09/09/2026
Re-sharing from 3 years ago because the message is so important xx
BEHIND THE MASK - Neurodiversity
When I say that the last few years have been tough, this is one of the things we as a family have been dealing with. Trying to get support for our baby girl who has been struggling quite a bit. It's all still a 'work in progress' to get her the support she needs. So I created this with my girl to go into a couple of photography & art competitions to help raise awareness, which is why I'm also posting it here. Most people don't get to see behind the mask, although the older she gets, the heavier the mask is becoming and it's getting harder for her to hide behind it. She knows she has my full support and there is nothing she can say or do that will make me love her any less. Although yes, as a parent, it still hurts when you're the emotional punching bag. I know it's her way of coping with her big feelings.
This is a single photo. Ziara is holding a mask made from a photo of her laughing (which is how most people see her) that I had printed and cut out. We made the ladybug cape together. The tears are dripped on from a cup but the expression is very real.
The yellow ladybug is a symbol of neurodivergence in girls; including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia and basically the different ways that their brain processes information outside of the neurotypical range. Girls are often amazing at masking their true feelings, including anxiety and depression. Girls like Ziara can mask like a pro all day and then fall apart once they get home to their safe place. We have created a safe and comforting place for her in her bedroom and we're learning ways to support her. For more information see Yellow Ladybugs page or their website.
The results are in from the Icon International Photography Awards and this one scored a 76. Only 4 points off a Silver Award! I'll wait for the feedback so I know how to improve for next year's competition.
This photo is also included in the East Gippsland Art Gallery's latest small art competition EG WRAP 2023.
The message is the most important part though, as is raising awareness of what neurodiversity is and how it affects us and our children.
You're welcome to share the post to help us raise awareness even more. Our kids are amazing; mask or no mask.
