In this deeply personal piece of writing, I share my journey of growing up undiagnosed autistic and ADHD and navigating the layered challenges of race, gender, disability and queerness. From masking my true self as a teenager to enduring years of misdiagnosis, I explain the toll of being unseen and misunderstood.

My story shifts when I encounter neurodiversity through my brother and partner, leading to me to finally seek and recieve an autism and ADHD diagnosis. The diagnosis has brought me both validation and grief: relief in knowing myself fully and sorrow for my younger self who suffered in silence.

I argue that schools, healthcare systems and workplaces must do better, by embracing neuroaffirming practices that validate rather than pathologise difference. My hope is for future neurodivergent people, especially women of colour who are already marginalised, to grow up in environments who celebrate who they are rather than demand they hide.

Read my full blog here: https://jesicarbates.com/cares-blog/normalize-neuroaffirming-practices-my-story-as-an-autistic-woman-of-colour