessica Strobel Photography Welcomes Neurodivergent Families!!

Whether you’re new to the neurodivergent crew, or a seasoned veteran, it doesn’t always feel easy to talk to the professionals you’re working with ahead of time about your family’s needs – and sometimes that means it feels easier to straight up just skip whatever the thing in question is. Especially since as I just mentioned, you might have had the experience of your requested accommodations being ignored. (Which as a side note, is awful, and I’m so sorry you dealt with that). But when you work with Jessica Strobel Photography for your family photography sessions, you don’t need to worry about any of those problems, AT ALL.

Not only do I completely understand how important your kiddo’s (or your!!) accommodations are, I make it my mission to go out of my way to meet those needs. We’ve got options that can address a whole suite of needs, and if it’s something I’ve not encountered before? Oh boy, do I LOVE a challenge. If your kiddos need to stay in their natural environment – I’ll come to your home for your session. Easy. If using flash is a no-no for sensory reasons? We won’t. If your kiddos prefer no eye contact, and you let me know ahead of time, you best bet I’m not going to ask them to look anywhere NEAR the camera. And you will come away with photos that are still magical, and gorgeous, and a representation of who they ARE. Not some manufactured, pretend, inauthentically staged version of a family that you’re… well, you’re not. Your family is unique. It’s magical. And that deserves to be documented, as it is!!

Looking for a Neurodivergent-Friendly Photographer?

So if you’re looking for a neurodivergent-friendly photographer, an ADHD-friendly photographer, or a photographer who can work with diverse neurotypes in general: Hi! I’m your gal, and I’d love to meet you.

To set up a session that truly meets your needs, where you’ll feel seen, and supported, and come away with photos that respect and highlight what makes your family special… talk to me. And if you want to address the needs before booking, to be extra sure we’re a good fit, that’s okay too! Just say so when you pop your form through, and we’ll set up a discussion. Your photos are important to me – but so is your comfort, and your kiddos’ comfort, so transparently handling those conversations up front is important to me too!