Welcome to the 10th issue of Visible Roots, the global magazine of The International School of Dakar! This edition we focus on Neurodiversity around the world!
Human progress has never been driven by sameness. It is the thinkers who see the world differently, the innovators who approach problems from unique angles, and the creators who bring new perspectives to life that have shaped history. Neurodivergent minds whether influenced by ADHD, autism, dyslexia, Down syndrome, or other variations have played a crucial role in our survival, evolution, and advancement.
From scientific breakthroughs to artistic masterpieces, from athletic excellence to mathematical revolutions, history is filled with extraordinary individuals who have reshaped our understanding of what’s possible. Would we have the theory of relativity without Albert Einstein, who was believed to be dyslexic? The timeless works of Michelangelo, who may have been autistic? The boundless imagination of countless writers, inventors, and pioneers who thrived because of, not despite, their neurodivergence?
This magazine is a tribute to those minds past and present who have made the world what it is today. Without different ways of thinking, there would be no progress. It’s time we celebrate and embrace the power of neurodiversity.
"Visible Roots" is more than a magazine; it's a celebration of how we can make a global impact! Join us as we learn more about our world together!
”[Einstein] was . . . considered backward by his teachers. He told me that his teachers reported to him that he was mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams.”
The Reason I Jump is a book by Naoki Higashida, a non-verbal autistic teenager from Japan. Through a Q&A format, he offers a first-hand perspective on life with autism, challenging misconceptions and stereotypes. His heartfelt writing explains behaviors like staring at trees, not responding to his name, and why he likes to jump. The book fosters empathy and acceptance, encouraging readers to embrace the diversity of human cognition and communication styles, and challenges societal views on intelligence and capability.
NAOKI
HIGASHIDA LITERATURE
The beloved author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, Dahl struggled with dyslexia throughout his life, which made writing a challenge. However, his distinct storytelling style, filled with wit, dark humor, and a sense of whimsy, revolutionized children’s literature. His books remain iconic today, demonstrating how neurodivergent thinking can lead to lasting creativity.
ROALD DAHL
A well-known scientist and animal behaviorist, Temple Grandin has autism and is one of the most recognized advocates for people on the autism spectrum. Her innovative designs for livestock handling systems have transformed the agricultural industry, showing how neurodivergence can lead to practical and life-changing solutions.
TEMPLE GRANDIN
Nikola Tesla, a pioneering inventor and electrical engineer, is believed to have exhibited traits of neurodivergence, such as OCD and possibly autism. His intense focus and unconventional thinking led to groundbreaking inventions like the alternating current (AC) system and the Tesla coil. Tesla’s visionary ideas, often ahead of their time, revolutionized technology and continue to shape the modern world.
NIKOLA
TESLA
“They say it takes a village to raise a child. I think it takes a child with autism or other special needs to raise the consciousness of a village.”
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, was diagnosed with ADHD as a child. Struggling with focus in school, he found an outlet in swimming, where his hyper-focus and boundless energy became his greatest strengths. His intense training, visualization skills, and ability to stay in the zone gave him a competitive edge. Beyond his athletic success, Phelps is a mental health advocate, openly discussing his battles with depression and working to break stigmas. His story highlights how embracing neurodivergence can lead to extraordinary achievements.
MICHAEL PHELPS
Muhammad Ali wasn’t just a boxing legend—he was a cultural icon and a master strategist. Despite struggling with dyslexia, he had an unmatched ability to think quickly, anticipate opponents, and adapt in the ring. His sharp wit and poetic trash talk made him just as powerful outside the ring as inside. A three-time world heavyweight champion, Ali won Olympic gold in 1960 and became the first fighter to win the heavyweight title three times. His story proves that intelligence and greatness come in many forms, and neurodivergent minds shape history.
ALI
MUHAMMAD MUHAMMAD
Max Park is an autistic Rubik’s Cube champion known for his world-record-solving skills. Diagnosed with autism, Max found focus and comfort in cubing, leading him to become one of the top speedcubers. His success demonstrates how neurodivergent individuals can excel in specialized, focused activities.
MAX PARK
Satoshi Tajiri is the creator of the Pokémon franchise, inspired by his childhood love for collecting insects. While not officially diagnosed, his intense focus on specific interests, often linked to autism, influenced his creative approach. Tajiri's idea for Pokémon was to recreate the joy of collecting, which led to the global success of the franchise. His story highlights how neurodiversity can lead to groundbreaking achievements.
SATOSHI TAIJIRI
Stephen Wiltshire is a British artist with autism, known for his extraordinary ability to draw highly detailed cityscapes from memory after seeing them only once. Diagnosed with autism at age three, he initially struggled with speech and communication but found a way to express himself through art. His talent has been widely recognized, and he has drawn panoramic views of cities such as London, New York, and Tokyo with near-photographic precision. Click on
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist known for her polka-dot artwork and immersive installations. Struggling with OCD and hallucinations, she uses art to express her experiences, creating mesmerizing patterns and repetitions. Her neurodivergence has shaped her unique and influential style, making her a leading figure in contemporary art. S T E V E N W I L T S H I R E
YAYOI KUSAMA
Jessica Park, an artist with autism, is known for her detailed, colorful cityscapes featuring geometric patterns and symmetry. Her unique style reflects her deep focus and creativity, proving that neurodivergence can be a powerful artistic strength.
