As we celebrate Black History Month 2024, it’s essential to spotlight the intersection of neurodiversity and the Black experience. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” invites us to explore the unique challenges faced by Black neurodivergent individuals, whose voices are often overlooked in discussions about education, employment, mental health, and the criminal justice system.
The economic implications of these overlapping identities cannot be understated. Research reveals that neurodivergent individuals, particularly those from Black and mixed-heritage backgrounds, experience significant barriers that hinder their access to opportunities and support. From the disability employment gap to troubling mental health statistics, the need for an intersectional approach to understanding these issues has never been more urgent.
By examining the economic realities that shape the lives of Black neurodivergent individuals, we can begin to address the systemic inequalities they face. It is crucial to move beyond siloed perspectives and embrace a holistic view that incorporates race, class, and neurodivergence. In doing so, we not only honour the rich narratives of Black history but also pave the way for a more equitable future.
As we embark on this journey of exploration, let us commit to amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalised. Together, we can reclaim narratives and work towards a society that truly values and supports every individual, regardless of their background or identity.
As you read this blog and explore the statistics presented, I hope you will recognise the urgent need for more data to enhance our advocacy efforts. By collecting and analysing comprehensive data, we can create a clearer picture of the unique challenges faced by Black neurodivergent individuals, enabling us to advocate more effectively for their needs and rights.
If you are reading this, I will assume you are familiar with the term intersectionality. However, for those who are not, the next paragraph is for you.
Intersectionality, a concept introduced by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, reveals how overlapping aspects of identity—such as race, class, and neurodivergence—create unique experiences of marginalisation. Crenshaw’s work highlighted the gaps in both feminism and civil rights movements, particularly regarding the specific struggles faced by Black women. By employing an intersectional lens, we can better understand how these overlapping identities shape our access to resources, opportunities, and fair treatment, leading to multiple forms of marginalisation kimberle-crenshaw-intersectionality work.. The rest of this blog will emphasise the importance of viewing the experiences of Black neurodivergent individuals through this critical framework by doing so it will improve our ability to advocate and improve the lives of black neurodivergent folk .
Education
The 2021/22 academic year, only 22.5% of students requiring Special Educational Needs (SEN) support achieved grades 5 or above in English and Maths GCSEs, compared to 55.8% of students without SEN needs. Students with Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans faced even greater challenges, with only 7.0% reaching these grades ss. By age 19, just 22.5% of SEN students progressed to higher education, in stark contrast to 48.6% of their non-SEN peers (Department for Education, 2023).
These challenges are compounded by institutional racism. Nearly half of young Black people cited racism (49%) and negative perceptions (50%) as significant barriers to their educational success Racial discrimination in schools. The Black Child SEN report highlights the struggles Black and mixed-heritage parents face in accessing SEN support due to stigma and fears of labelling, which reinforce biases within both communities and schools Black Child SEND .. Institutional barriers and implicit biases among teachers further marginalise neurodivergent students, with misinterpretations of behaviour and unfair accusations making it even harder for them to receive the support they need.
Employment
Unemployment rates are higher for neurodivergent individuals 40% of neurodivergent adults are unemployed despite the fact that the nation unemployment rate was 4%.ND employment City and Guilds . Only 30% of autistics are in employment .Autism Employment . Black neurodivergent face even greater challenges. Research shows that individuals with ethnic-sounding names are less likely to be invited for job interviews, and wage disparities remain substantial. Neurodivergent individuals may also experience difficulties managing personal finances, further exacerbating financial insecurity Black neurodivergent and employment..
The proportion of people in employment by disability status and ethnicity , people aged 16-64 years UK 2021 -2022 . Gov.uk
The white ethnicity has the largest disability employment gap compared to other ethnic groups, primarily due to the significantly higher employment rates of white nondisabled individuals. Black and Pakistani disabled individuals have notably lower employment rates than any other ethnic group, reflecting a broader trend of unemployment among ethnic minorities Disability employment gap by ethnicity
Securing a job is just one aspect; earning a decent salary is crucial, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. According to the Office for National Statistics, between 2012 and 2022, Black employees had a median gross hourly pay of £13.53, while white employees earned £14.35. Additionally, Black individuals not born in the UK earned even less, at £12.96. Similar disparities exist within the disability pay gap; Disability Rights UK reported in 2023 that the employment gap for disabled individuals was 12.7% Ethnicity employment gap
. The median pay for disabled employees was estimated at £13.63 per hour, compared to £15.69 for nondisabled employees Disability pay gap. Furthermore, the disposable income gap between disabled and nondisabled individuals was 44% in 2021 Disability Income gap.
Given the existence of both ethnicity and disability employment gaps, it is reasonable to assume that the pay gap compounds for those who are both Black and disabled.
Criminal justice
Neurodivergent individuals are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, and this trend is similarly observed among ethnic minorities ND and criminal justice . The figure below illustrates the disproportionate representation of Black individuals in various aspects of the criminal justice system compared to the general population Ethnicity or criminal justice system. The diagram below clearly highlights the racial disparities within the criminal justice system, indicating a two-tiered policing system, albeit not in the manner described by right-wing narratives BAME criminal justice system.
Mental Health
It is widely acknowledged that neurodivergent individuals often face worse outcomes compared to neurotypicals. Up to 50% of autistic people experience depression at some point in their livesDepression and Autism.. Additionally, approximately half of individuals with ADHD experience one or more anxiety disorders Depression in ADHD..
The existence of racial mental health inequalities suggests that Black neurodivergent individuals may be worse off than their white neurodivergent counterparts Mental Health in Ethnic Minorities. A synthesis of qualitative studies investigating ethnic inequalities in mental health indicates that these disparities arise from a combination of individual, structural, and systemic factors, including fear of systemic racism, lack of cultural diversity, and stereotyping Qualitative studies ethnic inequalities in mental healthcare.
Reclaiming Narratives: The Need for an Intersectional Approach
Reclaiming Narratives: The Need for an Intersectional Approach
Reflecting on Black History Month 2024, themed around “Reclaiming Narratives,” it’s crucial to recognise how far we’ve come in acknowledging the unique challenges faced by Black neurodivergent individuals. Yet, we must also confront the reality that much of the existing research still lacks an intersectional approach, often isolating neurodivergent experiences from critical issues like race and class. This oversight limits our understanding of the nuanced challenges these individuals face in education, employment, mental health, and the criminal justice system.
While this blog presents valuable data on the experiences of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities, alongside information about disability, we must emphasise that this data alone is insufficient. Without precise data specifically focused on Black neurodivergent individuals, our ability to create effective solutions and support systems for them is significantly hindered. We cannot address the unique barriers they encounter without a clear understanding of their lived experiences.
Looking back on October 2024, it becomes clear that celebrating Black History Month has allowed us to highlight stories and experiences that deserve recognition. However, the work doesn’t stop here. Acknowledging the complexities of intersectionality is essential for fostering an environment where Black neurodivergent voices are heard and valued. Not all ethnic minorities come from low-income households, and not all neurodivergent individuals face the same barriers; understanding these differences is key to creating effective policies and support systems.
By embracing the intersection of race, class, and neurodivergence, we can reclaim the narratives of Black neurodivergent individuals and ensure their stories shape the future of our society.Call to Action: Let us carry the momentum from Black History Month into the coming months by advocating for research and policies that incorporate an intersectional perspective. We must ensure that the voices of Black neurodivergent individuals are amplified and their needs are met. Together, we can reclaim narratives and build a more inclusive society that empowers everyone to reach their full potential.
