Understanding the Neurodiversity Affirming Framework
The neurodiversity affirming framework is a progressive approach that acknowledges and respects the variations in human neurology. Rather than viewing neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, C-PTSD, TBI, OCD, dyslexia, and others as deficits or disorders to be cured, this framework promotes acceptance and appreciation of these differences. It emphasizes the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to society, advocating for accommodations and support systems that enable them to thrive.
Intersectionality: BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S Communities
Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes how various social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, and disability intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. For neurodivergent individuals within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQIA2S (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit) communities, these intersections can compound the challenges they face.
The BIPOC Community
BIPOC neurodivergent individuals often confront dual discrimination based on both their racial identity and their neurological differences. Racial stereotypes and systemic racism can exacerbate the stigmatization of neurodivergent traits, leading to misdiagnoses or a lack of access to appropriate services. For example, Black children are less likely to be diagnosed with both autism and ADHD compared to their white peers, and when they are, it is often later and with less access to early intervention services.
The LGBTQIA2S Community
Similarly, LGBTQIA2S neurodivergent individuals face unique challenges. The intersection of queer identities and neurodivergence can result in heightened vulnerability to mental health issues, social isolation, and discrimination. Additionally, the lack of understanding and acceptance within both the neurotypical and queer communities can lead to a sense of alienation and invisibility.
Education, Employment and Outcomes of Discrimination Against Neurodivergent Individuals
Despite growing awareness, neurodivergent individuals still face significant societal barriers. One stark statistic is that autistic individuals have an average life span of 54 years, significantly lower than the general population. This reduced life expectancy is often attributed to a combination of factors, including inadequate healthcare, social isolation, discrimination in schools and in the workplace, lack of access to medical care and, and heightened vulnerability to mental health issues without access to neurodiversity affirming therapy. Under and unemployment of autistic individuals also play a role in the lowered life expectancy.
Moreover, the unemployment rate for autistic individuals stands at a staggering 85%, highlighting the systemic barriers to employment they encounter. These barriers include a lack of workplace accommodations, pervasive stereotypes, and discrimination during the hiring process. Lack of education also becomes a workplace barrier. Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people are often underdiagnosed or refused accommodations in elementary, high school and college settings. These institutions rarely understand the needs needs of autistic students, pushing students into autistic burnout, leaving them unable to work even if they do manage to graduate. For autistic and other neurodivergent people environmental and institutional stressors build up over time and there are not enough neurodiversity affirming providers to advocate and help neurodivergent people navigate both education and employment.
Capitalism and Social Inequality
The discrimination faced by all neurodivergent individuals, especially within the BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S communities, is intertwined with broader social and economic structures. In the United States, capitalism has become increasingly catabolic, characterized by the erosion of social supports and the intensification of wealth inequality. This economic system often elevates groups that resemble and profit the upper echelons of society—the wealthy capitalists—while marginalizing those who do not conform to these standards.
The resultant social strife is not merely a byproduct of individual prejudices but is deeply rooted in structural inequalities. Under capitalism, social value is frequently measured by economic productivity and conformity to dominant norms. Neurodivergent individuals, whose strengths and ways of thinking may not align with these norms, are thus devalued and excluded.
Moving Forward: Advocacy and Inclusion
Addressing these intersecting forms of discrimination requires a multifaceted approach. Advocacy for the neurodiversity affirming framework must be paired with broader social justice efforts that address racial, gender, and economic inequalities. This includes:
1. Policy Changes: Implementing policies that promote inclusive and accommodating education, equitable healthcare, and fair employment practices for neurodivergent individuals.
2. Community Support: Building supportive communities that embrace neurodiversity and intersectional identities, offering safe spaces and resources for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S neurodivergent individuals.
3. Public Awareness: Increasing public understanding of neurodiversity and intersectionality through education and media representation, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy.
By recognizing and addressing the complex interplay of neurodivergence, race, gender, and socioeconomic status, we can move towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all. One that values and recognizes the strengths all neurotypes, races, and sexual and gender orientations.
Autistic people scare capitalists, because from my surmising, extrinsic motivation is less of a thing with them. Capitalists are great at using the overjustification effect to their advantage. This is especially apparent in the open source software movement. Once someone starts getting paid money for doing programming work they previously did for free and/or out of the goodness of their heart, they'll eventually lose interest in the project once the funds/donations dry up.