Experiences of Neurodiversity: Belonging, Social Support and Well-Being

Authors

Abstract

Given societal barriers that impair overall quality of life for people with disabilities, it is probable that feelings of belonging, perceived social support and well-being might differ between neurodivergent and non-neurodivergent individuals, and in particular, those with intersecting identities of race and ethnicity, immigrant status, and / or sexual and gender identities. The present study builds on previous work by examining these factors through an intersectionality lens. Participants completed an online survey focused on well-being, perceived social support, and feelings of belonging, as well as discrimination and loneliness. Those who identified as neurodivergent reported lower feelings of well-being but similar perceived social support, feelings of belonging, discrimination and loneliness as non-neurodivergent participants. We were unable to examine intersecting identities in any depth given the lack of diversity in our sample. Our findings contribute to the currently limited literature focused on well-being among neurodivergent populations, and add further weight to a more positive narrative regarding the experiences of neurodivergent adults.

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