As a mixed-race neurodivergent parent, I’ve faced unique challenges in navigating both the racial and neurodivergent aspects of my identity. From being undiagnosed and misdiagnosed for years due to a lack of understanding and representation of neurodivergent individuals of colour, to dealing with the compounded stigma and discrimination that comes with being both neurodivergent and Black, my journey has been filled with obstacles.
Growing up in a low-income community, I didn’t have access to the resources and support systems that could have helped me get diagnosed and manage my neurodivergence. It wasn’t until I was 32 years old that I finally received a diagnosis, and it was a relief to finally have an explanation for the challenges I had faced throughout my life. But even after getting diagnosed, I still had to navigate the complexities of being a neurodivergent Black woman in a society that often fails to understand or accommodate individuals like myself.
Intersectionality is a term that describes how different aspects of a person’s identity, such as race, gender, and neurodivergence, intersect and shape their experiences. For me, being neurodivergent and Black means that I face both the unique challenges that come with each of these identities, as well as the added difficulties that arise from their intersection.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a Black mixed-race neurodivergent parent is the lack of representation and understanding in both the neurodivergent and Black communities. It can be hard to find resources and support that are tailored to my specific experiences and needs, and it’s frustrating to feel like I have to constantly explain and justify my existence and struggles.
However, despite these challenges, I’ve also found strength and resilience in my journey. My experiences have taught me the importance of advocating for myself and others like me, and of pushing for greater representation and understanding in both the neurodivergent and Black communities.
By sharing my story and experiences, I hope to help others understand the complex and often overlooked intersection of race and neurodivergence, and to inspire more empathy, support, and inclusivity for individuals like myself.
