NLD, Independence, and Social Justice

Independence and Social Justice for the Neurodivergent

The journey toward independence is a central theme in the lives of many neurodivergent individuals, including those with NLD. As I work to build a side hustle in the tech industry, a field where I am still growing but am passionate about, my goal is to create a path toward living on my own. This personal quest for independence is a small part of a much larger conversation about NLD and social justice.

Neurodivergent people often have a strong desire to fight for social justice, not only for themselves but also for neurotypicals. This desire often stems from personal experiences with injustice—sexual abuse, comorbidities, and being excluded from society. While I have shared my own experiences with these challenges in past chapters, I now want to focus on my feelings about some more recent public events.

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was a shocking turn of events, a domino that has since led to the erosion of women's rights and autonomy over their own bodies. This moment has been a wake-up call, reminding us that we must be persistent and vocal in our fight for our rights and values. Similarly, the verdict in the E. Jean Carroll case against Donald Trump was a moment of hope. I was deeply empathetic to Carroll's experience and felt a sense of vindication when she won. Her victory has the potential to encourage other survivors to come forward and seek justice.

In addition to fighting for broader social issues, neurodivergents need to advocate for themselves. In school, this means fighting for accommodations that enable academic success. In adulthood, the challenge is different. While in school, you have teachers, tutors, and assistants, but as an adult, your primary support system is often limited to yourself, family, and friends. The availability and quality of this support can make all the difference, as I've learned from interviewing many neurodivergent individuals.

The Intersection of Neurodiversity and Social Justice

The relationship between neurodiversity and social justice is complex and deeply personal. An article titled “Neurodivergence, War, and Social Justice” by Anna Faye Hermanson and Muhammad Farris highlights the intersection of neurodiversity and trauma. The authors argue that to be "pro-neurodiversity is to be anti-war," noting that war and conflict can exacerbate the challenges that neurodivergent individuals already face, from difficulty sleeping to struggles with executive function. The article's descriptions of these challenges—trouble with daily tasks, social interactions, and emotional regulation—deeply resonate with me, as I've experienced them myself.

However, navigating social justice spaces as a neurodivergent person can also be difficult. Karen Hahn, in her article, "The Struggles of Being Neurodivergent in Social Justice Spaces," powerfully describes the challenges that neurodivergent individuals face when their disabilities lead to unintentional mistakes. Hahn writes that placing an expectation of "impact over intent" puts neurodivergent people at a "huge disadvantage" because we can't always predict the impact of our actions. She argues that true inclusion means accommodating disabilities even when it's inconvenient.

This idea of asking for accommodation is something I have struggled with, even with my supportive family. Sometimes, my requests aren't worded as clearly as they could be, leading to miscommunication. A recent example involved my desire for my mother to ask me if I wanted feedback rather than giving it unprompted. While I deeply appreciate her support, receiving unexpected feedback on a social interaction I thought went well can make me doubt myself. It reminds me that I need to be more independent and not rely on my parents for every piece of advice, especially as I work toward living on my own.

I hope these insights into the intersection of NLD, independence, and social justice have been helpful. By understanding these issues, we can better navigate our own lives and advocate for a more inclusive world for all.