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Writer's pictureTumi Sotire

The Intersection of Socioeconomic Status, Ethnicity, and Neurodiversity

By Tumi Sotire (The Black Dyspraxic)



In today’s world, the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals are compounded by factors like race and socioeconomic status, creating a complex web of barriers that many struggle to navigate. Intersectionality, the idea that overlapping identities shape our experiences, is crucial to understanding how these challenges intersect. For those from ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds, the weight of systemic discrimination, underfunded services, and cultural stigma is immense. This blog explores how these forces collide, deepening inequality and what we can do to foster inclusivity.


Intersectionality 

Intersectionality, a concept introduced by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, explains how different aspects of a person’s identity—like race, class, and neurodivergence—overlap to create unique experiences of marginalisation. Crenshaw’s work highlighted that neither feminism nor the civil rights movement fully addressed the specific struggles of Black women (kimberle-crenshaw-intersectionality work). Intersectionality helps us see how these overlapping identities shape access to resources and opportunities.


In 2024, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the UK, combined with years of austerity, has disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable populations. Wages have stagnated while living costs have risen, particularly harming those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who depend more heavily on public services (fall in living standards). For neurodivergent individuals in these communities, the barriers are even higher.


Socioeconomic Challenges for Neurodivergent Individuals

Neurodivergent individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face compounded challenges. Many attend underperforming schools with large class sizes, receiving less individual attention. Special educational needs (SEN) services are typically underfunded, leaving neurodivergent students without the support and resources they need. As a result, these students often fall behind academically, limiting their future opportunities.


Furthermore, public services—particularly the NHS—have been weakened by austerity, leading to longer waiting times for neurodivergent individuals seeking formal diagnoses. A diagnosis is critical for accessing support and accommodations, both in education and the workplace. Without it, neurodivergent people must navigate systems that are often ill-equipped to meet their needs, which can worsen mental health outcomes, especially given the reduced availability of mental health services (Effect of austerity of neurominorities).


The Intersection of Race and Neurodivergence

In the UK, ethnic minority communities are overrepresented among lower-income groups, adding another layer of difficulty for neurodivergent individuals from these backgrounds. Racial discrimination compounds the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, who may be hesitant to disclose their neurodivergence due to fear of additional discrimination or bias.


Systemic racism also affects access to education and healthcare. Ethnic minority children, particularly neurodivergent ones, report higher rates of exclusion from schools, both formally and informally. This exclusion negatively impacts their educational achievements and limits future employment prospects.

Unemployment rates are already higher for neurodivergent individuals, but ethnic minorities face even steeper odds. Research shows that individuals with ethnic-sounding names are less likely to be called for job interviews, and wage gaps remain significant. Neurodivergent individuals may also face difficulties managing personal finances, exacerbating financial insecurity. (Black neurodivergent and employment)


Stigma and Cultural Barriers

In addition to facing discrimination from wider society, ethnic minority neurodivergent individuals often encounter stigma within their own communities. Cultural attitudes towards disability can lead to further marginalisation, contributing to poor mental health. This bi-directional stigma—both from society and their community—makes it harder for individuals to find support and understanding.


Entrepreneurship

Despite their challenges, many neurodivergent people display creativity and entrepreneurial drive. However, for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and particularly ethnic minorities, starting a business can be significantly more difficult. A lack of financial resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship can hinder success (Neurodivegent Entrepreneurs Black Entrepeneurs).


Criminal Justice 

Furthermore, neurodivergent individuals are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, and similar disproportionate are found in ethnic minorities (ND and criminal justice). Ethnic minorities are more likely to be stopped and searched compared to their white counterparts (BAME criminal justice system). Lower social and economic status is also a pivotal drive to being involved with the criminal. This over-representation reflects the failure of education and social services to provide adequate support, leaving neurodivergent individuals vulnerable to adverse outcomes.


The Importance of an Intersectional Approach

Unfortunately, much of the current research on neurodivergent individuals does not take an intersectional approach, often separating their experiences from issues like race and class. This lack of an intersectional perspective limits our understanding of the nuanced challenges neurodivergent individuals from diverse backgrounds face. Without this framework, creating inclusive policies and support systems that address their unique needs becomes difficult.


It is essential to recognise that not all ethnic minorities come from low-income households, and not all neurodivergent individuals experience the same barriers. However, acknowledging the complexities of intersectionality allows us to understand better how these overlapping identities affect people’s lives.


By considering the intersection of race, class, and neurodivergence, we can work toward a more equitable society—one that ensures no one is left behind, regardless of their background or identity. Understanding and addressing these intersections is vital to fostering an environment where all individuals, neurodivergent or not, can thrive.

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