Work is stressful for a lot of people, but for Black autistic people, it can feel like an uphill battle on multiple fronts.
✔ You might be the only Black person in the room, constantly aware of how you are perceived.
✔ You might be struggling with sensory issues, executive dysfunction, or social exhaustion, but masking it to avoid judgment.
✔ You might deal with racism, ableism, and the expectation to perform at 200% just to be seen as competent.
For many of us, workplaces are not built for Black people OR autistic people, and when you exist at that intersection, the discrimination hits harder and more often.
Let’s break down why this happens and what can be done about it.
Why Workplace Discrimination is Worse for Black Autistic People
✔ Blackness is Already Penalized in the Workplace
- Black employees are often held to higher standards than their white peers.
- If you are quiet, direct, or prefer working alone, you might be seen as unfriendly or uncooperative.
- If you are outspoken or advocate for yourself, you might be labeled as aggressive or difficult.
- Black professionals are less likely to be promoted, more likely to be micromanaged, and more likely to be penalized for mistakes.
✔ Autistic Traits are Misinterpreted as “Bad Attitude”
- If you avoid small talk, you might be seen as rude or unapproachable.
- If you struggle with eye contact or social cues, you might be told you have “poor communication skills.”
- If you need clear instructions and struggle with vague feedback, you might be labeled as “not a team player.”
- Instead of accommodating different communication styles, many workplaces penalize autistic employees for not fitting neurotypical norms.
✔ Accommodations Are Harder to Get
- Many Black autistic employees avoid requesting accommodations because they fear being seen as lazy, unmotivated, or ungrateful.
- If you do ask for accommodations, you might face pushback or disbelief from managers who don’t see autism as a legitimate need.
- Some Black autistic people don’t even get a formal diagnosis, making it even harder to access workplace protections.
✔ The Pressure to Mask and Code-Switch is Exhausting
- Many of us mask our autism to survive, but masking for too long leads to burnout, anxiety, and shutdowns.
- On top of that, we are code-switching to fit white professional expectations, making it even harder to function.
- Double masking = double exhaustion.
✔ Racism and Ableism Work Together to Keep Us Stuck
- If you call out discrimination, you might be seen as a troublemaker.
- If you struggle with executive function or sensory overload, you might be passed over for promotions.
- If you try to advocate for yourself, you might get labeled as ungrateful or difficult to work with.
- It’s a system designed to make Black autistic employees work harder for less recognition.
How This Affects Us
✔ Higher Rates of Unemployment and Underemployment
- Many Black autistic professionals struggle to find stable, well-paying jobs because of workplace discrimination.
- Even when we do get hired, we are often paid less, promoted slower, and expected to work harder than others.
✔ Increased Burnout and Mental Health Struggles
- The constant pressure to mask, code-switch, and prove ourselves leads to burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Many of us leave jobs not because we aren’t capable, but because the work environment is unsustainable.
✔ Self-Doubt and Career Stagnation
- If you are constantly undervalued, overlooked, or excluded, it’s easy to start doubting your own abilities.
- Many Black autistic employees stop applying for promotions, avoid leadership roles, or settle for less than they deserve because they assume the system won’t let them advance anyway.
What Can Be Done About It?
✔ Know Your Rights (But Be Realistic About Risks)
- ADA & EEOC Laws protect against discrimination, but proving workplace bias is difficult.
- If you disclose your autism, know that not all workplaces will be understanding.
- If you request accommodations, document everything in writing to protect yourself.
✔ Find Employers That Respect Neurodiversity
- Some workplaces are actively working to create inclusive environments, these are the ones worth looking for.
- Seek out companies that have neurodiversity hiring initiatives, diversity programs, and clear policies on workplace inclusion.
✔ Connect with Other Black Autistic Professionals
- You are not alone in this struggle. Finding others who understand can help you navigate challenges and share strategies.
- Online communities, mentorship programs, and Black neurodivergent spaces can offer support and career advice.
✔ Protect Your Energy
- If a job is destroying your mental health, it’s okay to leave.
- You deserve a workplace where you can thrive, not just survive.
- If leaving isn’t an option right now, set boundaries and protect your peace as much as possible.
Black autistic people face unique workplace discrimination because we exist at the intersection of racism and ableism. If you feel like you are constantly being underestimated, micromanaged, or left out, it’s not in your head… this is a real and documented issue.
You are not failing… the system is failing you. But you deserve to work in an environment that values you for who you are, not just how well you can mask and perform.
As always… take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and know that you are not alone in this journey❤