Black Neurodiversity

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Black Neurodiversity

An education and disability resource, community, and neurodiversity consulting crew
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09/18/2023

Compliment a Black Person Week.

Just because I said so.
Life has been hard. I can’t even say it’s just been this week. But these past few months, past few years, past 35. Lordt. Lil baby Jesus. Help us all. So to balance the scales a bit… I’m calling on everyone who sees this to spread love this week so we can make some turns towards the light. I need it. I need more light. I need more love.

This is for everyone. If you Black, compliment other Black people. If you ______, any Black person you see…tell them “have a great day!” Or “I love your smile!” Or “that’s a great fit” WHATEVA. Just bring the love.

07/21/2023

“I try to strike a balance between being a human being and being employable”

————

This quote front conversation with Camari has been on repeat like Sade’s first album. Because it just so neatly tied together so much of my life. A life I have slowly divested and transitioned out of. It is a privilege, a lesson, a journey, a blessing, an honoring of my ancestors, my birthright honestly. To divest from capitalism. By version of human being is not employable. Not in the sense that Camari was speaking to. The kind of employable that we as Black neurodistinct people are too familiar with. You can see it in our masks. The neurodiversity in the workplace movement has been largely focused on the ways in which neurodivergent people can be positioned as employable. And this makes it quite a white-centered experience because Black folks are already viewed as “unemployable”. If it’s not our hair. It’s the way we speak. If it’s not that it’s we have an attitude. And the list goes on. Neurodiversity in the workplace should be about how do we make this balance of being human being and being employable nonexistent. How do we ensure the Camari’s of the world can exist and not “feel like a secret” (words inspired by check-in member).

More thoughts on this to come.

ID in comments.

06/28/2023

Happy Summer Solstice neurobabes! ☀️

So happy to share EXPLORING NEURODIVERSITY returns with an interview TOMORROW, June 29th, with .udokporo

A word from Onyinye…
“Throughout my life I have been told directly and indirectly that dyslexia is found in particular people... [In fact] dyslexia can be found in someone like me. It isn't just 'okay' but something to be proud of. This book has been written because I want people to know that dyslexia can be found in people of every

, creed, or circumstance.”

We will be continuing to dig into the lived experiences of dyslexic community members of in order to expand the understanding and manifestations of neurodiversity. This will be the final stop on the dyslexia exploration before we head to the bipolar spectrum. 🫶🏾

✨To Be entered into a raffle to Win a FREE Copy of “Dyslexia & Me” you must:
1️⃣Follow Black Neurodiversity
2️⃣Share this post via your story (tag so I see it!)

See y’all tomorrow 🙂
Image Description in comments.

05/05/2023

provides an empowering understanding and approach to managing in their latest book ADHD 2.0

Aside from their framing of ADHD as VAST - Variable attention stimulus trait, I also found this conceptualization of the ADHD brain quite helpful.

The Task Positive Network is responsible for tending to a task and getting s**t done with little care or assessment of how you feel.

The Default Mode Network is responsible for creative thought, connecting and reflecting on experiences, and where emergent and new ideas come from.

In ADHD brains the switch between the two is loose and uncontrollable resulting in the two networks competing.

This is both beautiful (because some of the best insights I have ever come to or ideas that have emerged are when I’m definitely supposed to be focusing on something completely unrelated) and challenging (see explanation a few words back).

I highly recommend checking out book as it offers practical and empowering tips for living as an ADHD’er from a clinician with ADHD.

05/03/2023

Tweet reads:

Anosognosia is a lack of ability to perceive the realities of one's own condition.

so could we take a step further...

do white people have...Racial Anosognosia?

——-

I’m in the process of updating the Neurodiversity Dictionary I created a year ago (I’m up to 195 terms) and am learning about the different agnosias. When I came across “anosognosia” I was like this sounds like something I’m quite familiar with when it comes to my white peers, an unawareness of the ways in which their own intergenerational trauma manifests, their own stake in ‘diversity’, and the ways in which their whiteness impacts their reality. I feel as if this term may just be the one! What y’all think?

04/30/2023

Do not come for me in the comments lol if this don’t apply to you…move along.

