“I Never Matched the Mold”: Illuminating the Neurodivergent Asian American Experience Through Photovoice

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to reveal common themes in the lived experience of neurodivergent Asian American emerging adults and to understand the nature of the relationship between neurodivergence and Asian American identity when both are present. Method: Four neurodivergent Asian American emerging adults, aged 22–27 years, participated in this photovoice study. Three participants identified as ADHDers (i.e., having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], formally diagnosed), and one was an AuDHDer (i.e., autistic with ADHD, also diagnosed). All took part in four photovoice meetings on Zoom, where they shared and discussed photos representing their lives. Data included 36 photos, captions, and meeting transcripts. Interpretative phenomenological analysis led to the successive creation of exploratory notes, experiential statements, experiential themes, and overarching experiential themes, culminating in this study's findings. Results: Findings revealed struggles of neurodivergence unknown until adulthood, followed by a three-stage process: (a) “getting to where we are” (reflection, acceptance, care), (b) who we are now (authenticity), and (c) where we're going (breaking barriers, paying it forward). Conclusions: This study presents a model for the integration of Asian American and neurodivergent identities, which fostered an orientation toward joy, giving back, authenticity, and community. The model also explores how racism and ableism obstruct this integrated identity development. Implications for practice include the need for culturally responsive and neurodiversity-affirming education around, identification of, and support for this often-overlooked population.