Bridgette Hamstead says she “embarked on the path of activism driven by personal experiences as someone with autism and ADHD, growing up in a society that often misunderstood and stigmatized these neurodivergent traits.”
Hamstead is the founding director of Fish in a Tree (fishinatreenola.org,) an organization dedicated to supporting and championing neurodiversity in New Orleans and surrounding areas.
“This organization holds a deeply personal significance for me,” Hamstead says. “As the founding director, Fish in a Tree represents my commitment to creating a community that fosters understanding, acceptance and celebration of neurodivergent individuals.”
Hamstead went on to explain that the name Fish in a Tree was inspired by the idea that if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing there is something wrong with it.
“The concept resonates deeply with me, reflecting the societal misunderstandings and misjudgments faced by neurodivergent individuals,” Hamstead says.
“It is a realization of the urgent need for change.”
Fish in a Tree provides a safe space, Hamstead says, where neurodivergent individuals feel empowered and supported. It also offers education and training to community stakeholders who share in the group’s heartfelt desire to make the environments in which people live, learn, work and play truly accessible and inclusive for all.
New Orleans’ community spirit reflects the kind of inclusive environment we aspire to create for neurodivergent individualș where differences are not just accepted but cherished.”
On such example is when Hamstead was asked to be the neurodiversity consultant for Le Petit Théâtre’s production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”
“This opportunity allowed me to advise the production team, cast and crew, on authentically representing autism in the stage performance and creating neuro-accessible and neuro-inclusive showings,”
Hampstead says.
During one performance tailored for the neurodiverse community, Hamstead implemented specific accommodations, which included adjusting lighting and sound to providing clear signage and social stories and ensuring a supportive environment for neurodivergent audience members.
“The feedback I received from the attendees was incredibly moving. Many expressed astonishment at the accommodations provided, as it was a novel experience for them,” Hamstead says. “They shared a sense of feeling seen and heard, which they hadn’t previously encountered in a theatrical setting.” Hamstead adds that, “For many, it was a stark departure from the typical portrayals often seen in mainstream media — typically caricatured or stereotyped representations.”
One of those in the audience included Hamstead’s daughter, who told her mother she didn’t know people would come to a show about a person like her, who is neurodivergent. “That solidified my commitment to neurodiversity advocacy,” Hamstead says.
Inspired by the show, Hamstead’s daughter is currently writing a screenplay that features neurodivergent characters for her NOCCA application where she hopes to study film.
Hamstead was born and raised in Baton Rouge, but now calls New Orleans home, with husband Seth Hamstead, their daughter Brax, and her stepdaughters (and his daughters) Talbot and Arden.
Hamstead received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kansas State University and Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science from Oklahoma State University.
She currently serves on the Community Advisory Committee for the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the New Orleans Public Schools Superintendent’s Community Advisory Council.
Before founding Fish in a Tree, Hamstead was the program director of the Computing for Youth with Autism Program, where she specialized in securing education, training, support and employment for autistic young adults in computer-related careers in the tech industry in New Orleans. Hamstead also worked as a vocational rehabilitation Counselor for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.
Hamstead notes the unique charm of New Orleans is rooted in its rich history of celebrating differences.
“It’s a place where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated, reflecting a long history of embracing diversity,” Hamstead says, adding “New Orleans’s community spirit reflects the kind of inclusive environment we aspire to create for neurodivergent individuals, where differences are not just accepted but cherished. My activism seeks to promote understanding, acceptance, and accommodation for neurodivergent individuals across various spheres of society,” says Hamstead, who is also a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“It’s not just about my family or me; it’s about ensuring a world where everyone can thrive, where differences are celebrated, and where policies, education, healthcare, and workplaces are more inclusive and accommodating to all forms of human diversity.”
The aim is to shift the focus away from changing neurodiverse individuals to fit a predetermined mold.
“By providing neurodiversity education, advocating for policy changes, and collaborating with various stakeholders, I aim to foster an environment where neurodivergent individuals are not just included but embraced for their unique strengths,” she says. “The significance of this work extends beyond the immediate community; it influences the broader societal perspective on diversity and inclusion.”
Hamstead explains that research consistently demonstrates the value of neurodiversity and the importance of embracing it, adding that neurodiversity is an intrinsic aspect of human variation, and yet, societal structures have historically disregarded or misunderstood these differences.
“Giving back to the community allows me to actively contribute to changing this narrative,” Hamstead says.
