Intersectionality in Healthcare: Navigating Systemic Barriers for Neurodivergent People
Access to quality healthcare is a right everyone should have, but for many neurodivergent folks, this remains a significant challenge. At Hopper Health, we’re dedicated to transforming healthcare for neurodivergent people. To do this effectively, we must understand that neurodivergent people face more than just systemic ableism; they also encounter challenges due to racism, homophobia, and transphobia. This blog explores these intersectional challenges and how Hopper Health is addressing them.
Systemic Ableism and Its Impact
Systemic ableism, or discrimination against people with disabilities, deeply affects neurodivergent people. It's a widespread issue in healthcare, leading to disparities in access, quality, and outcomes. Many healthcare professionals lack adequate knowledge about neurodivergence, especially in adults, which leads to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. For instance, a significant number of autistic individuals have received a misdiagnosis or have avoided seeking medical treatment due to misunderstandings about autism.
The Intersection of Ableism and Racism
The combination of ableism and racism creates additional obstacles for neurodivergent people from racial minorities. For example, Black children with autism face higher rates of misdiagnosis and are more likely to be prescribed antipsychotic medications. They also often receive a later autism diagnosis, missing early intervention opportunities. This situation underscores the need to address both ableism and racism in healthcare.
Homophobia, Transphobia, and Neurodivergent People
Neurodivergent LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges due to homophobia and transphobia. They are more likely to experience discrimination in healthcare settings, which can lead to lower use of preventive services. Transgender and gender-diverse individuals, in particular, face barriers in accessing gender-affirming care. These issues highlight the need for more inclusive healthcare practices.
Amplifying Voices and Addressing Disparities
To truly revolutionize healthcare for neurodivergent people, it's essential to amplify the voices of those from marginalized backgrounds. Hopper Health is committed to providing culturally competent care, ensuring accessibility, and engaging with diverse voices. We advocate for inclusive healthcare policies and practice radical transparency to serve our clients better. Our approach is empathetic and inclusive as we strive to dismantle the intersectional barriers in healthcare.
Neurodivergent people, especially those facing additional systemic barriers, deserve equitable healthcare. At Hopper Health, we're not just redesigning healthcare; we're actively addressing the complexities of systemic ableism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. It's a challenging journey, but we are dedicated to navigating it alongside our community, striving to create a world where every neurodivergent person gets the care they deserve.
