Consideration of Intersectionality in the Context of Neurodiversity-Affirming Services for Black Autistic People

Purpose: Neurodiversity-affirming practice is a more inclusive and respectful approach to support for autistic people. By valuing neurodiversity, clinicians can provide more personalized interventions, yet intersectionality needs to be considered. As the neurodiversity movement can be characterized by accommodation of the individual neurodivergent person, as opposed to traditional attempts to force neurodivergent people to adhere to neurotypical standards and ways, this may not always coincide with more collectivist cultures. This viewpoint, from the perspective of a Black autistic social psychology researcher, two Black speech-language pathologists who are caregivers of autistics, and a Black school psychology researcher, is designed to prompt discussion of times when neurodiversity-affirming care might need cultural adjustment. Conclusion: Consideration of intersectionality when implementing services can serve as a guidepost on the path toward care that is both neurodiversity and culturally affirming.