Embracing the Intersection: A Journey through Neurodiversity, Ethnicity, and Womanhood

So I spoke at an event recently and as I was preparing for the event, the organiser raised the question of intersectionality with me and asked if I could speak to my experiences of this within the 15 years I spent in Corporatelandia. It got me thinking about myself, and who I would have been seen to be in the corporate world. I have always embraced my ethnicity as a PROUD Irish woman - we are generally proud as a nation of people having experienced over 800 years of adversity which has provided us with not only the reputation of the fighting Irish but a shit ton of resilience, ambition and self-belief. As an Irish woman with Ambition - I always sought out connections within the communities I lived - joining the Irish China Chamber of Commerce while living in Shanghai and The Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce here in Melbourne (back when there were very few female members) But I knew the connection would help me stay on track - which I did and it still remains to do. Being a woman from a foreign country trying to get ahead (even in an English-speaking country) things are different - outlooks, ideas, values and ways of doing business - this is where these organisations can help and have helped me - by guiding and directing me advising me and supporting me and connecting with other inspirational leaders as mentors who have already walked the path before me. Then throw into the mix being a mother and carer to a neurodivergent child that brought (and continues to bring - daily) its own suitcase of challenges, trials and tribulations. One of which of course was my diagnosis of ADHD and Autism...which if I must be honest - is a challenge every day - as the awareness has brought about its own fair share of Grief, Sadness, Depression, and uncertainty as well as clarity, and understanding. Its caused me to think less of myself but also to be kind to myself, to be understanding and honest of my challenges that I previously would have endeavoured to push through and fail even further or cause burnout and further stress on myself.

I want to take you on a journey into the heart of intersectionality—where my identity flourishes as an Irish Catholic Woman in Australia with the holy trinity of intersection— Being an Irish Immigrant= Ethnicity, Being a Woman = Gender, and Having Autism and ADHD = Neurodiversity. It wasn't actually something that I had looked into before but when I did - like most things that pique my interest, it brought me down a rabbit hole. There are so many elements of my 'personality' that people have always passed off because 'that's just Ash', or 'it's because you're a woman' or 'ha, that's the feisty Irish in you', or 'you're just so much like your brother Kevin' (also ADHD). For so much of my life, I accepted these opinions as truth and negated to look into my differences and put it down to genetics (only to recently discover my genetics are riddled with neurodivergence) or being Irish, and of course, being emotional in the work place was always put down to being a woman. Needless to say there has always been a very understandable excuse for my behaviour or way of thinking or the way that i respond to things or do things. Never for once in my life was Neurodiversity a consideration ...until it was...

In our journey towards inclusivity and understanding, it's crucial to delve into the intersectionality of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it intersects with various aspects of identity, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. This blog post aims to explore what intersectionality means in the context of neurodiversity, how it manifests, and the diverse variables that contribute to this multifaceted topic.

Defining Intersectionality:

So let's look at the term Intersectionality - as a newbie to this industry this term was also one I had to research and learn more about before I could apply it to my experiences;

Intersectionality is a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, which acknowledges that individuals' experiences of discrimination and privilege are shaped by the intersection of multiple social identities. When we apply this concept to neurodiversity, we recognize that being neurodivergent is just one layer of a person's identity, which interacts with other factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background.

Layers of Identity within Neurodiversity:

1. Cultural Background: Neurodiversity is experienced differently across various cultural contexts. Cultural norms, stigmas, and societal expectations can influence how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported within their communities.
2. Gender Identity: Gender plays a significant role in shaping the neurodivergent experience. Studies show that neurodivergent individuals may express their traits differently based on gender, and gender stereotypes can impact diagnosis and societal acceptance.
3. Race and Ethnicity: The intersection of neurodiversity and race or ethnicity introduces unique challenges. Access to diagnosis, cultural perceptions of mental health, and systemic biases within healthcare systems can disproportionately affect neurodivergent individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
4. Sexual Orientation: The intersection of neurodiversity and sexual orientation adds another layer of complexity. Understanding how neurodivergent individuals navigate relationships and societal expectations within the LGBTQ+ community is crucial for fostering inclusivity.
5. Socio-Economic Status: Economic disparities can impact access to resources, support, and accommodations for neurodivergent individuals. Understanding how socioeconomic factors intersect with neurodiversity is essential for addressing systemic barriers.

