Self-Advocacy: More Complex than it Seems
Note to Reader: This article explores the challenges of self-advocacy for neurodivergent adults, particularly those newly diagnosed, who often face confusion and lack of support. It highlights the barriers posed by inadequate post-diagnostic services in the UK and discusses how ND Perspective offers tailored resources and community support to help neurodivergent individuals advocate for themselves and succeed.
Topic: Self-Advocacy, Neurodivergent Post-Diagnostic Support, Adult Recognised Neurodivergence, Well-being, Community Support.
Self-advocacy might seem straightforward—just knowing how your brain and body work, right? However, for many neurodivergent people, it’s far more complex. Countless individuals have spent years unaware of their neurodivergence, struggling to make sense of why they don't experience the world like others.
People who’ve spent years in confusion, wondering why their minds and bodies don’t respond to the world like others’ do.
People whose struggles were dismissed as “dramatic” or, worse, were told they were “wrong” in how they saw themselves or the world.
People who find it hard to explain their experiences because mainstream society rarely acknowledges neurological differences when discussing coping strategies or well-being support.
People who have asked for help repeatedly, received none, and now assume no help exists.
Misunderstandings, dismissals, and a lack of acknowledgment of neurological differences create barriers that make it difficult to advocate for oneself. Particularly for adults newly exploring their neurodivergence, the path to self-advocacy is full of challenges, compounded by the lack of post-diagnostic support in the UK. In this blog, we’ll explore the complexities of self-advocacy, the barriers neurodivergent adults face, and how ND Perspective provides support to navigate these challenges.
Lack of Post-Diagnostic Support in the UK
Post-diagnostic services in the UK are inadequate for all ages. However, newly diagnosed adults receive little to no neuro-affirmative support through the NHS. The few services that do exist often focus on what’s “wrong” from a medical standpoint, rather than offering genuine insights into how neurodivergent minds and bodies function.
The attitudes towards adult recognised neurodivergence also poses as a barrier to support. There is an unspoken attitude among some professionals that because neurodivergent adults have “made it this far,” they should just “get on with it.” However, many neurodivergent adults haven't been coping, which is why they sought a diagnosis in the first place.
Furthermore, neurodivergent people aren’t often taught how to navigate benefit systems or employment services, leaving them without the resources needed to access the support they require. This lack of service, combined with limited education on neurodivergent people's rights, and barriers to additional resources, makes self-advocacy incredibly challenging.
How ND Perspective Supports our Neurodivergent Community
At ND Perspective, we understand the unique barriers faced by adults newly discovering their neurodivergence. Supporting well-being and career success isn’t just about learning to navigate work—it’s about learning to navigate the world from an ND perspective. We recognise the journey is far from easy, especially after a lifetime of limited support. That’s why we offer a wide range of services to help you succeed:
The ND Perspective Community: We offer a free, welcoming neurodivergent community where members can ask questions, share knowledge, and support one another.
Community Resource Sharing: Our resource sharing platform provides a space to share neurodiversity-informed resources across topics such as job-seeking and home/hybrid working. We also offer resources for employers and supporters, (this service is free for our first 1,000 members).
NDP Well-being Webinars: Our webinars teach on neurodiversity, topics related to work and well-being. Each taught session focuses on simple, practical strategies that can be easily implemented. These practical and engaging webinars are ideal for neurodivergent people, employers, HR, coaches, and therapists looking for neuro-inclusion insights (This is a paid service).
Access to Work Guidance: We offer free Access to Work guidance for self-employed community members, making it easier to navigate the process.
Workplace Neuro-Inclusion: For £2.88 per month, you can access a back-catalogue of articles packed with insights to help you champion neuro-inclusion in the workplace. These resources are suitable for neurodivergent individuals and supporters, including employers, HR professionals, workplace coaches, and therapists.
We Recognise That There Is No Quick Fix
There’s no quick fix for a lifetime of limited support, but there is a place where you can begin to understand your needs from a neurodivergent perspective. Self-advocacy, especially for newly recognised neurodivergent adults, is far from simple. The combination of societal misunderstanding, inadequate support systems, and the overwhelming task of learning to navigate the world from a neurodivergent perspective creates a challenging path. However, it’s not impossible. At ND Perspective, we’re dedicated to providing the resources, community, and guidance necessary for neurodivergent people to advocate for themselves and thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
While there may not be a quick fix, there is support, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Head to the ND Perspective Welcome page to learn more or sign up to our community HERE.
Supporting and Celebrating Our Neurodivergent Community,
Jess x x