Black History Month: Recognizing the Strengths of Neurodivergent Black Children
- Lissarette Nisnevich
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
As we honor Black History Month, we must recognize and uplift the voices of Black neurodiverse individuals—especially in early childhood education.
As the Founder of The Nisnevich Institute for Neurodiverse Empowerment, I have seen firsthand how early intervention, representation, and inclusive education can change the trajectory of a child’s life. However, Black neurodivergent children still face systemic barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
The Challenges Black Neurodivergent Children Face
Black children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent traits experience:
🔴 Delayed or Missed Diagnoses – Studies show that Black children are diagnosed with autism 2.5 years later than their white peers, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention.
🔴 Higher Discipline Rates – Black neurodivergent students are more likely to face suspensions and expulsions instead of receiving the support they need.
🔴 Limited Access to Culturally Competent Support – Many Black families struggle to find professionals who understand both neurodiversity and cultural identity, making it harder to access appropriate resources.
Black Neurodivergent Excellence: Past and Present
Despite these challenges, Black neurodivergent individuals have always made groundbreaking contributions to society.
📡 Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, a theoretical physicist, made advances in telecommunications that paved the way for fiber optics, caller ID, and touch-tone phones.
🎨 Kerry James Marshall, a visionary artist, reshapes how we see Black life and identity through his stunning paintings.
These trailblazers show us what’s possible when neurodivergent Black minds are nurtured and valued.
What Can We Do to Support Black Neurodivergent Children?
✅ Advocate for Early Intervention – Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. We need culturally responsive screenings that recognize the unique ways neurodiversity presents in Black children.
✅ Promote Strengths-Based Learning – Instead of focusing on "deficits," we should highlight the talents and abilities of neurodivergent Black students.
✅ Increase Representation – More Black educators, therapists, and policymakers must be involved in neurodiversity advocacy to reshape education and healthcare systems.
Black History Month: A Time for Action
Honoring Black History Month isn’t just about remembering the past—it’s about creating a better future.
Let’s ensure that Black neurodivergent children are seen, supported, and celebrated—not just in February, but every day of the year.
✨ How are you advocating for Black neurodiverse children in your work or community? Share your thoughts below!
Join the Conversation
If you’re passionate about neurodiversity, early childhood education, and equity, follow my work at Lissarette.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.
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