While the media does not seem to highlight neurodiversity, it is important to acknowledge that we have the ability to recognize that many of the individuals we see and hear about in the media are a part of the neurodiverse community and supporting them can illuminate the capabilities of the neurodivergent. Below we have listed ten artists who have gained success in their careers while living with neurodiverse conditions and are currently breaking down barriers that exist for the neurodivergent.
Sonia Boué
Sonia Boué is a neurodivergent artist and author. As an autistic individual, Boué utilizes her experiences throughout her writing, educating the public on neurodivergence in her blog. Boué also is a consultant for many art organizations. Currently the film artist for the Playing A/Part Project, Boué engages in research that investigates how autism impacts adolescents, specifically girls. Her research on autistic leadership has also led her to receive awards from the Art Council England. Her contemporary visual art is striking and Boué’s blog thoroughly elaborate on the impact of the media and mainstream audiences on neurodivergent artists.
Mahlia Amatina
Mahlia Amatina is an artist who creates striking pieces of tactile art that represent the creativity resulting from neurodiversity. Amatina was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2015, and this prompted her to educate others on the experiences of those on the autism spectrum through artistic media. Amatina focuses on neurodiversity, incorporating acrylics, Indian ink, and mixed media to defy the standards and traditional purposes of art. Her art is inspired by the landscapes and travels she has experienced, and influenced through the lens of advocacy. Amatina has also been named one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodiverse Women of 2019.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish has been an inspirational musician to all, breaking through the traditional standards and style of pop music. In 2018, Eilish confirmed her diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, explaining videos that revealed her physical tics. Currently an 18 year old, Eilish has risen to fame, with over a billion streams on her music, 5 Grammy awards as the youngest and second individual to win 4 main categories and 2 Guinness World Records. Her unique songs and outlandish style have empowered many.
Emma Watson
Famous for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, Emma Watson is an accomplished actress, model, and activist who also has ADHD. She has also acted in many other popular films, such as Little Women and Beauty and the Beast. Although she was only 9 years old and had not acted professionally prior to her role in the Harry Potter movies, Watson impressed agents and was cast, launching her into mainstream media. While pursuing her acting career, Watson also valued her education, later enrolling at Brown University in 2009.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston is an accomplished actress, best known for her role in the sitcom Friends, where she played Rachel Green. Diagnosed with dyslexia in her early 20s, Aniston displays how many females are often diagnosed as neurodivergent very late in comparison to their male counterparts. Nevertheless, Anniston has been a part of a wide variety of films, including independent productions to big budget movies. She is now one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood.
Solange Knowles
A singer, dancer, and model with ADHD, Solange Knowles has had many successes in the music industry. Her album, A Seat at the Table rose to the top of Billboard charts and she received a Grammy for it in 2017. Although known as the sister of famous R&B performer Beyoncé, Solange Knowles has emerged with her own music career, as well as founded a record label, Saint Records. Knowles is also an actress, having done voice overs and television features.
Paris Hilton
An American meda personality, socialite, businesswoman, model, singer, and actress, Paris Hilton has found great success despite having ADD. In 2001, Hilton was deemed the title of “New York’s It Girl” and has established her reputation as an outgoing individual that immerses herself into many social scenes. This year, Paris Hilton released a documentary titled “This is Paris” and discusses her life in the light and the impact it has had on her mental health.
Florence Welch
Florence Welch is an indie rock singer-songwriter with dyspraxia. As the lead vocalist in her band, Florence + The Machine, Welch gained traction in 2009 due to her strong vocals and captivating stage presence. One of her most famous songs is Dog Days Are Over.
Freya Ridings
Freya Ridings is an acclaimed individual who has found great success in her career. As an English songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist with dyslexia, Ridings has broken down barriers surrounding her condition. Ridings’ rise to fame started in 2017 with the release of her song Lost Without You, which made it to the top ten in the UK Singles Chart. She also released her debut extended play You Mean the World to Me in 2019.
Cher
An America singer and actress, Cher has battled dyscalculia while gaining amassed international fame. Her career started off with her role in Sonny and Cher in the 1960s and since then, she has risen as a global star with many Top 10 hits, screen roles, and even won an Oscar for her role in Moonstruck. Cher has set the stage not only for neurodiverse individuals, but for women as she has been labeled “The Goddess of Pop” and is described as embodying female autonomy.
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