Common Misdiagnoses in Neurodivergent Black Youth

Black youth are consistently misdiagnosed due to systemic bias and misunderstanding of neurodivergence. This document highlights three key issues:

1. Bias in the Special Education Evaluation Process – Evaluations often rely on deficit-based frameworks that pathologize cultural differences and overlook strengths, leading to inaccurate eligibility decisions.
2. Bias in the Medical/Clinical Diagnosis Process – Clinicians frequently hold implicit biases that cause underdiagnosis, late diagnosis, or misdiagnosis of Black children, particularly when their presentations do not align with white-centered diagnostic criteria.
3. Misinterpretation of Traits – Common neurodivergent traits are mislabeled as behavioral problems, defiance, or emotional disturbance rather than being recognized as authentic expressions of disability and identity.

The document also provides practical guidance on what to do instead, including shifting to culturally responsive, neuroaffirming practices, using strength-based language, involving families in the process, and ensuring that evaluation and diagnosis respect the lived experiences of Black youth.