Introduction
Not Just an Excuse aims to support fellow neurodiverse individuals by breaking the many misconceptions and stigmas associated with ADHD. This project will provide a tangible representation of the ADHD brain, boosting community confidence and validating experiences.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is defined by what neurotypical people view from the outside, not what ADHD actually feels like on the inside. People like our founder Alex, do not have a deficit in attention, rather we have trouble regulating our attention and we lack dopamine.
My brain feels like...
Alex's ADHD brain feels like a TV with tons of channels but someone else has control of the remote.
Not Just an Excuse is an amplified version of this concept of attention variability expressed through an array of interactive TV’s. Each TV will have different “dopamine channels” that The Attention Machine (TV’s) will autonomously cycle through when the system grows bored, imitating a common ADHD experience.
ADHD Superpower?
The Attention Machine challenges participants to break from the boredom and unlock an ADHD “superpower” known as hyperfocus. The goal is to replicate the ADHD brain’s constant hunt for dopamine, while actively trying to control our hyperfocus abilities and make it work “on cue” (an almost impossible mission).
Follow the Dopamine
The Dopamine Channel content is created through collaboration with other fellow Neurodiverse people who were asked to define their ADHD brains look/ feel/ sound like, represented through tangible representations or metaphors. Those involved in the Dopamine Channel planning will have their neurodiverse experiences showcased to encourage inclusivity from a variety of diverse perspectives. By involving participants in creating and interacting with the installation, we will foster a sense of ownership and validation, thereby enhancing the project's effectiveness in breaking down stigmas and promoting inclusion.
Partners & Collaborators
We have established partnerships with reputable organisations such as the ADHD Bristol Collective, Whole Child Therapy, and the Bradley Stoke Community School.
Not Just an Excuse was developed in Residence at the Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol, UK. The Studio is a creative technologies collaboration with Watershed, University of the West of England and University of Bristol.