BLACK FEMALE & NEURODIVERGENT

The prevalence of diagnoses in the Black female population is known to be much lower than it is for white females and far lower than it is for white males.? Whilst this trend is decreasing as awareness of Autism grows, the difference is still stark.? Combining an Autistic profile with the experience of being Black and female is a topic that is not often broached because the lived experiences are so infrequently documented.

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The opinions wants, needs, requirements, presentation etc. that come with a diagnosis of Autism do not currently reflect those of the Black community and even less so for Black women.? Perceptions around behaviours associated with Black women often mean that typical Autistic behaviours are incorrectly attributed to self-sufficiency, early independence, advanced intellect, or emotional strength.

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I recently talked about the shortage of ADHD drugs in the UK.? This shortage was driven by a lack of supply from manufacturers and increased demand.? A BBC News report in April 2024 found that this shortage of medication had a devastatingly negative effect on adults.? Whilst children were also affected, the wrap around care that runs in parallel with a positive diagnosis and a prescription for medication meant that the multidisciplinary team featuring psychiatrists, GPs, and therapist like SaLT (speech and language therapist) where involved, as well as the teaching community within schools we’re all made aware of this medication challenge.

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The interventions put in place within the academic environment made it easier for further accommodations to be made so children who were not able to access their usual medication or obtain a replacement were able to continue functioning within this learning environment.? But for many ADHD adults the prognosis was far more serious.? Workplaces, whilst aware of employees taking medication for ADHD were less than forgiving when the results of missing doses resulted in missed deadlines, project delays, and a marked increase in disorganisation, some employers felt it was too much responsibility for them to carry on behalf of affected employees.

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There are many instances where people who were previously able to perform their duties to a high standard suddenly found themselves unable to keep pace or be as productive.? This resulted in job losses which has had a detrimental effect on neurodivergent adults who already find it more difficult to find employment than their neurotypical counterparts with the same level of education and training.

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But what if (need I even say if!?)….what happens when a Black female, in a corporate setting, who is already trying hard to squeeze herself into a mould that’s not built to accommodate her?? The neurodivergence is unlikely to be declared, specifically if they are so-called ‘high functioning’?? It’s worth remembering that if you are Autistic then YOU ARE AUTISTIC.? There is no such thing as a ‘little bit’ or he/she/they being ‘more Autistic’ than another individual who has been identified.?

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Autism is a spectrum for sure so the presentation can be more or less severe but an Autistic person will have Autism no matter what the manifestation.? Sounds obvious but some of the conversations around neurodivergence and Autism in particular centre on a type of Autism which is not really Autism – a leftover from the Aspergers vs Autism distinction that used to occur commonly but is referred to much less now.

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For many Black women in corporate settings, they are already knee deep in masking rituals to signify that they can blend into the corporate world.? They are highly likely to be in the minority and, if they are senior, they are also highly likely to be one of small number of females at the same level. Can you afford to be Black, female, and Autistic?? This will present too many challenges for a lot of people who would fall into this community.

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Black women are often the subject of intense observation and scrutiny that goes beyond the level that would be deemed typical within an organisation.? When you are subject to this constant monitoring and assessment mistakes are NOT an option.? So, imagine a scenario where a Black female leader with ADHD had experienced the same issues with obtaining medication to support her time management, memory, concentration, and organisation?? You can imagine that some institutions would jump at the opportunity to say, “I told you she wasn’t up to it!.”? For some readers that may seem far fetched but there are so many anecdotal and documented stories that demonstrate a litany of workplace prejudice, racism, and misogyny all rolled into the unappealing package of misogynoir.

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A hateful mix of disdain, disrespect, and discrimination of Black women.? Add ADHD to that and you have a recipe for poor mental health, burnout and even breakdowns.

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