A Survival Guide for Neurodivergent Latines
Imagine this: You’re at someone’s house for a family gathering - you don’t know how, but they’re related to you. Someone has brought their portable speaker system which has been blaring a mix of merengue and salsa for the past five hours - this is accompanied by the sound of babies screaming and drunk tios laughing. You try to find a quiet room, but the only one available is filled with random toddlers who may be your primxs or sobrinxs. On the way out, you have tias come up to you to chismosear about cuando vas a tener hijxs. It’s four am when the family member who was supposed to be your ride home said you’d leave at two am.
For some, this is just a regular part of growing up Latine - loud family gatherings which never end. But for some of us who are Latine and Neurodivergent, this is a nightmare that has often ended with a meltdown in a bathroom, or on a walk for some fresh air. The loud noise, sudden changes to schedule, and the constant reading of social cues - it’s a sensory nightmare. Often we forget that “Latine” isn’t a universal category - there are many intersections of our identities, and neurodiversity is one of them, even if it is not acknowledged often, resulting in Latine spaces being inaccessible (@r29somos has an amazing infographics post on this). These intersections can become even more complicated when considering gender.
As “Latin American” isn’t an official ethnic category in the UK, we know very little about the demographics of Latine communities; let alone any information on neurodivergent Latines. What we do know is that BAME groups in the UK experience systemic barriers in receiving a diagnosis or accessing support services. An additional cultural barrier exists amongst Latine communities where neurodiversity isn’t acknowledged as “real”; different language is used to describe neurodiverse traits, like “necio/a” or “inquieto/a”. In cases where a “problem” is acknowledged, there is instead an emphasis on religion as a “cure”/“solution” for these traits.
I am a late diagnosis au/DHD (meaning a dual ADHD-Autism diagnosis) Latine person; I was always acutely aware of being “different” in some way, but the language that my family used to describe me was “llorona” or “fria”. Although I struggled in school, this was chalked down to me being an EAL student - I flew under the radar as I was introverted and performed well enough academically. At 12, I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and until I was 19 - this was seen as the explanation for all my behaviour. It is not uncommon for autistic and ADHD women to be misdiagnosed with anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder. Even though I was struggling to get through the day, I learned how to “mask” - or hide my neurodiverse traits as a way to “fit in” a neurotypical world.
It wasn't until my second year of university that I first received an educational diagnosis of dyspraxia and ADHD, followed by a later diagnosis of autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia at 20. First it felt like my world was crashing down despite having identified as a self-diagnosed autistic person for a while - How did no one realise sooner? What does this mean moving forward? How will people see me now? However, I realised that a diagnosis was life-saving information - I could now apply for adjustments in the workplace, I could access ADHD medication, but most importantly, I understood why I felt so “different” growing up.
While navigating the world as a newly diagnosed au/DHD person, I quickly realised that neurodiverse resources are predominantly white and male - leaving me as a Latine, woman-aligned person stuck without much support. This is why I’m writing this blog post - below are headings to provide possible resources for our community who are often left out of these spaces. Before I start, I want to emphasise that this is a resource for anyone - including self-diagnosed people. Our NHS is sadly broken, with waiting lists being years long, paired with a systemically racist medical system that doesn’t listen to or minimises the experiences of racialised people. While a diagnosis can be helpful, it isn’t necessary - if you apply any of these tips to your day-to-day life, and that helps? Amazing! If you relate to a diagnostic criteria but don’t want to seek a formal diagnosis? That is so cool - some people find labels useful to understand themselves, while others may find it a hindrance. Neurodiversity is a spectrum, so what autism and ADHD look like to me as someone with low support needs can look entirely different to another autistic, ADHD or au/DHD person.
Sensory Aids
Incorporating sensory aids into my everyday life has been the main way I’ve been able to survive as a neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world - this includes earplugs, fidget toys, weighted blankets and other items I utilise when in an overstimulating environment, or after leaving an overwhelming event.
One way of dealing with loud environments is wearing a pair of ear defenders or earplugs. While ear defenders are the better option for noise cancellations, we live in an ableist world which can be impacted by our position as Latinx women. As such, earplugs are a more discreet option that can be carried around and worn without nosey questions. I use the “Engage” Loop Earbuds, however, there are various possible options which range in price, including:
Fidget toys are also an important part of my day-to-day life - they’re for people of all ages. I always carry one as a way to self-regulate when overwhelmed or get some sort of movement when in spaces where staying still is expected. They can be used when in a situation where “stimming” - a self-stimulating behaviour that can be used to gain or reduce sensory input, deal with stress or express joy - may be judged. Some of my favourite types that I find easy to carry around are infinity cubes, fidget cubes and fidget pads. They’re available in many in-person shops but can also be bought online:
Websites and Resources
While there are no UK-based resources for neurodivergent Latines, there are various online resources and community spaces which provide information on neurodiversity while taking into consideration intersecting identities.
