Difficulties of Self-Advocacy

1. Fear of not being believed

Neurodivergent people often fear that if they speak up about their needs or their own experiences, others won’t trust or accept what they say.
➡️ “The fear that others will not believe what autistic individuals say about their needs or abilities exacerbates self-doubt…” HENEY-THESIS-2023 (1)

This undermines confidence and makes it harder to advocate for support, accommodations, or understanding.

2. Professional environments often discourage self-advocacy

Neurodivergent writers describe learning to be “small, quiet, and obedient” in the workplace.
➡️ “Self-advocacy in workplace settings is difficult, because you have to be polite and strong at the same time… Some of us learn the painful habit of not speaking up, being small, quiet, and obedient.” HENEY-THESIS-2023 (1)

The expectation of compliance—combined with power imbalances—creates environments where speaking up can feel unsafe.

3. Structural and cultural constraints limit autonomy

Self-advocacy is hindered when systems position Neurodivergent people as objects rather than agents.
➡️ “…the ability to self-advocate is limited by the social and cultural values of an individual’s environment…”
➡️ “…autistic individuals are often denied autonomy and agency…” HENEY-THESIS-2023 (1)

When one’s autonomy is structurally restricted, self-advocacy becomes an act of resistance rather than a simple request.

4. Internalized doubt and exhaustion

Self-advocacy requires emotional and cognitive energy. Many Neurodivergent bloggers describe burnout from constantly having to explain or justify themselves.
➡️ “The pressure to constantly explain oneself can be exhausting…” HENEY-THESIS-2023 (1)

This chronic exhaustion reduces capacity to push back or ask for support.

5. Consequences for speaking up

There is a recurring theme of risk—social, emotional, or professional—when Neurodivergent people self-advocate.
➡️ Self-advocacy is made difficult by “the potential consequences for speaking up.” HENEY-THESIS-2023 (1)

This includes fear of punishment, retaliation, job loss, or damaged relationships.

Heney, R. (2023). dis/Humanity and autism: Dehumanizing and rehumanizing (Master’s thesis, University of Saskatchewan).