Artist Statement
Doc Clegg (The Doctor) | Age 24 | They/Them
From a young age, my life has been shaped by a unique perspective rooted in my diagnoses of ADHD and Autism. These revelations didn’t define me as lesser but offered me a different operating system to see the world from angles others may not notice. Photography has been my primary means of expressing this vision since I was six years old, and by the time I turned 14, it became more than just a hobby—it became my artistic voice. I capture moments that reflect the seen and unseen through photography, blending my experiences and perspectives into each frame.
My role at the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism has profoundly influenced my journey as an artist. I first joined the center in 2019 as a participant in the Passages program, and now I serve as the Front Desk and Office Assistant. The center has given me the space to grow professionally and personally and continues to foster the values of acceptance, understanding, and community that guide me in my work. Here, I bridge gaps, making the world more inclusive for neurodiverse individuals like myself.
Photography, for me, is not only an outlet but a tool for advocacy and storytelling. It’s a way for me to blend my passion for education, community service, and art. Each image I create is a testament to the beauty found in diversity and the power of embracing every part of who we are. Just as Autism is an integral part of me, so is my identity as Non-Binary—together, these aspects form the foundation of the unique and evolving artist that I am today. My mission is to empower others, spread awareness, and inspire through both my photography and my journey.
From a young age, my life has been shaped by a unique perspective rooted in my diagnoses of ADHD and Autism. These revelations didn’t define me as lesser but offered me a different operating system to see the world from angles others may not notice. Photography has been my primary means of expressing this vision since I was six years old, and by the time I turned 14, it became more than just a hobby—it became my artistic voice. I capture moments that reflect the seen and unseen through photography, blending my experiences and perspectives into each frame.
My role at the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism has profoundly influenced my journey as an artist. I first joined the center in 2019 as a participant in the Passages program, and now I serve as the Front Desk and Office Assistant. The center has given me the space to grow professionally and personally and continues to foster the values of acceptance, understanding, and community that guide me in my work. Here, I bridge gaps, making the world more inclusive for neurodiverse individuals like myself.
Photography, for me, is not only an outlet but a tool for advocacy and storytelling. It’s a way for me to blend my passion for education, community service, and art. Each image I create is a testament to the beauty found in diversity and the power of embracing every part of who we are. Just as Autism is an integral part of me, so is my identity as Non-Binary—together, these aspects form the foundation of the unique and evolving artist that I am today. My mission is to empower others, spread awareness, and inspire through both my photography and my journey.
What does art mean to me?
For me, photography is more than just an art form; it's a way to communicate the nuances of my experience as a neurodiverse individual. Every shot in this collection reveals the distinct way I perceive the world—highlighting beauty in places where others might not think to look. My mission is to showcase the power of different perspectives and advocate for greater awareness and appreciation for neurodiversity through my work.
Artist Age 5
Artist Age 16
Artist Age 18
Artist Age 20
