Introduction
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, living authentically is more important than ever. For some this journey involves navigating complex intersections of neurodivergence, sexual orientation, and gender expression, which require a deep understanding and acceptance of oneself. My personal experience is a mosaic of Autism, ADHD, giftedness, and queerness, all of which come together under the term "neuroqueer." This concept beautifully encapsulates the unique and multifaceted experiences of individuals who embody these overlapping identities.
Embracing every facet of who we are means celebrating the diversity and fluidity of both neurodivergence and queerness. It involves recognising the strengths and challenges that come with these identities and finding ways to thrive in a world that may not always be accommodating or understanding. By sharing our stories and creating supportive communities, we can foster greater acceptance and inclusion, paving the way for a more compassionate and understanding society.
Living authentically also means advocating for ourselves and others, pushing for changes in societal attitudes and systems that can better support the diverse needs of neurodivergent and queer individuals. It is a continuous journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment, where every step taken towards authenticity enriches not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.
What Does It Mean to Be Neuroqueer?
Neuroqueer is a term that captures the intersection of neurodivergence and queerness, offering a framework to understand how these identities overlap and interact (Walker & Raymaker, 2021). Neuroqueering refers to the practice of queering one’s own neurocognitive processes and experiences. Essentially, it’s about breaking free from societal norms and expectations to live a life that feels true to oneself.
The concept of neuroqueer goes beyond merely combining neurodivergence and queerness. It challenges conventional ideas of "normalcy" and "functionality," emphasising the fluid and dynamic nature of both identities. By embracing neuroqueer, individuals find empowerment and validation in their unique identities, highlighting the importance of living authentically and resisting normative pressures.
Neuroqueer expands on the concept of neurodiversity by incorporating ideas from Queer Theory (Walker & Raymaker, 2021). It involves actively subverting, disrupting, and deviating from the performance of neurotypicality—the embodiment of what is considered a 'normal' mind by dominant culture. Just as heteronormativity can be queered by challenging traditional gender roles, neuroqueering challenges societal norms and expectations related to neurocognitive functioning.
In a neuroqueer society, there would be no concept of neurotypicality or a 'normal mind.' People would view their minds and embodiments as fluid and customisable, allowing for ongoing creative experimentation and self-expression. This aligns with the broader goals of the neurodiversity paradigm, which seeks to promote acceptance, appreciation, and accommodation of neurocognitive differences in society. Embracing neuroqueer principles offers a path toward a more inclusive and authentic way of living.
Understanding Neurodivergence
To grasp the essence of neuroqueer, we first need to understand neurodivergence. Neurodivergence refers to variations in cognitive functioning that differ from the so-called "norm". This umbrella term includes Autism, ADHD, Giftedness, and many more. These differences in cognitive processing can manifest in various ways, from unique problem-solving skills to different sensory experiences.
While neurodivergence is often seen as a deficit or disorder in mainstream society, the neuroqueer perspective recognises the diverse strengths and potentials. It challenges the idea that there is a "right" or "wrong" way to process information and encourages embracing one's unique neurocognitive makeup. Rather than viewing neurodivergent traits as something to be "fixed" or "cured," neuroqueer advocates for understanding and appreciating the inherent value in these differing ways of thinking and perceiving the world.
Neurodivergent individuals have cognitive profiles differing from societal norms, which are shaped by socio-political processes rather than purely objective neurological facts. Understanding neurodivergence as a societal construct highlights the influence of societal norms and expectations over biological factors. This perspective challenges the traditional view of cognitive diversity as purely biological and underscores the role of socio-political mechanisms in shaping and valuing cognitive norms, revealing the impact of societal structures, biases, and power dynamics.
The concept of neurodivergence challenges established cognitive norms and standards in several ways (Legault, Jean-Nicolas & Poirier, 2021):
Social Construction of Norms: It reveals that norms and standards of cognitive functioning are socially constructed rather than purely objective or universal. This challenges the notion of a single "normal" way of thinking and underscores the diversity of cognitive profiles within the human population.
Diversity and Inclusion: By acknowledging neurodivergence as a valid and valuable form of cognitive diversity, the concept disputes the traditional view that certain cognitive profiles are superior or more desirable. It promotes inclusivity and acceptance of a wide range of cognitive abilities and ways of processing information.
