Mental Overload

Autistic brains operate differently, which is at the core of neurodivergence. This is not about being better or worse, but rather about functioning in a unique way. One notable difference is the tendency to have a greater number of thoughts. Research indicates that autistic brains often feature more connections, and these connections tend to be more active. It's crucial to note that this does not imply that autistic individuals are inherently more intelligent. Having more ideas doesn't automatically lead to better outcomes—consider the contrast between an author who produces a literary masterpiece every decade versus one who publishes multiple enjoyable books each year.

Ideas are fundamental to creativity. The essence of creativity lies in generating something new and original. The greater the number of ideas, the more potential there is for innovation. A common misconception about ADHD is that individuals lose interest quickly; however, the reality is that we find almost everything captivating, making distractions a frequent occurrence.

These additional thoughts are not exclusively positive experiences. While they can inspire creativity, they can also be burdensome, especially during sleepless nights when my mind races or when I find myself worrying excessively.

The Need for an Outlet and Communication Barriers

To manage this mental overload, many autistic individuals seek creative outlets. This mirrors the advice often given about keeping a notebook by your bed to jot down worries so you can relax knowing you won't forget them.

Engaging in creative activities allows me to channel my active autistic mind. This process alleviates the pressure from all those swirling thoughts. Not every idea is a gem, and some may be better left unexpressed, but they all feel like they need an outlet. Writing, my preferred creative medium, serves as a way to release these thoughts, providing clarity and lightness.

Furthermore, autistic individuals frequently encounter challenges in communication. Expressing feelings and experiences can be daunting. I often find it difficult to articulate my emotions, akin to trying to explain the concept of "red" to someone who has never seen the color.

Creativity offers a means to convey these feelings. As I write, I feel a sense of relief, as if a part of me is being released onto the page. Even if my words aren't perfect or coherent, the act of writing—though I would still do it even without an audience—has become crucial for my mental health. If I had embraced writing earlier in life, I believe I would have navigated challenges more effectively.

Seeing the World Differently

Neurodivergent individuals experience the world in unique ways, leading to alternative perspectives that can be invaluable for creativity. Given a prompt, my initial thoughts often diverge significantly from those of others. For example, my heightened sensitivity to sounds, particularly voices, makes crowded environments challenging for me. Such experiences invariably shape my thoughts and expressions.

Other neurodivergent individuals may perceive sounds in colors or have intense reactions to textures. Music holds profound importance for many; I often become captivated by the mathematical structure of musical compositions, which enhances my appreciation.

The autistic experience is rich and diverse, influencing our creative processes. It's unfortunate that the artistic abilities of many autistic individuals are overshadowed by the stereotype of being merely tech enthusiasts. While stereotypes serve as shortcuts in a complicated world, we must be careful not to confine individuals with these generalizations. The world is filled with extraordinary autistic creatives, and I hope this continues to flourish.