JESSICA PARK
Andy Warhol, often believed to have been on the autism spectrum, showed traits like repetitive behavior, social difficulties, and intense focus on specific interests. His art, with repeated images like Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe prints, reflects his pattern-based thinking, a trait often linked to autism. Though never officially diagnosed, his neurodivergence is seen by many as a key part of his creative brilliance.
ANDY WARHOL
CHUCK CLOSE
Chuck Close, a famous artist, had dyslexia and face blindness (prosopagnosia), making reading and recognizing faces difficult. He turned these challenges into strengths by creating large, detailed portraits, breaking faces into small parts to remember them. His unique way of seeing the world shaped his groundbreaking art style, showing how neurodiversity can fuel creativity.
A L L A G H E R
Noel Gallagher is an English musician, songwriter, and former lead guitarist of the legendary band Oasis. Despite struggling with dyslexia, he became one of the most influential songwriters of the 1990s, penning hits like Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova. His difficulties with reading and writing didn’t stop him from crafting poetic lyrics and memorable melodies that defined a generation. Gallagher has spoken about his unconventional learning style and how music became his true form of expression, proving that neurodivergence can fuel creativity rather than limit it.
Powerful Music
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) was a brilliant composer known for his extraordinary talent from a young age. Though not diagnosed, some speculate he may have exhibited traits of autism or ADHD, given his obsessive focus on music and struggles with social interactions. Mozart composed many iconic works across multiple genres and remains one of the most influential composers in history. His ability to hyper-focus on his music reflects traits often seen in neurodivergent individuals.
Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most influential architects in history, is believed by some to have exhibited traits of neurodivergence, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or ADHD. His intense focus, perfectionism, and unique approach to design set him apart. Wright’s revolutionary style emphasized organic architecture, blending buildings with their natural surroundings, with iconic works like Fallingwater and the Guggenheim Museum.
FRANK LLOYD
"Nuzo and Namia" is a YouTube show that focuses on neurodivergent experiences, particularly autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. The show aims to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and promote inclusion, especially in African contexts where neurodivergence is often misunderstood. Through storytelling and education, it fosters empathy and verse individuals.
"Extraordinary Attorney Woo" is a South Korean drama about Woo Young Woo, a brilliant attorney with autism who excels at solving cases. The show challenges legal norms with empathy, tackling many social issues in South Korea Through compelling storytelling, it highlights the struggles of autistic individuals and promotes awareness of neurodiversity. A massive hit, it became ENA’s highestrated show.
FILM & TV !
Pablo Pineda is a Spanish actor, teacher, and the first person with Down syndrome in Europe to earn a university degree in Psychopedagogy. He is best known for his role in the 2009 film "Yo, También" (I, Too), where he portrayed a man with Down syndrome navigating life and relationships. His accomplishments have made him an inspirational figure globally.
"Barfi!" (2012) is an Indian film about Barfi, a deaf-mute man, and Jhilmil, an autistic woman, played by Priyanka Chopra. The film beautifully explores love beyond neurotypical norms, highlighting Jhilmil’s social challenges and deep attachments. Praised for its sensitive portrayal of autism, "Barfi!" helped raise awareness in Bollywood.
FILM & TV!
"Life, Animated" (2016) is a documentary about Owen Suskind, an autistic boy who learned to communicate through Disney movies. It follows his journey into adulthood, showing how storytelling helped him express himself. The film won multiple awards and raised awareness about autism.
Click on the portraits to watch clips from these shows!
The Reason I Jump (2020)
follows five non-speaking autistic individuals worldwide: Amrit (India), Joss (UK), Ben and Emma (US), and Julián (Sierra Leone). Directed by Jerry Rothwell, the film explores their unique ways of communicating, challenging stereotypes about autism.
FILM & TV!
This Pixar short film features Renee, a nonverbal autistic girl who communicates through gestures and a sound app on her phone. The story follows her and a neurotypical boy as they learn to understand each other during a canoe trip. Loop highlights the importance of patience, empathy, and acceptance in communication with autistic individuals, advocating for a world where different ways of thinking and interacting are embraced.
Click on the portraits to watch clips from these shows!
"Pablo" is an animated children’s show about a young boy with autism who uses his imagination and creativity to navigate daily challenges. His imaginary friends, colorful creatures, help him manage his emotions and solve problems. The show is praised for its authentic portrayal of autism, promoting understanding and inclusivity while teaching children about neurodiversity in an engaging and accessible way.
CARTOONS
"Punky" is an Irish animated series about a fun-loving girl with Down syndrome. First aired in 2011, it was one of the first shows to feature a lead character with Down syndrome. Punky's daily adventures with her family promote inclusion and understanding, showing that kids with disabilities live full, joyful lives. The show was praised for its authenticity, with Aimee Richardson, an actress with Down syndrome, voicing Punky.