Critique of Pathologisation: Neurodivergence reframes cognitive differences as natural variations within the human cognitive spectrum, challenging the tendency to label certain cognitive profiles as "disordered" or "abnormal." It advocates for a more nuanced understanding of cognitive diversity.
Empowerment of Marginalized Groups: This concept empowers marginalised groups by validating their experiences and perspectives. It acknowledges that individuals with diverse cognitive profiles may face discrimination and exclusion based on societal norms and expectations, calling for greater support and recognition of their unique strengths and challenges.
Additionally, the neurodiversity advocacy movement emphasises social inclusion and the acceptance of neurodivergent individuals, addressing "cognitive injustice" when society fails to accommodate diverse cognitive profiles (García & Vázquez-del-Mercado, 2023). By highlighting these issues, it encourages a reevaluation of how cognitive diversity is valued and supported in society. The neurodiversity advocacy movement emphasises the significance of incorporating the voices and testimonies of neurodivergent individuals in discussions about cognition and epistemology. By centering these first-person perspectives, the movement enriches our understanding of diverse cognitive experiences and challenges traditional notions of valid knowledge.
Understanding Queerness
Queerness is an inclusive term that encompasses a wide range of non-heteronormative sexual orientations. Queer individuals often experience fluidity in their attractions and relationships. This fluidity allows for a more expansive experience of love and connection. Queerness rejects rigid categories, allowing for a more expansive understanding of sexuality that celebrates individuality and authenticity. By integrating an understanding of neurodivergence with the expansive nature of queerness, we can appreciate the rich diversity that exists within the neuroqueer community. Each identity, whether neurodivergent or queer, brings unique strengths and challenges, contributing to the greater picture of human experience.
Queer theories emphasise the fluid and contextual nature of identity, arguing that identity is not a fixed, innate characteristic but a culturally constituted concept that can be reimagined in relation to one's body and social environment (Beck, 2023). By drawing on the legacy of queer theory and disability studies, neurodivergent individuals can challenge normative notions of self, embodiment, and identity, creating space for diverse expressions of neurodivergent identity.
Autigender: A Unique Gender Expression
Autigender describes a gender identity intrinsically linked to an individual's experience of being Autistic. For many autigender individuals, traditional gender categories feel insufficient or irrelevant. Instead, their gender identity is deeply intertwined with their neurodivergent experience, leading to a sense of fluidity in gender identity among autistic individuals. Many find solace in labels like autigender, which acknowledge and validate their unique experiences, providing a framework to understand their own gender expression and challenging the binary notions of male and female.
Research suggests there may be a link between Autism and non-binary gender identity, with studies showing that transgender or gender-diverse people are more likely to report being Autistic. Warrier et al. (2020) found that transgender or gender-diverse individuals were three to six times more likely to report being Autistic. These findings highlight the importance of further research to better understand the relationship between Autism and non-binary gender identity, especially in different cultural contexts. By gaining more insights into this intersection, we can enhance support and mental health care for transgender and gender-diverse Autistic individuals. Autigender recognises that traditional gender norms and binaries may not resonate with the lived experiences of Autistic individuals, allowing for a more personalised and authentic expression of gender. This concept embraces the diversity of human identity in a way that is both inclusive and affirming.
Being autistic can impact one's gender identity in various ways, for example, the need for authenticity and honesty often associated with Autism may lead individuals to explore and embrace their true gender identity. Additionally, the experience of masking, where Autistic individuals mimic others to hide their Autistic traits, can extend to gender identity. Some Autistic individuals may have masked their true gender identity to fit in or conform to societal expectations. Being Autistic can thus provide a unique perspective on gender identity, allowing individuals to navigate their gender expression authentically and free from societal norms and expectations.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality plays a crucial role in understanding the complex identities of neuroqueer individuals (Oswald et al., 2022). By adopting an intersectional lens, it takes into consideration that individuals' experiences are shaped by multiple interconnected systems of oppression and resistance. Neuroqueer folks experience discrimination and marginalisation not in isolation, but as a result of intersecting factors such as ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, class and age.
Intersectionality allows for a nuanced understanding of how these different aspects of identity intersect and interact, influencing the lived experiences of neuroqueer individuals. By considering the intersections of oppression—such as ableism, racism, cisism, heteronormativity, and neuronormativity - it helps to uncover how these systems of oppression are interconnected and mutually constitutive, leading to unique experiences of marginalisation and resistance. It's important to recognise and address the intersecting forms of discrimination and inequality that impact neuroqueer folks.
