Skip to Content
Neurodivergent cover image

Neurodivergent 2022

Recommended

Distributed by Women Make Movies, 115 W. 29th Street, Suite 1200,New York, NY, 10001; 212-925-0606
Produced by Reagan Shea and Rachel Priebe
Directed by Afton Quast Saler
Streaming, 25 mins



College - General Adult
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Mental health

Date Entered: 03/15/2023

Reviewed by Jasmine Smith, Reference & Instruction Librarian, Alvernia University

Neurodivergent explores the director’s experience of receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis. Through conversations with her parents and partner, her own reflections, and discussions with experts, she presents the experience of a woman living with undiagnosed ADHD and the feelings that accompany a diagnosis and treatment. While some clinical information is included, the film is much more focused on the emotional journey of diagnosis and acceptance, including frustrations with the limitations of modern treatment options. The film is easy to follow, but not linear. This is arguably a better way to tell the story, something closer to the film’s central metaphor for the ADHD brain: a junk drawer dumped onto a trampoline.

Neurodivergent is recommended for viewers college through adult, especially for viewers who have ADHD, work with those who do, or who are connected to the mental health field. While the content is easily understood by younger audiences, there is some adult language, as well as discussion of suicidality, so event coordinators or instructors may want to pre-screen for younger viewers.

Awards:
Directors Guild of America Student Film Award 2021, Jury’s Choice Award; Awareness Film Festival 2021, Audience Choice Award; Portland Film Festival 2021, Best Short Documentary & Audience Choice; Salute Your Shorts Film Festival 2021, Audience Choice; The Film Series at Cine Gear Expo 2021, Audience Choice Award; Thomas Edison Film Festival 2021, Jury’s Choice Award; Davinci International Film Festival 2021, Vituruvian Award; San Luis Obispo International Film Festival 2022, Best Student Film

Published and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Anyone can use these reviews, so long as they comply with the terms of the license.