Why Neurodiversity and Disability Justice Should Go Hand-in-Hand

Bridgette Hamstead

The neurodiversity movement has been instrumental in redefining autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences as natural variations in human cognition rather than flaws or deficits. However, the values of neurodiversity go beyond simple acceptance—they align closely with the principles of disability justice. Integrating disability justice into neurodiversity advocacy strengthens both movements by centering lived experiences, equity, and dismantling systemic oppression. Here’s why neurodiversity and disability justice should work together.

1.?Addressing Intersecting Identities and Inequities

Why It Matters: Disability justice, pioneered by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) with disabilities, emphasizes that our identities are multifaceted and intersect in ways that affect our experiences of oppression. Neurodivergent individuals also come from diverse backgrounds with intersecting identities—race, gender, class, and sexuality—all influencing how they are perceived and treated.

How They Connect: By incorporating a disability justice framework, neurodiversity advocacy can better address how intersecting identities impact neurodivergent individuals, especially those who face compounded discrimination. Embracing intersectionality creates a more inclusive movement that recognizes the unique struggles of neurodivergent people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from marginalized communities.

2.?Challenging Ableism in All Forms

Why It Matters: Ableism—the belief that certain physical, mental, or cognitive abilities are superior to others—affects everyone in the neurodiversity and disability communities. Traditional disability advocacy often focuses on physical or visible disabilities, leaving neurodivergent individuals, whose conditions may be "invisible," without necessary support.

How They Connect: Disability justice calls for dismantling ableism in all its forms, including less visible forms of neurodivergence. By aligning with disability justice, the neurodiversity movement can more effectively challenge stereotypes, advocate for societal change, and push for accommodations that affirm all disabilities, visible and invisible.

3.?Advocating for Systemic Change, Not Just Individual Accommodations

Why It Matters: Both movements emphasize that real inclusion requires systemic change, not just individual accommodations. Disability justice goes beyond advocating for accessibility by calling for fundamental shifts in how society views, values, and supports disabled people.

How They Connect: Neurodiversity needs this systemic approach as well. Rather than focusing on helping neurodivergent individuals “fit in” to existing structures, a disability justice approach emphasizes transforming workplaces, schools, and public spaces so that they are accessible and welcoming to all people, regardless of their cognitive or sensory needs.

4.?Fostering Collective Care and Interdependence

Why It Matters: Disability justice emphasizes collective care—an ethic that values interdependence, cooperation, and mutual support rather than individualism. Many neurodivergent individuals experience challenges in navigating environments designed for neurotypical people, which can create isolation and burnout.

How They Connect: Neurodiversity and disability justice together advocate for a world where we care for each other’s needs rather than expecting everyone to be self-sufficient. This approach also validates community-based care structures, sensory-friendly spaces, and environments where neurodivergent people can thrive without having to suppress or hide their differences.

5.?Prioritizing Self-Advocacy and Lived Experiences

Why It Matters: Neurodivergent individuals have historically been spoken?about?rather than listened to, especially in medical and educational fields. Disability justice prioritizes the voices of those with lived experience and promotes self-advocacy, shifting power dynamics so that disabled individuals are in control of the narrative about their lives and identities.

How They Connect: Integrating disability justice into neurodiversity advocacy means centering neurodivergent voices in policies, programs, and public conversations. By amplifying neurodivergent perspectives and lived experiences, we can build more authentic, effective support structures and combat stereotypes rooted in ignorance.

6.?Recognizing the Right to Be Different, Without Expecting “Improvement”

Why It Matters: Disability justice challenges the idea that disabilities are problems to be “fixed.” Similarly, the neurodiversity movement views cognitive differences as valid expressions of human diversity, not conditions to be cured or treated away.

How They Connect: Both movements affirm the right to exist as one is, without needing to “improve” or mask traits that are fundamental to identity. This approach is especially significant for neurodivergent people, many of whom are expected to suppress or hide their traits to be accepted. Disability justice and neurodiversity together advocate for the freedom to live authentically.

7.?Building Inclusive and Diverse Community Spaces

Why It Matters: Inclusive community spaces are essential for combating the isolation that many disabled and neurodivergent people experience. Disability justice calls for spaces that welcome and accommodate all types of people, creating environments where diversity is embraced and celebrated.

How They Connect: Neurodiversity-focused spaces benefit from the principles of disability justice by ensuring that inclusivity is not tokenistic but deeply embedded in the environment. Neurodiversity centers, community programs, and online groups that embrace disability justice are more likely to create truly accessible, supportive spaces where people feel seen, respected, and valued.

By integrating disability justice principles, the neurodiversity movement can broaden its impact, ensuring that it’s inclusive of all experiences and responsive to the systemic challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. Together, neurodiversity and disability justice offer a holistic vision for an equitable world—one where everyone’s unique strengths and needs are honored, valued, and accommodated.