Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the natural variation in human cognition.
All people process emotions, language, social interaction, sensory experience, cognitive, stimuli and other information in different ways. Neurotypical ways of sending and receiving signals are not the only, or the best, modes of mental processing.
QWOCMAP understands neurodiversity as collective possibility rather than individual problems. Characteristics including pattern recognition, systematic thinking, and innovation are key to social complexity and transformation. We build collective creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability.
Why It Matters
Before colonialism and slavery, many of our cultures had ways to understand and include us.
In her research into pre-colonial African societies, Lovette Jallow interviewed the Fula, Mandinka, Serer, and Wolof branches of her family. She found that neurodivergent people were:
“integrated into communal roles: healers, memory keepers, rhythm holders, energy workers, herbalists, and advisors. Their traits were understood through lived observation—not through pathology. Autism and ADHD were not illnesses; they were specific orientations toward sensory input, attention, language, and time.”
Keri Opai, coined a term to describe his neurodivergence with the traditional concept “in their own time and space,” and now there is a word Takiwātanga in the Maori language.
About
Mainstream Views
However, mainstream scientific and medical models view people as either neurotypical majorities (within the range of statistical averages) or neurodivergent minorities (outside of the range). These diagnostic labels fail to capture the full spectrum of our cognitive diversity. It makes any variation a biological, evolutionary, chemical, clinical, or medical problem. A deficit rather than a difference.
Rigid medical and psychological classification systems define a set range of behaviors as innate and stable when viewed narrowly through a specific population. The ability of cishet white men to access diagnosis and support has led to a focus on the strengths based on their science and technology capabilities. This frames the worth of neurodivergent people around our ability to work, produce, or
Framing our worth around our work, production, utility, or “value,” reinforces oppression and hierarchy instead of challenging the structures that marginalize neurodivergent people. Our neurodivergence can impact our ability to function according to “normal” job, education, or social settings. It also means that when our neurodivergence impacts our ability to live and care for ourselves, it is difficult to have our needs met. This can spur exclusion, rejection, and isolation.
Accessibility Features
What we need as neurodivergent LBTQIA+ people of color is care that collaborates in our ability to flourish.
Quiet Spaces
Quiet, low sensory environments and sensory support toys away from the intense stimulation of our audiences.
Crisis Counselors
Certified crisis counselors and mental health professionals are on-site at our programs and events.
Captions and Transcripts
Open captions on every film, and transcripts during meetings.
Dyslexic & Screen Reader Friendly
We make sure that our documents, forms, and websites are screen reader friendly. We also use dyslexic-friendly fonts.
At The Film Festival
Before coming to the Film Festival, check out the content warnings, which includes information on whether films have visual stimuli like flashing lights or strobing images. There is a water station to refill your water bottle, as well as concessions and a reception.
If you find yourself or in need of support at any time, please go to the Front Desk, or Safety & Care Crew who can connect you to crisis counselors, quiet space, or other support.
We work to make sure that everyone can come to QWOCMAP as their home, where even the first time, “I didn’t know anyone, but I didn’t feel uncomfortable,” or “there were some accommodations that I wasn't even aware I needed until they were provided and I realized that it made my life so much easier.”
If you identify further ways we can make the space more equitable for our neurodivergent communities, we welcome your leadership and thoughts.
More Guides & Links
Articles
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Neurodivergence in Ancient Africa
How West African societies embraced autism, ADHD, and neurodivergence as spiritual gifts and communal roles long before diagnosis existed.
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I’m Black and Neurodivergent, This is How I’m Holding Space For Myself
3 beautiful perspectives on how it feels to exist with the intersecting identities of being Black and neurodivergent.
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Black Neurodiversity: Breaking Systemic Biases
Understanding the intersectionality of neurodivergence and the Black experience.
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A Case for Black Neurodivergent Feminism
We are offering Black Neurodivergent Feminism to describe the intersectional experiences and liberation of Black neurodivergent women and gender-expansive people, where seemingly “All the Neurodivergent People Are White, All the Blacks Are Neurotypical, But Some of Us Are Brave.” How do we sustain our ability to be seen?
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Neuroqueer
Queering our neurodivergence, neurodiversifying our queer.
- Neuroclastic: The Autism Spectrum According to Autistic People
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By publishing autistic voices, we are cataloguing the intersectional experiences, insights, knowledge, talents, and creative pursuits of Autistics.
Other Resources
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Indigenous Circle of Wellness
Free therapy funds, community support groups, and a therapist directory.
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Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
A Native-owned and operated practice creating healing spaces for Black, Native/Indigenous, and People of Color.
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Asian Mental Health Collective
Practices redistributive justice and mutual aid by returning and sharing money directly to and with autistic people of color.
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The Autistic People of Color Fund
Community support and resources for Autistic women, girls, transfeminine and transmasculine nonbinary people, trans people of all genders, Two Spirit people, and all people of marginalized genders or of no gender.
