New collective creates space for Mérida’s artists with autism, dyslexia, ADD

Neurodiversity activists in Mexico City hold a sign reading “We are not against the system, the system is against us.” Photo: Courtesy

A new collective in Mérida is aiming to create for the city’s neurodivergent art community. 

A neurodivergent person is one who might have autism, dyslexia, or attention deficit disorder.

Neurodivergent artists wishing to join Disonantes Creadores Neurodivergentes are encouraged to send a video to Disonantes Creadores Neurodivergentes through social media, speaking of their experience and why they would like to join. 

“It is important that we have a place where neurodivergent people have a chance to be heard and supported through art,” said the collective’s co-founder, Taisha Vo.  

Though the collective is still small, organizers are hoping to continue attracting new artists in order to prepare a series of public activities in the near future.

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“It is extremely difficult to fit into a world and systems where everything is made for people who are different from you, that’s why this project is so important, ” said local artist Calude Centurión.

The issues facing neurodivergent people have begun to gain visibility in Mexico over the past few years. 

One of the biggest complaints of organizations representing the interests of neurodivergent people in Mexico is the rigidness of the country’s education system. 

“Mexico’s federal education system does not even officially acknowledge the existence of neurodivergent people. So many people are simply pushed aside and told that something is wrong with them,” says activist Olinka Valdez.

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