These came from a convo I had with my friend as we were talking about our expectations around friendship and socializing. Hard truths sometimes but necessary for adult friendship building. Good questions to ask yourself sometimes.

Slide 1: title text reads “no one ever understands me” with Arthur fist meme image below

Slide 2: title text reads but do you share your true self with others? With image of Arthur standing behind a door with a somewhat blank stare

Slide 3: title text reads “no one ever invites me anywhere” with Arthur fist meme image below

Slide 4: title text reads but do you invite people to things? With image of Arthur standing behind a door with a somewhat blank stare

04/26/2023

Before I hyperfocus on this 🥲 want to see if there is interest…

My initial thoughts are basically walking through how to create a neurodistinct content based IG for neurodistinct content creators. It would be a step by step workshop where by the end of the series, your IG would be up and running while learning healthy boundaries to maintain. Or maybe you already have an idea (or an IG already) but you are struggling to maintain t healthy boundaries and create intentional content.

Let me know in the comments.

Pricing would be tiered and accessible.

04/20/2023

Ben-Oní tweet reads:

Anyone else using as a neurotypical translator?

————

No? Just me? I mean I figure 30somethin years of learning their world…I’m good.

02/10/2023

Black Neurodiversity is celebrating this year's Black Futures Month with 28 days of interviews from across our community, continuing with Jacque Salomon Seeds To Inspire Foundation]⁠
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Join us today at 12:00 PM EST on IG LIVE ⁠
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Bio provided by Seeds To Inspire Foundation]⁠
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We shouldn't have to fight systems based on narratives created by others without an experiential lens. I fought against the public school system for years because of discrimination and greed. It almost took my health and sanity. This is why I am fully committed to not only stepping out of the way but also co-creating a path for the Truth of Autism and Neurodiversity to step into the light of awareness through the Voice of Autism herself.⁠
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01/19/2023

Three spots remain for Cohort 1 of the Wildseed Incubator.

As an Autistic-ADHD individual, I know that it can be difficult to find spaces that truly understand and affirm your lived experience as a neurodistinct person. The Wildseed Incubator is here to change that. I understand the importance of community-based healing and growth, and work to provide a space where individuals can come together to learn and grow in a supportive and accountable community.

The Wildseed Incubator is grounded in the belief that healing and growth are not meant to be done alone. I understand that proximity and continued inclusion in the community are crucial for true healing to occur. I also understand that as a minoritized person, unmasking requires affirmative spaces and relationships that acknowledge, respond to, and celebrate your lived experience.

Wildseed is designed to help you discover your neurodistinct needs, which requires unmasking. Unmasking requires recognizing and unlearning, then dismantling and dissolving learned ways of being. Your authentic needs can only be found through this unmasking process.

I understand that unmasking is not always available or accessible to all, and that as a minoritized person, it can be difficult to find support that truly meets all of your neurodistinct needs. By providing a supportive and affirmative space aimed at developing care structures and systems that best support your neurodistinct lifestyle needs, transformation and sustainable growth can occur.

In peace and service,
Ben-Oní

Anti-Oppressive Rate Structure in next slide.

01/09/2023

4 Stages of Selective Offense

SOURCE: “Professionalism as a Racial Construct” by Leah Goodridge

Black and Indigenous neurodistinct individuals can use the concept of selective offense as a tool for navigating spaces like the workplace or school by being aware of the ways in which harmful behavior is normalized and excused. Neurodistinct individuals who hold whiteness may also use this framework to engage in anti-racist daily praxis and advocate effectively for Black and Indigenous neurodistinct peers.

By recognizing the four stages of selective offense, individuals can better understand the dynamics at play when they experience or witness instances of ableism or racism.

This week we will be breaking down stage by stage Leah Goodridge's conceptualization of Selective Offense as a tool for navigating spaces that prioritize whiteness.

01/09/2023

A curated follow-up to the previous post for neurodistinct folk who hold whiteness.

This is how we all become free.

Thank you for your words -

analyst

ID in Alt text.

01/05/2023

I have been wanting to get this off my chest. Cuz y’all got me f***ed up and been doing it for a long time. I just couldn’t figure out what my issue was.

I’m clear now.

