Scatterbrain

Image description: A person's figure is shown from the shoulders up, only they have been stripped of their skin so only bone and muscle mass remain. Their mouth is slightly parted in anxiety as inside their brain shows a pixelated recreation of the 2001 Microsoft Windows desktop background. Several brightly colored error messages and pop-up tabs surround the dull figure. One of the figure's eyes is turned directly towards the viewer.

I wanted to create a piece that showed others how permanent neurodivergence is. I cannot change the way my brain operates with ADHD, but there is a constant pressure from society to conform to neurotypical standards. It can be a distressing experience growing up with peers and adults alike trying to force their stigmatized beliefs on you. I tried to capture those emotions in this piece.

Abbie Stochmal (she/they) is part of the class of 2027 in the University of Michigan's LSA program. She plans to double major in psychology and neuroscience. With these degrees, she hopes to be able to help destigmatize neurodivergence in the medical field and work towards dispelling inaccurate research on marginalized populations in regards to neurodivergence as well. In their free time, they enjoy drawing, photography, and reading outside.