The Power Dynamics of Decolonizing Processes

I am so thrilled to get to share Dr. Kimberly Douglass' talk on Decolonizing Neurodivergence!

From Violence to Love

Do you ever wonder why we get into loops on social media platforms when we talk about neurodivergence? We have convinced ourselves this conversation is just about validating each other and understanding the traits of various conditions. The very definition of what it means to be neurodivergent is rooted in colonialist thinking and behavior. It's clear to me: we don't want to talk about the hard changes we have to make to ourselves, to our self-image; the hard changes we should demand from our society.

We keep the conversation at the level of defining a problem; defining ourselves as the problem. We are willing to be the problem as long as we don't have to challenge ourselves, other people, our families, our employers, our communities, our worlds.

You are not a problem!!! Write this down: YOU ARE THE WAY!!!

But, you know we talk about neurodivergence in ways that allow the powerful to hold on to their power. We are more comfortable with this than risking being disliked, having things taken from us or feeling powerful inside our own skin. Even the word power makes us uncomfortable. These are the ways we have been taught. This is colonization.Regardless of what you have been taught, YOU are the way to transformation for yourself and for others. With guidance on how to think about neurodivergence, we can help see yourself just as you are!

YOU are the way to this new understanding…. for yourself, for your team, for your community.

Let's discuss here on my weekly blog: bit.ly/decolonizingndblog.

About Kimberly:

Dr Kimberly Douglass is the full-time owner of Kimberly Douglass, PhD, LLC. Dr Douglass and her team are designing a world in which neurodivergent people feel they belong. The team fuses disability advocacy with design thinking. Douglass' team designs digital and paper content, such as courses, ebooks, journals, workbooks and the Neurodivergently Thinking cards. Also, the team offers premium 1 to 1 coaching services. Dr Douglass' signature product is her Decolonizing Neurodivergence course.

Dr Douglass and her team design tools that validate the neurodivergent experience.

The team's content and services challenge everyday processes that marginalize and shame neurodivergent people. Dr Douglass became a full-time business owner after working as staff, peer-reviewed researcher, faculty and administrator in higher education for over 17 years. She began the advocacy work over 12 years ago, when she became the chief advocate for her Son who is neurodivergent. She has since gotten more in touch with her own neurodivergence. Dr Douglass is married to Dean Tate and lives in Tennessee. Douglasskimberlylynn@gmail.com

In this episode, Kimberly Shares:

• Her thoughts on growing up neurodivergent and breaking from the system.
• Moving from seeking validation to examining systems.
• Some common threads of neurodivergence.
• How we are living in a culture of consumption.
• Why no one wins under the current capitalist paradigm.
• Creating an agenda to make change.
• Why neurodivergence often comes with trauma.
• Examining how do we know what we think we know?
• The focus on compliance in our schools.
• Why we accept less, and deserve ease & flow.
• What neurodivergence Brings to the table.
• Supporting each other & building relationships.
• Examining our own systems we live in.
• Moving away from defensiveness & denial to make positive change.
• The elements of white supremacy culture.
• How you can support Kimberly's work!

Resources:

Transcript Available on Embracing Intensity's Website

Support Kimberly's work and receive the first Decolonizing Neurodivergence Book!

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