And if you are white and neurodistinct reading this don’t unfollow share and follow some more! THIS IS THE WORK. DO YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE BY THESE STATEMENTS? good. You should be. Now go work through it with a trusted non-melanated friend and come back and join the group.

Tweet 1: Some new feelings and thoughts have developed around unmasking. And you guessed it, yes, and whiteness
Why do we celebrate white neurodistinct people who unmask when they are (still) a part of the system that forged the masking to begin with
I said what I said.

Tweet 2: I have yet to see a media release of a white autistic person being killed, arrested, violated in the ways that black autistics people have. And if there is one. It's an anomaly.

Tweet 3: What would white neurodistinct people have to talk about if they didn't have unmasking?
And do they realize that unmasking also includes dropping the whiteness they hold?

Tweet 4: White neurodistinct people, in my opinion, should not be permitted to use the word unmask.
Y'all take up so much fu***ng space THE REST OF US still can't unmask safely.

Tweet 5: It's VERY RARE that your unmasking "tips" and posts extend beyond the needs of your white comrades.
Stop centering yourselves.

01/04/2023

January community care, education, and support offerings from

Sunday. 1.8
Neurodistinct
Men*
Check-in
2-3 PM EST

Sunday. 1.8
Navigating
Higher
Education Pt. 1
9-10 PM EST

Sunday. 1.15
Neurodistinct
Men*
Check-in
2-3 PM EST

Sunday. 1.22
Neurodistinct
Men*
Check-in
2-3 PM EST

Sunday. 1.22
Navigating
Higher
Education Pt. 2
9-10 PM EST

Sunday. 1.29
Neurodistinct
Men*
Check-in
2-3 PM EST

12/29/2022

Neurodiversity Staff Training, 2023

Full brochure link in bio.

—————

Hello,
If you are reading this, that means you are interested in learning more about neurodiversity and how to support and accommodate neurodistinct individuals. Neurodiversity is a new frontier in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) space, which puts you ahead of the curve. As an Autistic-ADHD individual, I am sincerely grateful for people like you - those actively learning AND working to create a more inclusive world.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in the way that brains function and process information. This includes differences in learning styles, communication styles, and ways of processing information.

Neurodiversity is an important aspect of diversity and inclusion, as it acknowledges and celebrates the unique strengths and differences of individuals with neurodistinctions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. By embracing neurodiversity in our workplaces, schools, and communities, we can create more inclusive and supportive environments for everyone.

Investing in neurodiversity staff training is not only the right thing to do for neurodistinct people, but it also benefits any school, institution, or organization seeking to
• expand the accessibility of its services
• improve understanding and awareness of neurodiversity
• comply with disability laws and regulations
• enhance customer service
• improve the overall well-being of staff
• improve the social and emotional well-being of students
• improve safety in emergency situations
• enhance communication skills
I am excited to have the opportunity to work with you and your staff. Call 949-990-3325 or email [email protected] to schedule a meeting today.

Ben-Oní
Lead Trainer
Founder, Black Neurodiversity

12/21/2022

Black Neurodiversity
Winter Solstice '22
Communion Playlist

In celebration and honor of the Winter
Solstice, the Neurodindigenous Society Club of Black Neurodiversity on Clubhouse hosted an impromptu communion.

During this communion, community members shared songs that captured the vibe and their goals for 2023.

Spotify link in bio.

12/19/2022

A follow up (but never conclusive) thoughts on “safety”

Tweet 1: safety is an iterative process

meaning, it must be constantly considered and reconsidered in the decisions we make, the beliefs with which we act from, and the actions we take

Tweet 2 .adkins : I never guarantee a safe space. I say this is a safer space or that we will do what we can to make this space as welcoming as possible. But no safe is truly safe, despite the best of intentions.

Tweet 3: my father told me I had two strikes against me... I'm black and I'm a woman.

I wonder if fathers of white girls tell them they've got two bats to put down.

12/19/2022

Woke up and chose safety. Violent safety.

Going live at 1:00 PM EST to talk s**t about “safety”
-

Tweet 1: people have replaced making safe spaces by saying "this is a safe space"

Tweet 2: Never assume a space is “safe” to another

Tweet 3: Telling someone “you are safe” does not make them safe. All it does is show them you don’t have the range or time or consciousness to SHOW them HOW they are safe. Be consistent in your actions.

