The Future of Neurodiversity Advocacy: Where Do We Go from Here?
Bridgette Hamstead
The neurodiversity advocacy movement has come a long way, shifting the narrative from pathology and deficit to one of acceptance, affirmation, and rights. Over the past few decades, the conversation has evolved from one dominated by medical professionals and deficit-based models to one driven by neurodivergent individuals themselves. Autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, and other neurodivergent voices have demanded to be heard, pushing for a reframing of disability that focuses on accommodations, accessibility, and self-determination rather than compliance and conformity. However, despite these advances, the movement is at a crossroads. The future of neurodiversity advocacy is increasingly uncertain due to shifting public attitudes, funding challenges, and the persistent grip of ableist institutions. To ensure that neurodiversity advocacy remains strong and impactful, we must address these evolving challenges with strategy, resilience, and a commitment to collective action.
One of the primary challenges facing neurodiversity advocacy today is the increasing pushback from reactionary forces that seek to undermine the movement’s progress. While neurodivergent-led activism has made strides in securing accommodations, legal protections, and greater visibility, there is a growing backlash from institutions that benefit from maintaining the status quo. This is evident in the rise of anti-disability rhetoric in political spaces, the tightening of eligibility for disability benefits, and the continued push for behavioral interventions that prioritize normalization over autonomy. Additionally, the influence of corporate and nonprofit organizations that do not center neurodivergent voices continues to dilute the movement’s impact. Many large autism organizations, for example, still prioritize research on cures and interventions rather than investing in support services that neurodivergent people actually need. The future of neurodiversity advocacy depends on pushing back against these forces and ensuring that lived experience remains at the center of the conversation.
Funding remains a critical obstacle for many neurodivergent-led organizations and advocacy efforts. While mainstream disability organizations often receive significant funding from corporate sponsors and government grants, grassroots neurodivergent-led groups frequently struggle to secure the resources needed to sustain their work. This disparity reflects a larger issue within the nonprofit and funding landscape, where organizations led by disabled people are often overlooked in favor of larger, more established institutions that may not align with the values of the neurodiversity movement. Many advocacy groups rely on crowdfunding, mutual aid, and volunteer labor, which, while powerful, are not sustainable long-term solutions. Moving forward, the movement must explore alternative funding strategies, such as cooperative business models, neurodivergent-led grantmaking initiatives, and direct community investment. It is also crucial to hold funders accountable, ensuring that financial support goes to organizations that are genuinely committed to neurodivergent empowerment rather than to those that perpetuate outdated, ableist models of support.
Another key issue shaping the future of neurodiversity advocacy is the increasing commodification of neurodivergent identities. In recent years, corporations have begun to embrace neurodiversity as a marketing tool, often without making meaningful changes to their policies or workplace cultures. While it is encouraging to see more conversations about neurodiversity in mainstream spaces, there is a risk that these efforts will become performative rather than substantive. Token representation without real systemic change does little to improve the lives of neurodivergent individuals. Advocacy moving forward must emphasize accountability, ensuring that businesses, educational institutions, and policymakers follow through on their commitments with concrete actions rather than empty gestures. The push for accessibility must go beyond awareness campaigns and focus on tangible reforms, such as workplace accommodations, inclusive hiring practices, and the elimination of harmful behavioral interventions in schools and therapy settings.
The role of intersectionality in neurodiversity advocacy cannot be overstated. Historically, much of the neurodiversity conversation has been centered on white, cisgender, and male perspectives, often overlooking the experiences of neurodivergent people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from low-income backgrounds. The movement’s future must be one that actively includes and uplifts marginalized neurodivergent voices. This means addressing the compounded barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals who experience multiple forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, transphobia, and classism. It also means recognizing that access to diagnosis and support services remains inequitable, with many marginalized communities lacking the resources to obtain formal identification or accommodations. Expanding advocacy to be more inclusive requires a shift in leadership, resource allocation, and community engagement, ensuring that all neurodivergent people are represented in decision-making spaces.
