June 6, 2025

Neurodiversity, Cultural Differences & Gender Identity

Here we look at how cultural diversity and gender identity impacts how we understand neurodiversity, and how we can help address some of these challenges. Very simply, neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information. It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK have some kind of neuro difference.

Cultural Differences

The tools we use to identify neurodiversity often relies on Western standards, which means they might not be as effective for everyone. Cultural expectations can influence what is considered ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ behaviour. For example: In some Asian and African cultures, avoiding eye contact with authority figures is respectful, while in Western cultures it’s often seen as an autistic trait. In some countries, speech is naturally quite fast, with lots of descriptive gestures, whereas in other countries speech can be quite slow with limited gestures. Differences in cultural norms are therefore important to consider when assessing social reciprocity and non-verbal communication.

Cultural diversity significantly impacts how we understand neurodiversity and address it. For example, autism is heavily stigmatised in some cultures, which may make families/individuals hesitant to pursue formal assessments as autism may be viewed as a ‘genetic taint’ or ‘curse’. Additionally, some cultures place greater importance on conforming to social norms which can promote the camouflaging/masking of autistic traits. (See our link below for more information on this).

Mental health conditions often run alongside and/or mask neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD. Undiagnosed neuro conditions can be hidden by mental health conditions, which may mean the person does not get the appropriate care. Factors influencing these disparities may include socio-economic disadvantages, or failure of adults and institutions to identify it. Bridging the gap between cultural traditions/ways and modern understandings of neurodiversity needs collaborative efforts from healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders.

Gender Identity

The term ‘gender diverse’ is an umbrella term to describe someone whose gender identity does not conform to the gender norms expected of them e.g. transgender and non-binary individuals. Several studies show that neurodivergent people are more likely than the general population to be transgender or gender diverse.

One prominent study in this area analysed five unrelated databases and found that transgender, and gender diverse identities positively correlated with autism (diagnosis) and autistic traits. (See link below). This aligns with other research in the field that has found similar connections, and it is an area of ongoing research and discussion in both the scientific community as well as among neurodiverse and gender-diverse individuals. There is also emerging evidence of how gender diverse identities can influence presentation of neurodiversity, such as through increased camouflaging (aka masking).

In many ways, there are parallels between repression of gender expression and autistic behaviours like stimming (e.g., hand flapping). Both situations involve societal pressure to conform to “typical” or expected behaviours and identities, often at the expense of individual well-being and self-expression.

Why are we talking about this?

For us at Oxford Neurodiversity clinic, it is very important for there to be increased awareness and understanding of neuro and gender diversity, and the strong link between the two. We also want to acknowledge cultural differences and how this may influence being diagnosed with autism and/or ADHD. We want to make sure that this is respected and advocated with the same passion we feel about rising awareness for autism and ADHD. Ultimately, we want for people that are neurodiverse, gender or cultural diverse to not feel that they have to hide who they are.

This page was put together by Magda Bouwman, a white neurotypical person (with some traits though!), who has experienced living in three different countries/cultures. We also want to acknowledge invaluable input from an AuDHD queer British Indian in her twenties.

Please do get in touch with your feedback at enquiries@oxfordneurodiversity.com