The National Autistic Society is one of these, providing a section on women and girls which discusses how even today, there is a very gendered understanding of what autism is, alongside providing fiction and non-fiction reading lists by autistic women authors. So if you want a cosy reading or to learn more about the autistic woman’s experience, that’s covered here!
ADHD Babes is a resource that I specifically recommend to Afro-Latines as they are a group which provides a safe space for Black women and non-binary people with ADHD. This community group acknowledges how anti-Blackness impacts navigating diagnosis and seeking support, alongside the role of gender. On their Instagram, ADHD Babes posts about support groups and workshops, but also fun gatherings to meet other Black women and non-binary people with ADHD.
While not a specific resource for Latine adults, Familias Neurodiversas is a community-based group for Spanish-speaking parents in London, looking for support in raising neurodiverse children. This is a space to help destigmatize neurodiversity within our community, while also allowing neurodivergent families to connect. While this is not a resource for everyone, it is useful to be aware of so it can be shared.
While not a resource in the sense of a community group or website, I recommend following @saranne_wrap on Instagram who is a late diagnosis Au/DHD Latina. She uses her platform to discuss her experiences of being Latina and neurodiverse - I find her content to be extremely relatable and reaffirming that you can be both, even if there is very little representation or support available for us.
Overlapping Health Conditions
Having my Au/DHD diagnosis was not only useful in understanding myself as a person but also useful for understanding different aspects of my physical health.
Stomach problems? Interconnected! While studies have mainly been carried out on children, autistic adults are more likely to report various gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. While there is no direct explanation, this is presumed to be related to the connection between the brain and the gut – a literal “gut feeling”. However, this can also be connected to how autistic people experience higher levels of mental health symptoms, such as anxiety and depression which can increase experiencing GI conditions.
Aching joints? Interconnected! Have you ever found yourself being more flexible than the people around you? Do you find yourself experiencing joint pain seemingly for no reason? Then you might be hypermobile as neurodivergent people, compared to the general population, are twice as likely to be hypermobile. This is also accompanied by symptoms of dizziness when standing up. While there is no explanation as to why this is, it shows how neurodiversity impacts various aspects of our day-to-day life – and when going about our life, these are things which have to be taken into consideration.
Severe PMS? Interconnected! Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a hormonal disorder which causes more severe PMS symptoms – however, what isn’t frequently discussed is how this disorder disproportionately affects autistic and ADHD women and people who menstruate. While there is no explanation as to why this is, it is important to bear in mind – if you find yourself experiencing significant levels of depression, anxiety and mood swings around your period as an autistic and/or ADHD woman, this is something to consider.
National Disability Card
It’s important to remember that neurodiverse conditions are invisible disabilities; for me, it’s not uncommon for people to not particularly believe me when I say I’m autistic or ADHD. You’re still protected by the Equality Act 2010 and can apply for a National Disability Card which functions as proof of disability. All you need to do is send medical evidence (for me, I sent my diagnosis report) to this website – it’s £20 and lasts two years. I’ve found it useful as there is an emergency contact QR code for any purpose and also functions as “evidence” of my neurodiversity without having to reference my medical reports. If you require a carer, this card allows your carer to get 25% off of a national carers card.
The Power of Saying NO
As neurodivergent people, we often work with limited energy levels - when you have to mask all day or have your day interrupted by inaccessible architecture; you’re left feeling more exhausted than neurotypicals. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is say “no” when being invited out, being asked to increase your workload or visiting a space which doesn’t support your access needs. I learned the hard way about autistic burnout, where I do too much, and then can’t get out of bed. Learning to say “no” can be hard, as it feels like you’re missing out, or you may feel mixed emotions about not being able to do as much as the “average” neurotypical. Taking care of yourself as a neurodivergent person is a priority when existing in a world built to not accommodate you. Rest is revolutionary and important for ensuring that we care for ourselves. Saying “no” to spaces without quiet rooms or choosing to stay in bed under a weighted blanket one evening is a form of self-care.
One Final Remark
Existing as a Latinx person in the UK is already an alienating experience - we’re not formally recognised by the government, fundamentally erasing our existence when collecting data on different minority ethnic communities. This alienation can be worsened by being a woman or woman-aligned as there are many fetishised stereotypes of who we are which can make us feel less than human. Then add neurodiversity on top of that where you have to navigate ableism and an inaccessible world - it can feel like everything is against you; feeling either invisible or dehumanised. I’ve spent many hours pondering where I fit in the world as Latinx, woman-aligned and neurodivergent - navigating racism, misogyny and ableism. This article is here to remind you that you are not alone and that many people are in the same position as you, but we are just made invisible - even if there is no universal experience.
