Neurodivergence has gained recognition in the art world in recent year, creating awareness for creatives with cognitive differences. It seems like a high percentage of art-makers have such a condition, because there’s a relation between neurodivergence and creativity. Are artists neurodivergent, like inevitably? Or is it that some artists are neurodivergent and others not? This is what we are going to explore in this blog post. Read on to learn more!
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As a digital artist and photographer who is actively creating art, I’ve already talked a couple of times about art and mental health. Our well-being matters, and I’ve always been interested in the psychology of artists.
I’ve learned that artists virtually have other brains than non-creative people, artists feel things differently due to their high sensitivity, and they also tend to have higher emotional intelligence.
And, many artists are actually weird like myself… (◔_◔)
In today's post, I want to talk about neurodivergence among artists.
In recent years, the term “neurodivergent” has made it into the mainstream, creating awareness for people with cognitive differences.
Neurodivergent people often experience and perceive the world differently. This unique perspective can significantly shape their artistic expressions, resulting in innovative and unconventional ways of making art.
Neurodivergent artists frequently have heightened sensory sensitivities, distinctive ways of processing information, and nontraditional thought patterns. These traits can produce art that challenges conventional standards and may lead to new forms of art.
What exactly neurodivergence is and whether all artists are neurodivergent, this is what we are going to explore right now in this article!
What does Neurodivergence actually mean?
Before exploring the question whether all artists are neurodivergent, let’s clarify what neurodivergence actually means.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, neurodivergence is an umbrella term that includes, among others, the following conditions:
- ADHD
- Autism
- Asperger’s syndrome
- Down syndrome
- Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)
- Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)
- Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)
- Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Social anxiety
- Tourette syndrome
Just a quick note on the terminology: when do we say "neurodiverse" and "neurodivergent"?
While writing this post, one of the questions I encountered was when to use “neurodiverse” versus “neurodivergent.”
From what I found out, “neurodivergent” describes an individual whose neurology differs from what is considered typical.
“Neurodiverse,” on the other hand, refers to society as a whole, acknowledging the range of neurological differences that exist but are often overlooked.
Are all creative people neurodivergent?
Is there a connection between neurodivergence and creativity?
Scientists found that neurodivergent individuals are often highly creative. They usually have a deeper experience of their sensory perceptions than the rest of the population. They tend to think “out of the box”—in unconventional ways that lead to unconventional forms of art.
Other particularities of neurodivergent individuals that are beneficial for creativity include heightened pattern recognition and the ability to focus intensely, all of which can enrich their artistic work.
Art is a means of self-expression for all of us. We know that creating art can help us with self-discovery, stress release, and building connections with others.
The therapeutic benefits of artistic expression are also well known; visual art affects the brain and has positive effects on our mental health. For neurodivergent artists, art serves as a powerful medium to convey and express their unique viewpoints.
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If you’re an artist yourself, you’ve surely made the experience that art—in all its forms, including music, writing, and visual arts—allows your to express your inner worlds and share your feelings with others.
From my own experience, I can say that making art can help process emotions, deal with stress and anxiety, and develop a stronger sense of identity.
Having a means of expression apart from words is especially important for neurodivergent individuals who find it hard to express themselves verbally. This may concern artists with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or social anxiety. Those individuals often face misunderstanding and isolation in society.
Being able to express themselves through art can offer them a deep sense of validation and belonging. Creating art allows them to tell their story without words and connect with other individuals. Why?
Because art resonates with people from all walks of life, without needing words. It fosters a sense of connection and understanding. When individuals see art that reflects their own experiences and emotions, they feel recognized and less isolated.
→ How Storytelling Can Improve Art: 12 Hands-On Tips From An Artist
That being said, for many neurodivergent people, art is an indispensable form of communication and self-expression. Does that mean that all artists are neurodivergent?
What percentage of artists are neurodivergent?
To answer the above question: no, not all artists are neurodivergent. However, studies suggest that a significant proportion of artists might be neurodivergent.
There is no definitive percentage of artists with neurodivergence, because this area still needs more comprehensive research. Nevertheless, the studies that have been conducted found that individuals on the autism spectrum may have a greater tendency toward creativity, particularly in visual and performing arts.
ADHD is a form of neurodivergence that has been linked to creativity. Statistics show that people with ADHD are overrepresented in fields such as design, architecture, and fine arts compared to the general population. While about 4-5% of adults are diagnosed with ADHD, some studies suggest that up to 12-15% of people in creative fields may have ADHD.
As I already mentioned above, neurodivergent individuals with ADHD tend to think “out of the box”—they are divergent thinkers, generating new ideas and exploring unconventional solutions. A study by Dr. Holly White at the University of Memphis found that people with ADHD score higher on tests of divergent thinking, which is a key component of creativity.
Apart from that, individuals with ADHD are often more inclined to take creative risks and break away from traditional ways of doing things. This may help explain why ADHD is more common among creatives than in the general population.
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What artists are neurodivergent?
Many artists and innovators who made great contributions to the world would now be considered neurodivergent. Their ability to think beyond societal norms led to significant advancements in almost every aspect of life.
We’ve learned that neurodivergent artists like to experiment with nontraditional materials and techniques, which may lead to the creation of unconventional art forms. Since new art movements have always been considered “unconventional” when they came up, we can assume that many of the pioneers that initiated new art styles might have been neurodivergent in some way.
From impressionism in the 19th century, over cubism and dadaism in the early 20th century, to lowbrow art and pop art in the late 20th century—all those art movement were considered nonconformist and looked down on when they emerged.
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At the end of the day, we can be sure that there’s a higher rate of neurodivergent individuals in creative professions than in any other field, although exact percentages are hard to pin down. More research is needed (and being done) and I’m positive that neurodivergence will be getting more awareness in the future.
I hope you found this post on whether artists are neurodivergent informative.
Have you already taken a test and were diagnosed with one of these cognitive conditions? I can recognize slight traits of several of the above conditions in myself, although I haven’t been diagnosed with any neurodivergence. However, as I’m a creative individual, it shouldn’t be too astonishing that I’m cognitively different from others. ʕᴖᴥᴖʔ
What are your thoughts on the topic? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to sign up for my email list so you don’t miss out on new blog posts and other cool stuff. ♥
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