Navigating Neurodivergence: A Guide for the BIPOC Community

Navigating neurodivergence in the BIPOC community involves recognizing how race, culture, and systemic biases shape mental health and addressing these overlapping challenges.

Understanding, advocating, and thriving when race and neurodiversity intersect

“I’m neuro-spicy.” That’s what my client said she had been told on a recent date.

She had met a woman, someone who intrigued her with her wit and charm.

The first few interactions were wonderful, but as my client got to know this woman better, she noticed unusual behaviors, like missing social cues and being easily overwhelmed when completing simple tasks.

As these small gestures became more frequent and noticeable, my client, curious and concerned, decided to bring it up.

The woman said, “I’m neurodivergent. That’s what I meant when I said I’m neuro-spicy.” The term “neurodivergent” refers to individuals with variations in neurological development and functioning and typically includes those who have been diagnosed with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

In recent years, I have observed a notable increase in BIPOC clients curious about neurodivergence.

For this particular client, being a Black, queer woman was challenging enough; she was confused about why another Black person would want to identify as neurodivergent, given the numerous barriers Black individuals already face, including lack of resources, cultural stigma, and systemic biases. To foster a deeper understanding of our collective diversity, the Black community must explore the unique intersection of neurodivergence and Black experiences. Identifying as neurodivergent can offer Black individuals a sense of validation and understanding, helping them make sense of their unique experiences and challenges while also connecting them to a supportive community that acknowledges the intersection of race and neurodiversity.

Understanding and Recognizing Neurodivergence in the Black Community

Neurodivergence encompasses a range of developmental conditions characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors, varying from highly functional individuals to those needing significant support. Recognizing neurodivergent traits involves understanding a spectrum of cognitive, emotional, and sensory experiences that differ from the neurotypical norm, such as sensory sensitivities, difficulty with executive functioning, intense focus on specific interests, social communication differences, and stimming behaviors. For Black communities, understanding neurodivergence is especially crucial because, in addition to cultural factors and health disparities, that can obscure recognition and support.

Differences in how symptoms of neurodivergence are expressed and perceived across various cultures can affect the diagnostic process. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2020), Black children typically receive an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis an average of three years after their parents first raise concerns about atypical behaviors.

This delay highlights significant disparities in the diagnostic process and underscores the need for improved early identification and culturally sensitive healthcare practices. What is seen as social withdrawal in one context may be misunderstood as shyness or defiance in another. It is important that individuals seeking mental health support find healthcare providers who are culturally attuned and aware of these nuances.

Neurodivergence in the Black community is like pottery, where unique shapes and patterns emerge through the interplay of different cultural influences, creating something both delicate and resilient.

Source: RF_studio / Pixels

Mistaking Neurodivergence and C-PTSD

In my private practice, I have encountered many Black clients who question whether they are neurodivergent. These clients often seek answers while grappling with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), unaware that there are overlapping symptoms between the two. C-PTSD, which arises from prolonged trauma such as ongoing abuse or chronic exposure to racism and oppression, presents with symptoms like emotional dysregulation, a negative self-concept, difficulty in relationships, and re-experiencing traumatic events through flashbacks or hypervigilance.

Many of my clients become curious about autism after identifying with a lead character on a TV show or hearing it discussed on a podcast. Symptoms of C-PTSD can overlap with indicators of neurodivergence, such as the emotional regulation issues seen in ADHD or the sensory sensitivities common in autism.

It’s crucial to recognize that individuals can experience both C-PTSD and neurodivergent conditions. Therefore, seeking a mental health professional who is skilled in differentiating between these similar disorders is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Seeking a Formal Diagnosis

Black individuals may show signs of neurodivergence yet not meet the criteria for specific conditions as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the handbook clinicians use for diagnosing mental disorders.

Many diagnostic criteria and testing in the DSM were developed based on a lack of representation of BIPOC communities, which means that the symptoms and presentations more common in BIPOC individuals might be overlooked or misinterpreted.

For example, PTSD symptoms in Black individuals might manifest as heightened vigilance or resistance to authority, which, when viewed through a culturally biased lens, can be misinterpreted as behavioral problems rather than trauma responses. This is often due to the unique cultural contexts and experiences of racism that shape how trauma is expressed and understood, leading to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Furthermore, research by Williams and Turner (2023) emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive diagnostic tools and practices to ensure accurate assessments for Black individuals.

Many adults have developed coping mechanisms that can complicate the diagnostic process. For instance, a Black adult who has developed a habit of suppressing emotional responses due to years of navigating racial discrimination might present with a calm demeanor during a diagnostic assessment. This coping mechanism can obscure underlying symptoms of neurodivergence or trauma, complicating the diagnostic process. Additionally, adults often face more barriers to accessing support services compared to children, such as limited availability of adult-specific resources and a lack of awareness among providers about how neurodivergence presents in adults.

Navigating Self-Diagnosis and Online Research

In light of both these barriers and the increasing availability of online mental health information, many individuals turn to websites or social media to understand their symptoms and experiences. Self-diagnosis can be a validating step, especially when facing barriers to professional diagnosis. However, it requires careful navigation to avoid misinformation. Connecting with support networks, both online and offline, can provide valuable information and emotional support. Organizations that focus on autism within the Black community, such as The Color of Autism Foundation, offer resources and support tailored to the unique experiences of Black individuals and families.

Reliable sources for self-diagnosis include scholarly articles, reputable health websites (e.g., Psychology Today, CDC, NIH), and advocacy organization sites. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to neurodivergence can provide community support and shared experiences, though these should complement, not replace, professional advice.

Self-assessment tools and checklists, while not diagnostic, can offer insight into neurodivergent traits. Tools like the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) or the Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist can be starting points for recognizing patterns that align with neurodivergence.

Conclusion

This journey is about more than understanding neurodivergence; it’s about embracing the full spectrum of what diversity truly means. For Black individuals, navigating the intersections of trauma and neurodivergence involves unique challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the strengths inherent in your unique neurobiology.

Being “neuro-spicy” is not just a part of who you are—it is your strength, your power, your beauty. By understanding and valuing these aspects of yourself, you can advocate for the support you need, create spaces where you can thrive, and live in your authenticity.

References

Anderson, L., & Brown, K. (2023). Advocacy and Research for Neurodivergence in Black Populations. Journal of Black Psychology.

Constantino J. N., Abbacchi A. M., Saulnier C., Klaiman C., Mandell D. S., Zhang Y, et al. (2020) Timing of the Diagnosis of Autism in African American Children. American Academy of Pediatrics.

Lee, S., & Gill, M. (2022). The Role of Social Media in Neurodivergence Diagnosis. International Journal of Mental Health.

Mandell, D. S., Listerud, J., Levy, S. E., & Pinto-Martin, J. A. (2002). Race differences in the age at diagnosis among Medicaid-eligible children with autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(12), 1447-1453.

Smith, J., et al. (2021). Social Media as a Tool for Mental Health Advocacy. Journal of Mental Health and Social Media.

Williams, T., & Turner, D. (2023). Culturally Sensitive Diagnostic Tools in Mental Health.Journal of Psychology and Culture.