Breaking Cultural Stigmas: ADHD in the Black Community

10 snips

Nov 27, 2024

In a powerful discussion, Abigail Agyei-Jones, a renowned neurodiversity advocate and MBE, shares her journey as a Black woman with ADHD. She addresses the cultural stigmas and systemic barriers that lead to late diagnoses among neurodivergent individuals, particularly in the Black community. Abigail emphasizes the importance of creating neuro-inclusive environments and overcoming internalized ableism. Her insights highlight the need for representation and culturally competent care in mental health, urging for a shift in societal expectations and support for marginalized groups.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Abigail's TEDx Talk Experience

Abigail Agyei-Jones reflects on her TEDx talk experience, where she pushed herself to memorize her speech despite having ADHD.
She realized this contradicted her advocacy for neuro-inclusive environments and acknowledged internalized ableism.

ANECDOTE

Early Academic Challenges

Abigail recalls struggling with subjects that didn't capture her interest, like science, while excelling in creative areas like English and history.
She also mentions missing out on her desired university due to challenges with test-taking, later attributed to undiagnosed ADHD and dyspraxia.

ANECDOTE

Late Dyspraxia Diagnosis

Abigail Agyei-Jones shares how her dyspraxia diagnosis arose from conversations with a university peer who also had it.
Before that, she never received support for learning differences; educators simply thought she needed to "push herself more."

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

This week, I’m joined by the inspiring Abigail Agyei-Jones, MBE, a neurodiversity advocate, policy advisor, and champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Abigail has over a decade of experience working with marginalized and underrepresented groups, including in top government roles.

Named one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women of 2022, Abigail’s work focuses on intersectionality, amplifying the voices of Black women, and breaking down barriers in education, healthcare, and workplaces. As someone with ADHD and dyspraxia, she draws from her personal journey to push for systemic change and more inclusive spaces.

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent women, especially within the Black community, and how societal expectations, cultural stigmas, and systemic barriers lead to late diagnoses and misdiagnoses.

Abigail shares her personal story of navigating a late ADHD diagnosis, overcoming internalized ableism, and becoming an advocate for representation and equity.

In this episode we talk about:

Abigail sheds light on the specific struggles women with ADHD face in education and workplace settings.
She opens up about her late diagnosis and the internalized ableism she had to unlearn.
Learn why creating neuro-inclusive environments that embrace diverse learning and working styles is essential for success.
Discover how cultural stigmas and societal expectations disproportionately impact Black women with ADHD.
Advocacy for neurodiversity within marginalized communities is vital to reducing stigma and fostering awareness.
Abigail emphasizes the power of community support groups and resources for navigating ADHD and intersectional identities.

Chapters:

04:31 - Navigating neurodiversity in education

14:22 - The impact of adultification on black youth

22:10 - Healthcare disparities and advocacy for change

28:34 - Cultural expectations and mental health in black communities

35:20 - Embracing neurodivergence with self-compassion

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in building inclusive communities and breaking down societal taboos about neurodiversity. Abigail’s insights offer hope, practical advice, and a call to action for fostering a world where everyone can thrive.

You can connect with Abigail via her Instagram. Watch her TedX talk on ADHD in Black Women.

Reclaim your Calm is a two-part LIVE online workshop introducing the power of EFT tapping to help you break free from emotional overwhelm, calm your ADHD mind, and reclaim your peace – any time, anywhere. Click here to find out more about Reclaim Your Calm

Try Kate's new Apple podcast subscription, The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, here

Try The Herbtender's products here with 15% off using code kate15

Have a look at some of Kate's workshops and free resources here.

Kate Moryoussef is a women’s ADHD Lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity, and clarity.

Follow the podcast on Instagram here.

Follow Kate on Instagram here.

Find Kate's resources on ADDitude magazine here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Gratitude link

Ready to enjoy a calmer and more focused lifestyle?

Named ‘best product for anxiety’ in the 2024 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards, The Herbtender’s Calm & Collected supplement helps to unwind your mind, soothe your anxious body and ease into sleep. Taken regularly at night, Calm & Collected can help to reduce anxiety and increase resilience. It can also be effective at helping you stay calm when your ADHD meds begin to wear off. Just visit The Herbtender’s website, www.the-herbtender.com, and save 15% using the code KATE15.

Herb Tender Focus & Clarity

RECLAIM YOUR CALM WORKSHOP SERIES

A two-part LIVE online workshop introducing the power of EFT tapping to help you break free from emotional overwhelm, calm your ADHD mind, and reclaim your peace – any time, anywhere. Click the link for more information

Reclaim your calm