As a note: the images included in this post do not necessarily include children or parents who are neurodivergent. Neurological differences are not always visible, ADHD is not always visible, autism is not always visible. 

I’m a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent kiddos, and I KNOW what it takes!

Sometimes I feel a little like I talk about this too much, but I know there’s no such thing as talking about my kids too much!! So I am here, again, to remind you that I am the parent of neurodivergent kiddos. I understand the struggle, and the magic, and the mess, and the chaos, and the beauty that it brings with it, in all its forms. And if YOU’RE also raising neurodivergent badasses, you do too.

Part of all that… is some difficulty with the “things that exist outside of the house”. And that includes photo sessions. I mean, sometimes it includes just trying to go to the store. Or getting them to school. Or going to the store AFTER school. Picking them up early from a friend’s birthday party because they got OVERSTIMULATED and that was IT.

Why am I talking about this? Because I know there are absolutely phases of parenting neurodivergent kids, especially those with ADHD or autism, that feel like the “at home” years. The time where going anywhere or doing anything takes SO much energy and planning that it’s just…. Not worth it. Especially if that thing is for YOU. A lot of the time… things YOU want go on the backburner.

I get it.

Some kiddos don’t have a great tolerance for full sessions

Before I get into this topic, I should say that I am the kiddo whisperer. Which I don’t mean in like, a creepy way, I mean it in a “I’ve worked with kids for so long that I speak ALL of their languages, even their non-verbal ones” kind of way. So even if your kiddos have attention spans that aren’t well suited to full sessions, I promise I can make it work.

But whether I can make it work or not, isn’t actually the point! Because I don’t want you and your family to do ANYthing that causes you stress, even if that thing is definitely going to turn out okay (because a full session would DEFINITELY turn out okay). If it’s stressful for you getting the kids into the car, driving them to a place, and getting them into that building… then whether the session goes amazing or not doesn’t mean YOU won’t come away with a ton of stress. And I understand that, and it’s okay! You’re ALLOWED to care for your own mental health too, because it’s important.

Mini Sessions are an Amazing intro to professional photography!

And that’s why I think mini sessions are a brilliant introduction into professional photography for ADHD kids, and kids with autism (along with other neurodivergencies) – as well as their families! As you know, once a child with those kinds of brain differences knows what to expect from an experience, it makes that experience overall easier to go through the second time.

So what does that mean about mini sessions? Well, because they’re super quick and easy, you don’t have to worry about nearly as much stress on YOUR end. You don’t have to think about whether I’m going to be able to keep them engaged, I get a super quick period of time to PROVE it to you! And if it doesn’t go well (which it will, but that’s not the point I’m making here) – then you’ve not invested a massive amount of time (or money!) to find that out! You can gauge your little one’s (and your!) tolerance for photo sessions with nothing lost at the end if it doesn’t go as planned.

Because it’s quick, it’s so easy to keep kids engaged – even those who aren’t usually into the whole “stranger” concept, and those who don’t deal well with new places.

I’m a ninja when it comes to getting kids involved and interested – and keeping them that way!

When I say I’m the kid whisperer, I’m not kidding. Before your session, if you give me a heads up that your kiddo has non-typical needs (which you don’t have to tell me, by the way, I will STILL approach your session with flexibility, and follow your kiddo’s cues) then I’ll make sure I’m prepped ahead of time with things that will absolutely keep them engaged in the session. From getting down on the floor with dinosaur toys with them, to kitting my camera out with something they’ll love to look at – all the way to making sure that the studio is quiet, or has background sound – we will do whatever is needed to accommodate your family.

Honestly, part of it is being willing to get on their level, and attend to their needs. If they need to see the camera, and get an idea of what I’m doing with it… that’s what’ll happen. And obviously in a mini-session, because they’re so quick, there’s not loads of time for that – but everything that can be done WILL be done to make sure your little one(s) is/are engaged in the session, and we get amazing pictures you’ll be proud to hang on your walls!

It’ll be quick, and simple, and you’ll barely have to think, I promise

The thing about mini sessions, is they’re so fast you basically blink and they’re done. Which isn’t just the experience for you, it’s the experience for your kiddos too. I know how fast little ones – especially neurodivergent little ones – can go from being fine, to being overwhelmed. And when they do, it can be so stressful for Mom and Dad (or parents/caregivers in general) that doing whatever that thing was… just doesn’t feel worth it.

But with all of the preparation that goes into photo sessions with Jessica Strobel Photography, and the characteristics of mini sessions that I’ve built SPECIFICALLY with your families in mind… I promise the stress will be kept at the lowest possible minimum. I have literally designed these so that you don’t have to think. You’ll have to pick clothes, but… once you’re in the studio? I take over.

So if you’ve been thinking about having a photo session, but you keep arguing with yourself (or your other half!) over whether your family will be able to handle the stress, or whether the needs of your kiddos will be respected, I make you this promise. Your needs will ABSOLUTELY be respected here. Always, and forever.

That conversation you keep having about booking photos – you can stop having it. You can book a session, come to the studio (or wherever your chosen mini is held!!) and experience it for yourself. And then afterward, you’ll have amazing photos of your favorite people forever! It’s the biggest win of all wins, and you’ll be able to remember it every time you look back. And who knows – maybe the experience will be so amazing… next year, you’ll have a FULL session!