Cultural Competence and Neurodiversity: Understanding the Intersection for Ethnically Diverse People

In this day and age, I feel that it is essential to acknowledge the intersectionality of cultural competence and neurodiversity. While there has been growing recognition of neurodiversity in the workplace and broader society, the unique experiences of ethnically diverse people who are neurodivergent have often been overlooked.

To create inclusive spaces, we must consider how culture and neurodiversity intersect and influence each other. This blog explores the importance of cultural competence in supporting neurodivergent individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

What is Cultural Competence?

Cultural competence is the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across different cultures. It requires awareness of our own cultural worldview, attitudes towards cultural differences, and knowledge of diverse cultural practices and worldviews. In practical terms, cultural competence enables individuals, organisations, and institutions to respect and support people from different backgrounds, fostering inclusivity.

In the context of neurodiversity, cultural competence means recognising that neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences, do not experience their identities in a vacuum. Ethnicity, race, and cultural background profoundly shape how neurodivergence is perceived, diagnosed, and supported.

Understanding Neurodiversity Across Cultures

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the human brain, where neurological differences are seen as part of human diversity rather than as deficits. However, cultural attitudes towards neurodivergence vary significantly across ethnic groups. In many Western societies, there is a growing movement toward understanding and accepting neurodiversity. However, this shift is not universal, and neurodivergence may be stigmatised or misunderstood in some cultures.

For example, certain behaviours associated with autism or ADHD may be interpreted differently depending on cultural norms. In some communities, these behaviours might be seen as signs of disrespect or disobedience rather than neurodevelopmental differences. As a result, neurodivergent people from ethnically diverse backgrounds might face additional layers of stigma, not only because of their neurological differences but also due to cultural expectations about behaviour and communication.

Challenges for Ethnically Diverse Neurodivergent Individuals

1. Diagnosis and Misunderstanding Neurodivergent individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds often face challenges in getting a diagnosis. This can be due to a lack of culturally competent professionals who understand how neurodivergence manifests differently across cultures. For example, some behaviours that might be seen as typical signs of autism in a Western context, such as avoiding eye contact, may be considered culturally normative in other ethnic groups. Misunderstandings like these can delay diagnosis, leading to unmet support needs.
2. Cultural Stigma In many communities, mental health and neurodivergence are still stigmatised topics. Families may be reluctant to seek support for neurodivergent individuals due to fears of social isolation or being seen as “different.” This stigma can be exacerbated by racism, where stereotypes about ethnic minorities already paint them as being outside societal norms. As a result, ethnically diverse neurodivergent people might face greater social isolation and fewer opportunities for support.
3. Navigating Multiple Identities Ethnically diverse neurodivergent individuals navigate multiple layers of identity. Being both neurodivergent and part of an ethnic minority means managing dual sets of challenges, those related to race and those related to neurodivergence. These individuals often have to code-switch (adjust their behaviour and language to fit into different environments) in ways that can be even more complex than their neurotypical counterparts. Understanding and supporting these dual experiences requires a culturally competent approach that values both racial and neurodivergent identities.

The Importance of Cultural Competence in Supporting Neurodivergent Ethnically diverse people

1. Culturally Relevant Support Systems Creating supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds means recognising the importance of culturally relevant services. This might involve having professionals who are trained to understand how neurodivergence manifests differently across cultures, or it could mean creating spaces where neurodivergent people can feel safe expressing their identities in culturally affirming ways.

Culturally relevant support also means involving the family and community in ways that align with their values. For instance, offering information about neurodivergence in a manner that respects cultural beliefs and practices can foster more inclusive and understanding communities.

2. Addressing Structural Barriers Structural barriers, such as a lack of access to healthcare, education, and employment, disproportionately affect ethnically diverse neurodivergent individuals. Discrimination and racism within these systems can prevent people from accessing the support they need. Culturally competent services must address these structural inequalities by advocating for equitable access to resources, dismantling discriminatory practices, and ensuring that ethnically diverse neurodivergent people have their voices heard and their needs met.
3. Inclusive Workplaces Neurodivergent people from ethnically diverse backgrounds face unique challenges in the workplace, including both racial and neurodivergent discrimination. Cultural competence in the workplace involves recognising how both neurodivergence and ethnicity intersect to affect an employee’s experience. Employers should be mindful of the different ways neurodivergence can manifest across cultures and make adjustments that are culturally sensitive. This could involve offering mentorship programmes that take cultural background into account or providing training on cultural competence for all staff members.
4. Building Intersectional Solidarity To create truly inclusive environments, it’s important to build solidarity between different marginalised groups. Cultural competence is not just about understanding different cultures but also about recognising the shared struggles faced by neurodivergent and ethnically diverse people. Intersectionality, understanding how various aspects of identity, such as race, class, and disability, interact, is key to fostering a more just and equitable society. By acknowledging and celebrating the diversity within the neurodivergent community, we can create spaces that uplift all individuals, regardless of their background.

