Understanding Autism and Intersectionality

What is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality means that people have multiple parts to their identity that overlap. These can include:

• Race and ethnicity

• Gender

• Sexual orientation

• Social class

• Disability status

• Religion

• Age

These different parts of identity combine to create unique experiences. For example, being both Black and autistic creates different challenges than being white and autistic or Black and neurotypical.

What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized

by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of

behaviour or interests. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning it presents differently

in each person. No two autistic people are exactly alike.

How Autism and Intersectionality Connect

Multiple Layers of Experience

Autistic people don't just experience the world through autism alone. They also experience it through:

• Their gender identity

• Their cultural background

• Their economic situation

• Their racial identity

• Other disabilities they might have

Each of these layers affects how autism appears in their life and how others treat them.

Different Access to Diagnosis

Intersectionality affects who gets diagnosed with autism:

• White males are diagnosed more often and earlier

• Girls and women are often missed or diagnosed late

• People from different ethnic backgrounds are diagnosed less frequently

• Poor communities have less access to evaluation services

• Cultural differences can affect how autism is recognised

This means many autistic people from marginalised groups don't receive proper support.

Varied Treatment by Society

How society responds to an autistic person often depends on their other identities:

• Autistic boys might be seen as "quirky geniuses"

• Autistic girls might be labelled as "shy" or "dramatic"

• Autistic Black children might be seen as "behavioural problems"

• Autistic LGBTQ+ individuals face double discrimination

• Autistic people in poverty have fewer resources for support

Unique Strengths

Intersectionality isn't just about challenges. It can create unique strengths:

• Cultural perspectives that offer different ways of understanding autism

• Community knowledge and support systems

• Adaptability from navigating multiple identities

• Insight into various forms of discrimination

• Creative problem-solving skills

Why This Matters

Understanding autism through an intersectional lens helps us:

1. Provide better support that addresses all aspects of a person's identity

2. Recognise autism in more diverse populations

3. Create more inclusive autism communities

4. Develop more effective and culturally appropriate therapies

5. Fight against multiple forms of discrimination

How We Can Do Better

For Professionals

• Learn about different cultural expressions of autism

• Consider how race, gender, and class affect autism presentation

• Include diverse populations in autism research

• Train diagnosticians to recognise autism across different groups

• Develop culturally responsive support systems

For Communities

• Make autism spaces welcoming to people of all backgrounds

• Listen to autistic voices from diverse communities

• Recognise that there's no single "autism experience"

• Support autism advocacy that includes everyone

• Challenge stereotypes about what autism "looks like"

For Individuals

• Recognise your own intersecting identities

• Connect with others who share similar experiences

• Share your story if you feel comfortable

• Remember that your whole identity matters, not just your autism

• Seek support that respects all aspects of who you are

Moving Forward Together

When we understand that autism exists alongside other important identities, we create a more complete picture of the autistic experience. This helps everyone:

• Autistic individuals receive more personalised support

• Families understand their loved ones better

• Communities become more inclusive

• Society recognises and values diverse autistic experiences

By bringing together autism understanding and intersectionality, we can build a world that accepts and supports all autistic people, regardless of their background or other identities.