Some neurodivergent people, particularly those living with autism or dyspraxia, may face challenges related to social presentation or physical coordination. Despite their efforts to adapt and adjust, they may still encounter stigmatising assumptions.
Such stigma can discourage individuals from disclosing their difficulties. When their differences are noticed but not properly understood, they may face unfair judgement, disrespect towards their character and integrity, and negative assumptions about their intentions.


This can result in being singled out for appearing “different”, ridiculed, ranked, threatened, attacked, or made to feel constantly under suspicion. Some may be treated as though they are automatically untrustworthy within society.

Some People living with autism, including Asperger’s syndrome, are often subjected to degrading labels, which draw unnecessary attention to perceived differences. These stigmatising attitudes can significantly affect a person’s sense of purpose, belonging and self-worth.

Rather than being overly critical or hyper-aware of differences, we should recognise the effort many neurodivergent individuals make to be self-aware and adaptable. Greater understanding, respect and informed awareness can help create a more inclusive and compassionate society.

We must actively recognise and respect each individual’s intelligence, personal agency and inherent dignity. Every person has the right to define their own value, to make their own choices, and to speak in defence of themselves without being undermined or dismissed. This requires a conscious shift away from outdated and stigmatising perceptions.

Neurodivergent individuals, and those with additional difficulties, must not be viewed through a “mental patient” stereotype, or assumed to lack intelligence and many other examples. Equally, they should not be cast as helpless victims without autonomy or capability.

Discourage any inappoprate mistratment

Using someone’s difficulty as a reason to silence them (treating them as though they should be “seen and not heard”, or adopting patronising attitudes such as “speak when you’re spoken to”) is both disrespectful and harmful. Such behaviour diminishes confidence, reinforces inequality, and disregards their right to participate fully and equally in conversations and decisions that affect them.

Respect also means recognising and honouring personal boundaries. Every individual has limits regarding how they expect to be treated, and those boundaries must be acknowledged without challenge or ridicule.