Orchid Reach and the Invisible Voices: Broadening the Autism Conversation
As I took a momentary break during my day, scrolling through my news feed, an article caught my attention – "The Invisibility of Autistic Girls: Why Are Boys More Likely to Be Diagnosed?" written by Clara Törnvall. It struck a chord with me as a mother whose daughter was diagnosed with autism and as an Autistic individual myself. The complexities of autism being overlooked in girls resonated deeply. Still, something else caught my eye: the absence of voices from women, girls, and non-binary individuals of color in the conversation.
The article's exploration of the challenges faced by autistic women and girls in obtaining timely diagnoses brought back memories of my journey. It wasn't until thorough self-advocacy and support from my therapist that my autism diagnosis was recognized, even though I had initially been pointed toward Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), a common misdiagnosis for Black women, girls, and non-binary people.
Clara's words echoed my experiences, particularly the concept of studying social interaction through books, TV shows, and films to navigate a world that often felt puzzling.
Yet, I realized that unique factors had shaped my experience. Unlike some, my parents encouraged my unmasked self, allowing me to embrace my assertiveness and take up space. Growing up in a Black household, being outspoken and protective of myself and my family was accepted and celebrated. This cultural backdrop added a layer to my journey that can't be ignored when considering the face of autism.
While Clara's article focused on the invisibility of autism in girls, I found myself contemplating the invisibility of women, girls, and non-binary individuals of color within this discourse. As the autism conversation continues to evolve, we must ask questions that include the intersections of race and how that affects how neurodivergence appears in diagnoses. We must challenge ourselves to examine who remains unseen, whose experiences are underrepresented, and how culture influences the expression of autism.
Orchid Reach, the platform I co-founded alongside Dr. Jessica Riley, Psy.D., is driven by the mission to provide a comprehensive and culturally relevant resource for professionals working with neurodivergent individuals. We aim to ensure medical professionals can access the information and support they need to provide adequate, neuro-informed care. As the conversation around autism widens, Orchid Reach seeks to be a space where diverse voices and experiences are heard and valued.
We invite medical professionals, researchers, and individuals wanting to learn more about neuro-informed care to join our waitlist. If you have valuable research or insights to contribute, we encourage you to get in touch. Together, we can reshape the narrative around autism and neurodivergence, broaden our understanding, and create a more inclusive future.
