Joshua Y'Barbo

Neurodivergent Superheroes: Celebrating Exceptional Thinking in the Arts By Dr Joshua Y'Barbo The Trophy (2023) by  Joshua Y'Barbo .  Daughter-daddy collaborative drawing.  Mixed media on card. 16 cm x 21 cm.   Introduction Neurodiversity recognises and values the various ways in which people's brains function, including autism, ADHA, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette's. According to Harvard Medical School, '[…] there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits ' (Baumer & Frueh, 2021). This means how we reason, understand, or act is unique to everyone, and variances should be celebrated for the value of diverse perspectives that enrich our understanding and experiences instead of disadvantages.  In the arts context, diversity fosters unique connections and fresh perspectives. For instance, PhD research at the University of Kent suggests that artists with different neurological makeups can ...

Art Lesson: Exploring Neurodiversity through Art and Creativity Created by Dr Joshua Y'Barbo on 21 March 2025 via  5MinuteLessonPlan.co.uk Googly Eyes (Three Boys and a Buffalo) (2023) by  Joshua Y’Barbo.  Daughter-daddy collaboration.  Mix-media on paper. Big Picture This lesson aims to introduce students to neurodiversity and its impact on artistic expression. Through exploring the stories of neurodivergent artists and engaging in sensory art creation activities, students will broaden their understanding of creativity and unconventional thinking. 45 min Duration.  Objectives Understand the concept of neurodiversity and its influence on artistic expression. Explore various art creation methods engaging multiple senses. Challenge conventional thinking in artistic endeavours.  Stickability  Students will remember that different thinking types can enhance creativity and that neurodivergent artists have significantly contributed to the arts. Adaptability...