Breaking Down Barriers: Neurodivergence, Representation, and the 2024 Election Cycle

As the 2024 U.S. elections draw closer, conversations about representation and inclusivity are at the forefront of public discourse. But while we’re talking about race, gender, and income inequality, there’s one key group that often gets left out of the conversation—neurodivergent individuals.

In recent years, awareness of neurodivergence has grown, but political platforms and policy discussions still have a long way to go when it comes to addressing the needs of this community. For those of us who live at the intersection of multiple identities—AAPI, neurodivergent, and advocates for equality—these gaps in policy feel even more urgent.

Take, for instance, the growing movement advocating for better mental health services in schools. While candidates talk about expanding access to mental health resources, few touch on how these services can be made culturally and linguistically sensitive for immigrant families or how stigma in communities of color, particularly within AAPI families, shapes the kind of support young people feel they can access.

Just last month, the new Autism CARES Act (which authorizes significant funding for autism research and services) was debated, yet many of the key challenges we face in the AAPI community were overlooked in discussions. How can we expect policy to truly serve us if we’re not part of the dialogue?

I’ve seen firsthand how effective culturally sensitive treatment can be. In my work as an advocate and researcher in the AAPI neurodivergent community, families have shared stories of feeling like their voices were being drowned out—both within their cultural contexts and in broader healthcare and policy frameworks. It’s time for political candidates and policymakers to understand that inclusivity means not only acknowledging neurodivergence but addressing it in culturally relevant ways.

As we head into the 2024 election cycle, it’s essential to keep pushing for a broader, more inclusive conversation about neurodivergence—one that doesn’t leave AAPI and other marginalized communities on the sidelines. Advocating for our needs means getting involved, raising our voices, and demanding that the policies we see on ballots and platforms reflect the reality we live every day.

We’re not just constituents; we’re change agents. Let’s make sure our voices are heard.