What is ableism ?
Ableism is a system of beliefs and practices that values certain bodies and minds over others. It is based on the assumption that there is a “normal” way to think, behave, or live — that being neurotypical or non-disabled is the norm and therefore superior, and anything different is a problem to be fixed. People who deviate from this norm are often seen as less capable. It shows up in many ways: inaccessible buildings, unfair treatment at school or work, judgment for behaving, learning, or communicating differently, and the assumption that neurodivergent or disabled people are inherently less capable. It is also systemic, embedded into policies and structures that favor neurotypical and non-disabled people.
Importantly, ableism isn’t always rooted in bad intentions. For example, automatically doing a task for a disabled or neurodivergent person instead of creating an inclusive environment where they could do it themselves is rooted in good intentions but still reflects the false belief that they are inherently less capable. While this belief may seem true in societies that only accommodate one way of functioning, it doesn’t have to be — especially in inclusive societies that accommodate everyone. Even well-meaning actions can be ableist, which is why correcting misconceptions about neurodivergent minds and disabled individuals is essential. This starts with creating inclusive societies where neurodivergent and disabled people can thrive and disprove harmful stereotypes.
How does ableism affect neurodivergent people?
Neurodivergent individuals are often portrayed as abnormal or defined solely by their condition, as if they are broken or in need of fixing. For people with autism, ADHD, or learning differences, ableism can mean being misunderstood due to a lack of awareness or transparency, excluded, or pressured to conform to what society deems “normal.” Here, ableism can be direct, like exclusion from school or work due to not meeting conventional expectations, or subtle, like low expectations, negative attitudes, or systems designed for only one kind of brain. In daily life, neurodivergent people are often expected to mask their natural traits, disadvantaged for thinking, communicating, or behaving differently, or told they just need to try harder instead of being offered accommodations that would allow them to thrive. This creates pressure and can lead to burnout, shame, isolation, or the need to suppress parts of their true identity, with adverse consequences on both mental and physical health.
Challenging ableism means recognizing that there is no single right way to be human, rejecting the idea that there is only one right way to think, learn, or behave. It means listening to neurodivergent voices and building communities where all kinds of minds can thrive. Variability in how we experience the world is not a flaw, but a strength.