Unveiling the Silent Micro-Aggressor: Neurodiversity Bias in the Workplace
In the intricate dance of human interaction, there are silent aggressors that often go unnoticed, leaving lasting wounds on the hearts of those they touch. As an autistic individual, I have known this truth all too well, as I navigated a world that was not always accommodating to my unique neurodivergent perspective. Little did I realize that the bias I faced in the workplace was yet another form of microaggression, capable of eroding the very essence of neurodiversity acceptance.
Microaggressions are like tiny, sharp pebbles tossed carelessly into a pond, creating ripples that expand far beyond the initial impact. They are subtle, indirect, and often unintentional acts that perpetuate stereotypes and marginalize individuals from underrepresented groups. As I read the article about microaggressions (https://www.guidedinsights.com/speaking-up-against-microaggressions-why-its-worth-the-risk/), I couldn’t help but see the parallels between the experiences shared and the challenges I had faced as an undiagnosed autistic person in the corporate world.
From the moment of my diagnosis at 58, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to embrace my identity as an autistic individual. However, my newfound understanding of self was not always met with acceptance or empathy in the workplace. Instead, I encountered subtle biases that acted like daily paper cuts, eroding my self-confidence and sense of belonging.
My story, “TikTok Saved My Life,” highlighted the transformative power of creative expression and the sense of community I found on the platform. Yet, when I brought my passions and talents into the workplace, they were often met with puzzled glances and unspoken judgment. My unique communication style, deep focus, and heightened sensitivity were perceived as deviations from the norm, rather than valuable contributions to the team.
Over time, I began to recognize that neurodiversity bias in the workplace manifested itself in various forms, like a chameleon, adapting to its environment. It was the Vice President who offered a backhanded compliment about my “special talents” and “you look normal”. It was the supervisor who assumed my need for reasonable accommodations meant I couldn’t handle certain tasks, without giving me the opportunity to prove otherwise. It was a manager that fired me after I openly stated I was autistic and used the “reduction in force” as an excuse to let me go.
The more I reflected on my experiences and the insights from the article, the clearer it became that neurodiversity bias was an insidious form of microaggression. These seemingly small acts of ignorance, whether through words, actions, or assumptions, had a cumulative effect on my well-being and professional growth.
Yet, amid the shadows cast by bias, I found strength and resilience. Armed with knowledge and the support of my fellow neurodivergent advocates, I began to speak up against the microaggressions that punctuated my workdays. Each time I challenged an unfair assumption or corrected a misconception about autism, I was advocating not just for myself but for the countless others who had faced similar biases.
As my voice gains strength, I notice changes beginning to take root. Colleagues are more curious, eager to learn about autism and the diverse perspectives. I plan to continue to share my experiences and advocate for neurodiversity inclusion. I would like to provide sensitivity training and neurodiversity awareness, which will foster an environment of inclusion and empathy in the workplace, to pioneer a culture that will embrace neurodiversity and recognize it as a valuable asset to any organization.
I would love to expanded beyond the boundaries of my workplace. Through my writing and future speaking engagements, I hope to reach a broader audience, sparking conversations about the need to dismantle neurodiversity bias in all facets of society.
Uniting against the common foe of neurodiversity bias, I hope we embrace the notion that true progress comes from acknowledging the richness of diverse minds. Let us challenge microaggressions whenever they rear their heads, knowing that in doing so, we pave the way for a future where the colors of our minds blend harmoniously, creating a tapestry of brilliance that celebrates the beauty of neurodiversity.
