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Have we done enough to support the marginalised Autistic and ND folks?

October 30, 2024

Have we done enough to support the marginalised Autistic and ND folks?Reflections on Autistic Pride Day

Today is Autistic Pride Day, there will be a lot of information and posts that go out today but I can’t help but constantly see that the conversations we have about autism and all forms of neurodivergence really seem lack a conversation that is intersectional.

When we celebrate Autistic Pride Day, if we are not recognising that autism intersects with various identities and experiences than are we celebrating it all? Intersectionality refers to the interconnected experiences of an individual such as race, gender, sexuality, and disability, and how they shape and influence each other. For autistic individuals, this means that their experiences of autism are shaped not only by their diagnosis but also by their other identities, experiences and it is so important to know that they are all interconnected.

For autistic individuals who belong to marginalised and deliberately disadvantaged and excluded communities, such as Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Global Majority folks, LGBTQIA+ folks, and those with disabilities, the experience of autism can be compounded by factors such as discrimination, systemic barriers, and social stigma. For example, a Black/Brown/Global Majority autistic person may face discrimination not only for their autism but also for their race. This can make it harder for them to access appropriate healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in systems we know are systemically racist.

Similarly, autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ may face additional challenges due to the intersection of their sexual or gender identity and their autism. They may struggle with social interaction and communication, which can make it harder for them to form relationships or find acceptance within their communities.

Autistic Pride Day has to be a reminder that autism is a truly diverse, multifaceted and intersectional experience, we have to all be talking about the way that autism affects all individuals across the UK. Studies have shown that there are disparities in the diagnosis and access to services for autism in Black and South Asian individuals in the UK.

The National Autistic Society conducted a study that showed that, Black and South Asian individuals are often diagnosed later in life than their white counterparts, not only this it was also found that they often experience longer waiting times for diagnosis and treatment. Knowing this information and all research and lived in experience combined we know that this delay in diagnosis can lead to a lack of appropriate support and interventions, which can have a negative impact on quality of life.

Alongside this, there is evidence to suggest that Black and South Asian individuals with autism may also experience greater stigma and discrimination due to their race and ethnicity. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including negative stereotypes, cultural misunderstandings, and a lack of culturally appropriate services and support due to medical inequities.

If we are going to be able to start to address these disparities, it is important to increase awareness and understanding of autism in Black and South Asian and Global Majority communities and the LGBTQIA+ community, we need to ensure that services and support are culturally sensitive, trauma infomed and accessible, and work to overcome the barriers to diagnosis and treatment that these groups may face. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, advocacy, and policy changes at both the local and national levels. This also means having everyones voices excluded especially those who are most impacted, if we can get it right for those folks then surely everyone will benefit right?

To address intersectional autism, it is important to recognize and address the unique challenges that different communities face. This includes increasing awareness and understanding of the intersection of autism with other identities and experiences, providing culturally sensitive and accessible support and services, and working to overcome systemic barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing the help they need.

Autistic Pride Day is a reminder that autism is a diverse and multifaceted experience that intersects with various identities and experiences. As we celebrate the achievements and contributions of autistic individuals, let us also work to create a world that is more inclusive, accepting, and supportive of all autistic individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, or other identities.

It’s time to stop looking at Autism and all forms of Neurodivergence from a single lens because it’s only working for one group, and there is no pride in that when a whole population of people are still excluded and struggling the most.

If we want to really feel pride then lets all start to address our own biases and actually ask ourselves who is being excluded and how can we do better. Because from what I am seeing at the moment its not good enough.

Marginalised Autistic folks deserve better.

Marginalised Autistic kids deserve better.

So are we as a society really in a space to say we have done enough to be feeling a sense of pride for our marginalised ND community?

Hannah

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