The digital landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for neurodiversity advocacy. Social media has been instrumental in amplifying neurodivergent voices, allowing individuals to connect, share experiences, and mobilize for change. Online platforms have enabled grassroots movements to gain traction, making advocacy more accessible to those who may struggle with traditional forms of activism. However, these same platforms also pose risks, including algorithmic bias that suppresses disabled voices, misinformation that distorts the neurodiversity movement’s goals, and online harassment that disproportionately targets neurodivergent activists. Moving forward, neurodiversity advocacy must navigate these digital spaces strategically, using them as tools for empowerment while also advocating for platform accountability and digital accessibility.
Education and professional development remain crucial areas for the future of neurodiversity advocacy. While awareness has increased, many educators, employers, and policymakers still lack a deep understanding of neurodivergence and the supports that neurodivergent individuals need. Continued efforts to reform educational systems, workplace policies, and public services are necessary to ensure that neurodivergent individuals can thrive in all aspects of life. This includes pushing for universal design in education, promoting neurodivergent-led professional mentorship programs, and advocating for policies that protect neurodivergent workers from discrimination and exploitation. The movement must also prioritize self-advocacy training, equipping neurodivergent individuals with the skills and knowledge to navigate institutions that were not designed with them in mind.
The future of neurodiversity advocacy depends on collaboration, persistence, and adaptability. While the movement faces significant challenges, it also has immense potential to create lasting change. By centering neurodivergent voices, securing sustainable funding, demanding accountability from institutions, embracing intersectionality, leveraging digital tools, and prioritizing education, the movement can continue to grow and strengthen. Advocacy is not a static endeavor—it is an ongoing fight for justice, dignity, and liberation. As long as neurodivergent individuals continue to push forward, challenge oppressive systems, and build communities of support, the future of neurodiversity advocacy will remain a force for transformative change.
Here is a list of key actions to strengthen the future of neurodiversity advocacy:
Ensuring Sustainable Funding & Support
Advocate for increased funding to neurodivergent-led organizations rather than large, deficit-based nonprofits.
Explore alternative funding models such as cooperative business structures, community investment, and mutual aid networks.
Hold grantmakers and corporate sponsors accountable for funding initiatives that genuinely support neurodivergent empowerment.
Pushing for Systemic Change
Demand workplace reforms that prioritize neurodivergent hiring, accessibility, and accommodations beyond performative inclusivity.
Fight against ableist policies in schools, workplaces, and healthcare systems that prioritize conformity over support.
Advocate for expanded disability benefits and financial protections for neurodivergent individuals facing economic precarity.
Building Intersectional Advocacy
Ensure that neurodiversity advocacy includes voices from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and low-income neurodivergent communities.
Address disparities in access to diagnosis, accommodations, and support for marginalized neurodivergent individuals.
Shift leadership within advocacy spaces to reflect the full diversity of the neurodivergent community.
Leveraging Digital Tools for Activism
Use social media strategically to amplify neurodivergent voices and educate broader audiences.
Advocate for more accessible and inclusive digital spaces, including social media platforms and professional networks.
Combat misinformation and ableist narratives online by promoting accurate, neurodivergent-led content.
Promoting Education & Self-Advocacy
Push for universal design in education that accommodates all neurodivergent learning styles.
Expand neurodivergent-led mentorship and professional development programs.
Provide self-advocacy resources to help neurodivergent individuals navigate institutions that were not designed for them.
Holding Institutions Accountable
Demand transparency from corporations and nonprofits that claim to support neurodiversity.
Push for policy changes that protect neurodivergent individuals from workplace discrimination and educational exclusion.
Support legal advocacy efforts to secure disability rights and protections at all levels of government.
By focusing on these key areas, the neurodiversity advocacy movement can remain strong, effective, and inclusive, ensuring long-term impact and systemic change.