How are they safe?
Show them.

Tweet 4: safety is only ever created when people are engaging in the practices necessary to create safety for themselves AND believe in the inherent humanity of the other

12/19/2022

a small request...

If you have participated in Neurodistinct or Neuroindigenous check-ins please fill out the survey. linked in the bio.

I am in the process of apolying to funding opportunities for Black
Neurodiversity. The goal is to be able to pay moderators of check-ins and provide more check-ins throughout the week to the community.

Thank You,
Ben-Oní

12/16/2022

Find and on every Friday (starting tomorrow, December 16th) for the newest Neurodistinct weekly check-in centering men.

🫶🏾

12/14/2022

Who is the Wildseed Incubator for you ask?

Neurodistinct people of the global majority with a desire to unmask and self-advocate their authentic needs in community, relationships, and career in a loving and accountable community with a support system who "gets it"

Flip through to learn more and then text “Wildseed” to 949-990-3325 or visit www.benoni.world/incubator to schedule a meeting to see if Wildseed is a fit for you 🫶🏾

ID in Alt text.

12/13/2022

JP] be knowing what they need

Love that for them.
Be like JP]

12/13/2022

This one is for the neurobabes who struggs during the holidays. (And for those that love them).

groundingvisions.substack.com
Link in bio.

11/25/2022

“I stumbled into one of Ben-Oní’s Neurodistinct Check-Ins on Clubhouse after I’d just about given up and decided the neurodiversity world had nothing for me. The neurodiversity world had shown me abysmal graduation and employment stats at a time when I needed encouragement, advised me to isolate when I desperately craved connection, and led me to a career that pressured me to develop one-dimensionally rather than holistically. I felt more misunderstood in white male dominated neurodiversity spaces than mainstream spaces. I felt alone and unwanted in the world, like I was a minority on too many levels for anyone to understand or help.

Then, I saw Ben-Oní’s patient and respectful spaces on Clubhouse and being a racialized, neurodistinct woman became less scary. I was finally ready to get out of denial after years of back and forth, years of internalizing a dozen different misunderstandings of myself. I felt confused and overwhelmed about what was healthy, unhealthy, important, escapist, from me, from the world etc. At my Adult Neurodistinct Support Needs Planning, Ben-Oní pinpointed three common themes in my struggles and they were all related to connection and empathy. Instead of telling me to lower my bar for connection like many people in my life, they gave me an exercise to build my boundary setting muscle and connect better with myself so I can connect better with others. Most people along my neurodiversity journey have pegged me as “broken” or “normal” and Ben-Oní helped me put things in perspective.”

Link in bio.
ID in Alt text.

11/20/2022

Help v. Support
groundingvisions.substack.com

Link in bio

11/16/2022

As the year comes to a close, I encourage everyone to rest. In
any and every capacity.

From expectations. Roles. Paradigms. Relationships.

The years ahead will require your strength, discernment, and alignment. Disengage from what is not directly in front
of you. And connect to your personal power and leadership within your own space and
community.

In peace and service,
Ben-Oní

11/15/2022

Every Tuesday of the month will be hosting community letter writing to answer wife’s ( ) call to action.

See next slide for (em)mailing information.

11/15/2022

Dear, POC.

Y’all can keep BIPOC.

Happy Holidays,
B and I

11/13/2022

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“This is the correct poster. In my humble opinion, but I guess that won’t sell tickets huh?”

11/13/2022

Let us move to an era of accountability and true education of the violence of racism.

Slide 1: text reads why are we so comfortable with Black pain. Followed by an image of the movie poster for the movie Till. An image of Emmett Till is faded in the back behind a depiction of his mother, Mamie Til.

Slide 2: text at the top reads, this is what the marketing should have been. Followed by an edited image of the movie poster with John W. Milam and Roy Bryant behind Carolyn Bryant. And text at the bottom reading, why is it important to highlight this?

Slide 3: Because if this were the marketing and the true audience for this film, then it would permit the transition from shock and trauma to accountability and education
AMONG those who committed the violence

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We back! And looking for Black folks who experience OCD for the next Exploring Neurodiversity series. Slide in my DM’s if that’s you or you know someone. Excited to jump back in! I’ve missed you all.