Being Black, Female and Neurodiverse

By Michele Manteaw

We already know females are 3 times less likely to be diagnosed as neurodivergent. Research also suggests black people are 5 times less likely to be diagnosed as neurodivergent. Combine that with sexism, systematic oppression, and underrepresentation… you get a VERY compounded equation!

So let me introduce myself…

My name is Michele. I am a dark-skinned black woman who chooses to wear her natural hair out. I am a YouTuber, digital creator, and model and I run a community black netball team in London. I also have a working diagnosis of ADHD and a working memory deficit. My passion in life stems from representation, especially for people who look like me.

Growing up, I always knew my brain was wired differently. Despite being academically bright, I was always the talkative child who would get reported on during parent’s evenings. The girl who would go the extra mile to ask ALL the extra questions during lessons to make sure she understood what was being taught. And of course, we can’t forget the chronic time blindness that would make me late for school almost every day. As well as the ability to remember AND complete homework the night before it was due. With no additional support at school and matching stereotypical labels, it was safe to say my education was nothing less than chaos. It was only after speaking to some coursemates in my final year of university that I entertained the idea of checking if my brain was actually wired differently. 

Luckily, as my course started our terms earlier than others, I went to the SPLD assessment center when it was very quiet, got an assessment a few weeks later, and that’s where my journey exploring my neurodivergence began. For the first time in my life, I got extra time during my exams because it was recognised I experienced the world differently. And if I'm honest, if it wasn’t for this accommodation, I don’t know if I would have passed my degree.

Being black and female worked as a double invisibility when it came to being picked up as a neurodiverse individual. But rather than focusing on the failings of the system, I think the acknowledgment of how important intersectionalities are is a better use of energy. 

In society, being female is tough. Being black is tough. Being neurodivergent is tough. However, these identities do not exist in isolation, and should not be treated as such. Being black, female, and neurodiverse comes with its unique challenges that require unique considerations and accommodations. I know for a fact in healthcare, education, and even workplace settings, I have had to violently advocate for myself in ways some of my counterparts have not had to. 

On top of all of this, mental health is still massively stigmatised in the black community. This means the same marginalised individuals are often unwilling or not open to the idea of getting diagnosed or receiving the support they would benefit from in fear of how it may be perceived by the community around them. It’s one blocker after another. 

But you know what? Despite these constant challenges, I believe being a neurodivergent black woman has made me a SUPER resilient individual. It has made me the most lateral thinking problem solver, the most creative (and slightly nutty) spirit known to man, and allows me to connect with other marginalised groups, whether they face the same struggles as me or not. 

Although I hope people like me will get more access to the support and care they need, I can recognise the journey we’ve already made to make the world a more inclusive place for everyone. With so many amazing resources online (such as (un)masked!) and different ways to educate ourselves, things can only get better from here... right?