Neurodivergent, New York — Macy Castañeda Lee

Neurodivergent, New York is a long term photographic project for the International Center of Photography’s Documentary Practice & Visual Journalism Program in 2024 surrounding individual New Yorkers within the spectrum of Autism and Down Syndrome and their everyday lives in the city. These individuals are empowered and talented, with so much beauty and insight to share to the rest of the world. The story follows a young man named Mikey Lorch who dedicates his time in the theater arts, a young lady named Kayleigh who empowers people with down syndrome to start running marathons, and another young lady named Anna who shares an independent life as the eldest sister to younger girls. Also documented are all of their friends and caretakers in the everyday and in between.

Neurodivergent, New York was documented through a Hasselblad 500c and Fujifilm Digital Camera. This project was displayed at the International Center of Photography from May to September 2024.

Many thanks to the organizations and individuals who were able to make this project a possibility.