My Lived Experience
I unearthed my queerness first, although it was a rough excavation. I had grown up in a religion that was staunchly against anything deviating from the heteronorm or traditional gender roles - overtly "citing" and justifying homophobia. Although there was some experimentation in my teenage years unfortunately in my early 20's I had opted for repression and internalised homophobia due to the narratives that I had been subjected to instead of embracing my true self. Despite many attempts at performing heteronormativity it never felt right and there came a time that I couldn't live with the incongruence anymore. When I first "came out" in my mid 20's and I entered queer spaces I was still a highly masking undiagnosed Autistic person. Although I identified that I diverged from the "hetero-norm" I was still trying to fit in with the "queer norm" - yes I invested in all that rainbow paraphernalia. I had no idea what I was doing and I was desperately seeking connection. Despite all of this I was lucky enough to meet my beautiful wife who, turns out, had her own neurodivergence to uncover as well. We had both been made to feel we were too "intense" by others before but we felt just right for each other.
From an early age, societal expectations often felt confusing to me and misaligned with my neurodivergent brain although the pressure to conform was immense. Despite attempts to conform I always felt out of sync with others and I just assumed that there was a deficit on my part. I struggled significantly with my mental health in my early and mid 20's but I still managed to collect a few degrees and work towards the career that I thought I wanted. I had secured a permanent government job - I had "made it" - yet I felt uninspired and burnt out. I would look around at my colleagues that were equally as stressed and exhausted but they still appeared to cope better than I was able too, despite my best efforts. Again, I felt that incongruence and I knew I needed to leave the safety and financial security of my permanent job and take the risk of starting my own private practice to obtain this seemingly elusive happiness and fulfilment I was seeking. Upon leaving, I finally felt like I could breathe again. My mind was free for creativity, and I had the time I needed to care for my wellbeing. Over the next few years I had the time and space to discover my neurocomplexities and recover from the trauma I had experienced navigating the world without fully understanding it or myself.
As I delved into understanding my unique expression of Autism in my past and present I came across the term autigender and it explained my experience of gender. It provided a language to articulate my experience of gender as an Autistic individual, validating my feelings and expressions. The freedom to explore my gender beyond traditional categories has been empowering, aligning my inner self with outward expression. Embracing autigender has allowed me to reject societal pressures to conform to binary gender norms, instead celebrating a gender identity that is uniquely my own. Gender is less of a way I think about myself and more a resonance with my being.
Living as a neuroqueer individual has been a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and pride. By embracing my neurodivergence, queerness, and autigender identity, I have found communities that celebrate rather than pathologise these differences, and I continue to navigate the world in ways that honour my authentic self.
Conclusion
The journey towards authenticity is unique for everyone. For those of us who identify as neuroqueer, it's a continuous path of self-discovery and empowerment. Embracing our true selves often involves challenging societal norms and expectations, and navigating this journey can be both rewarding and challenging.
I hope sharing my experience can inspire others to explore and embrace their unique identities, fostering a world that celebrates diversity in all its forms. By sharing our stories and supporting each other, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society. I hope this exploration of neuroqueer has inspired you to celebrate diversity, live authentically, and contribute to a world where everyone feels accepted and valued for who they truly are.
References
Beck, T. J. (2023). Neurodivergent culture and embodied knowledge beyond neoliberal identity politics. Culture & Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354067X231191489
García, C.L., & Vázquez-del-Mercado, A. (2023). Epistemological issues in neurodivergence and atypical cognition: introduction. Synthese, 201(5), 147. 10.1007/s11229-023-04100-x
Oswald, A. G., Avory, S., & Fine, M. (2022). Intersectional expansiveness borne at the neuroqueer nexus. Psychology and Sexuality, 13(5), 1122–1133. 10.1080/19419899.2021.1900347
Legault, M., Jean-Nicolas, B., & Poirier, P. (2021). From neurodiversity to neurodivergence: The role of epistemic and cognitive marginalization. Synthese, 199(5-6), 12843-12868. 10.1007/s11229-021-03356-5
Walker, N., & Raymaker, D. M. (2021). Toward a Neuroqueer Future: An Interview with Nick Walker. Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), 5–10. 10.1089/aut.2020.29014.njw
Warrier, V., Greenberg, D.M., & Weir, E. (2020). Elevated rates of autism, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, and autistic traits in transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Nature Communications, 11, 3959. 10.1038/s41467-020-17794-1
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