Moving Forward: Creating Culturally Competent and Neurodiversity-Inclusive Spaces

Building cultural competence around neurodiversity, especially for ethnically diverse individuals, requires an ongoing commitment to learning and adapting. We must actively challenge the stereotypes and biases that affect neurodivergent people from different ethnic backgrounds and advocate for a society that values all forms of diversity. This means creating policies, support networks, and services that are culturally aware and inclusive, recognising that no two experiences of neurodivergence are the same.

Inclusion must go beyond token gestures. It requires a deep understanding of how cultural backgrounds shape the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and how societal structures impact their lives. By fostering cultural competence, we can ensure that all neurodivergent people, regardless of their ethnicity, are respected, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

When working within ethnically diverse communities and supporting neurodivergent individuals, it is essential to adopt a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach that respects the values and traditions of those communities. Here’s a checklist and some key tips to help ensure culturally relevant support:

Checklist for Culturally Relevant Support:

1. Understand Cultural Contexts:
   • Research the cultural norms, traditions, and values of the community.
   • Be aware of potential stigma or misconceptions around neurodivergence within different cultures.
   • Understand how disability, mental health, and neurodivergence are viewed within the community.
2. Engage Family and Community:
   • Involve family members in discussions about neurodivergence and support strategies.
   • Offer information sessions that are tailored to the cultural practices and beliefs of the community.
   • Encourage community involvement, such as through local leaders or elders, who can provide insight and trust.
3. Use Culturally Relevant Communication:
   • Translate information about neurodivergence into the community’s preferred language(s).
   • Avoid jargon; instead, use language that aligns with the community’s understanding of health, wellness, and disability.
   • Present information in ways that fit culturally accepted teaching styles (e.g., oral storytelling, group discussions).
4. Respect Traditional Beliefs:
   • Acknowledge and respect traditional healing practices or spiritual beliefs that might influence how neurodivergence is perceived.
   • Work alongside cultural practices rather than trying to change or challenge them unless they are harmful.
5. Offer Flexibility in Support Services:
   • Adapt support services to suit the cultural dynamics of the community (e.g., home visits instead of clinic appointments).
   • Provide support in communal settings if it aligns with the family’s and individual’s preferences.

6. Address Stigma and Misconceptions:
   • Offer educational workshops to address any stigma associated with neurodivergence.
   • Share positive stories of neurodivergent individuals thriving within the cultural context, if possible.
   • Be mindful of how autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions are viewed and address any misconceptions respectfully.
7. Incorporate Cultural Sensitivity in Assessment Tools:
   • Ensure that diagnostic assessments for neurodivergence are culturally appropriate and free from bias.
   • Be aware that certain behaviours considered “typical” in neurodivergent individuals may be misinterpreted in a different cultural context.
8. Empower the Individual and the Family:
   • Give families the tools and knowledge to advocate for their neurodivergent relatives within the community.
   • Support self-advocacy by helping neurodivergent individuals express their needs in culturally accepted ways.
9. Collaborate with Local Organisations:
   • Partner with community organisations that are trusted by the local population to disseminate information and provide support.
   • Leverage culturally specific resources or groups that may already be providing relevant support.
10. Respect Autonomy and Privacy:
    • While involving family and community, ensure the neurodivergent individual’s autonomy is respected, especially in cultures where family decisions may take precedence.
    • Safeguard the individual’s privacy and right to make personal decisions regarding their support.

Tips for Culturally Relevant Support for Neurodivergent Individuals:

• Cultural Humility: Approach every interaction with an openness to learning. Recognise that your knowledge may not cover all the nuances of the community’s values and be willing to adapt.
• Empathy and Compassion: Understand that some families may be hesitant to accept diagnoses due to cultural or social pressures. Offer support and empathy without judgment.
• Holistic View: Incorporate an integrated approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals, one that includes mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects that may be important in their culture.
• Active Listening: Always listen to what the individual and their family are saying. Their input should drive the approach, not just the clinical or educational perspectives.
• Build Trust: Build relationships slowly by showing respect for the community’s customs, engaging in open dialogue, and being transparent about your intentions and practices.

By implementing these culturally sensitive strategies, you can foster inclusive environments where neurodivergent individuals and their families feel understood, respected, and supported within their cultural context.