Personal Experience - The Holy Trinity of Intersection: Now, let's dive into my own journey, the intersection where my identity thrives—Ethnicity, Gender, and Neurodiversity. Picture an Irish Catholic Woman who set foot in Australia, a late-diagnosed individual with autism and ADHD. That's me, Aisling Smith Vance, embracing the intricate dance of my heritage, my womanhood, and the unique challenges brought on by my neurodivergence.

I want you to envision the tapestry of my life—a mosaic that includes navigating the complexities of being an immigrant Irish woman in America in her late teens, then China in her early 20s and on to Australia in her mid-20s. Working through cultural differences, workplace changes and the other various challenges in each country I worked and lived in while mitigating an undiagnosed condition and managing the ups and downs and emotional rollercoaster of life as an undiagnosed adult. Pair that with becoming a wife to an Australian with different values, morals and perspectives, a mother of an AuDHD child whom you completely adore and would lay down your life for and of course the recent surprises that come with a late diagnosis of autism and ADHD. It's a unique blend that shapes my experiences in ways that only the convergence of cultural background, gender identity, and neurodivergent nuances can.

So what does this really mean and how does it portray itself in line with the theme of this piece - intersectionality...

Manifestations of Intersectionality in Neurodiversity:

1. Diagnostic Disparities: Think about how aspects of my identity, such as being an immigrant woman, may influence how my neurodivergence is recognized and understood. It's the real stuff that happens when the intersections of identity come into play.
2. Stigma and Stereotypes: My journey is a testament to how societal perceptions and stereotypes can intertwine with my neurodivergent identity. We're breaking those preconceived notions and reshaping narratives.
3. Access to Support: Let me take you into the realm of support systems. The interplay of my Irish background, my womanhood, and my neurodivergence showcases the need for assistance that understands the unique challenges brought on by these intersecting identities.

So, as we journey toward a more inclusive society, my story underscores the significance of understanding the intersectionality of neurodiversity. It's an invitation to embrace the complexity within neurodivergent communities, recognizing that each individual's journey is shaped by diverse identities.

By acknowledging and addressing the multifaceted dimensions of neurodivergent individuals, we're not just moving closer to normalization; we're celebrating neurodiversity in all its intricacy.

About the Author;

Aisling Smith Vance, is a Neurodiversity Empowerment Expert, an Amazon Best Selling Author, Podcaster, Professional Speaker, Master Hypnotherapist, High-Performance Coach, and Corporate Trainer.

Aisling focuses on supporting Inclusion, Empowerment, and Neurodiversity at home and in the Workplace.

1, Aisling Helps late diagnosed Neurodivergent Men and Women who are fed up and burnt out get to the next level in their careers and lives. She does this in her online Community; The Outliers Collective, through one-on-one coaching, online courses and group training. You can find out more here.

2, In the Workplace, Aisling cultivates a culture of inclusivity where every voice and talent is heard and recognised. She does this through Lunch & Learns, Executive Training and Workshops in Small, Medium and Large organisations and the Public Sector for teams and companies who care, who know the value of their employees and who want to harness and maximise their potential.

Aisling works with Untapped a globally renowned company that supports neurodivergent individuals in obtaining employment, places them in employment, upskills and trains both the individuals their employers and their colleagues within the business ensuring a neuroinclusive and neuroinformed workforce. If you are interested in discussing Neurodiversity in the Workplace contact Aisling Here

You can work with Aisling 1-1 or through your business - book your Free Personal or Business Empowerment Planning Session here.