For many of us, the journey to understanding our autism was far from straightforward. Maybe you were misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or even a behavioral disorder as a child. Maybe no one noticed your struggles because you were quiet, “well-behaved,” or academically gifted. Maybe you spent years thinking something was wrong with you, only to later realize you’re autistic.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Autism is severely underdiagnosed in Black communities, and that’s not by accident. It’s the result of systemic barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and a healthcare system that wasn’t built for us. Let’s break down why this happens and how it impacts us.
1. Racial Bias in the Medical System
Black children and adults are often misdiagnosed, or completely overlooked, when it comes to autism. Studies show that Black children are:
- Less likely to be diagnosed with autism early compared to white children.
- More likely to be misdiagnosed with behavioral issues like Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or emotional disorders.
- Less likely to receive support services even after a diagnosis.
Why? Because the medical field is still heavily influenced by racial bias. Many doctors expect autism to look a certain way, specifically, like how white boys present it. If a Black child isn’t showing textbook symptoms (like obvious stimming or speech delays), they’re often dismissed or labeled as having an “attitude problem.”
Black autistic adults face the same struggle. Many of us went through life undiagnosed because autism research and diagnostic criteria were never built with Black people in mind.
2. Cultural Expectations and Misinterpretation of Traits
Growing up Black, many of us were taught to be “twice as good” to get half as much. We were raised in environments where:
- Masking was a survival skill. Being quiet, avoiding eye contact, or struggling with social cues could be seen as “disrespectful” or “acting white.” Many of us learned early to push through discomfort and hide autistic traits.
- Struggles with communication were seen as personality traits, not autism. If you were blunt, quiet, or struggled with small talk, you might’ve been labeled as “rude” or “shy” rather than neurodivergent.
- Sensory issues were dismissed. Many Black autistic kids had their sensory struggles ignored because “you’ll eat what’s on your plate” or “it’s not that loud, stop overreacting.”
- Meltdowns and shutdowns weren’t understood. Instead of recognizing sensory overload, emotional dysregulation, or burnout, families (and even teachers) might have called it “having an attitude” or “being difficult.”
Because of this, many of us internalized the belief that we were just “weird,” “different,” or “too sensitive”, never realizing we were actually autistic.
3. Lack of Access to Proper Diagnosis and Support
Even when Black families do seek an autism evaluation, they often face:
- Doctors who don’t take their concerns seriously. Many Black parents report being dismissed when bringing up developmental concerns about their children.
- High costs and limited access to specialists. Diagnosis can be expensive, and insurance doesn’t always cover evaluations especially for adults.
- A lack of Black autism professionals. Many of us would feel more comfortable seeking diagnosis from someone who understands Black culture, but Black representation in psychology and neurology is low.
Without access to a diagnosis, many of us went untreated for years, struggling in silence and wondering why life felt harder than it should.
4. The Stigma Around Mental Health and Neurodivergence
There’s still a huge stigma around autism and mental health in many Black communities. For a long time, seeking help was seen as something only “white folks do” or a sign of weakness. Some common myths that prevent people from pursuing diagnosis include:
◽ “Autism is just a label. You don’t need that.”
◽ “You’re fine. Stop making excuses.”
◽ “That’s just bad parenting, not autism.”
◽ “You just need to pray about it.”
These beliefs don’t come from nowhere, they’re rooted in historical mistrust of the medical system and the reality that Black people have often been misdiagnosed, mistreated, and ignored by doctors. But the result is that many Black autistic individuals go undiagnosed and unsupported for most of their lives.
So, What Can We Do About It?
✓ Talk about autism openly in Black spaces. The more we discuss neurodivergence, the more we normalize it.
✓ Challenge stereotypes about what autism “looks like.” Autistic Black people exist, even if we don’t fit the white, male stereotype.
✓ Advocate for better representation in medical and psychological fields. We need more Black professionals who understand our culture and experiences.
✓ Make self-diagnosis more acceptable. Many Black adults will never get a formal diagnosis due to cost or medical bias. Self-diagnosis is valid and can be just as empowering.
The reality is that Black autistic people have always existed… we just weren’t seen. It’s time for that to change.
If you’re reading this and realizing, Damn… this sounds like me, know that you are not alone. Whether you’re diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or still figuring things out, your experiences are real and valid.
As always, take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and know that you are not alone in this journey❤