Single - FotoSlovo 2026 - Category « Portrait »

It is from my ongoing photographic project, ‘A Dissonant Past Unmasked', Which explores growing up and living with ADHD and Autism. The work reflects how I was mistreated due to a lack of understanding about these conditions and how I tried to morph myself to fit in. By photographing only my family within the project, it also reveals the profound impact on them, how having a disabled child shaped their lives, as they struggled, felt isolated, and were often mistreated alongside me due to the lack of support. By exploring my past and my disability, I aim to challenge societal assumptions, foster empathy, and inspire positive social change for people like me and their families.

This image captures my feelings of loneliness, yet even in my most solitary moments, my family’s presence has been a silent, unwavering support, guiding me forward, sometimes unseen, but always there, even if I did not fully recognise it at the time. Being autistic means I often need more support than the average person, and having that steady presence still now makes it possible for me to navigate challenges, process my experiences, and continue creating despite the barriers I face.