University of Washington Tacoma
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Access*: Interdisciplinary Journal of Student Research and Scholarship

Author Biography

Anna Johansson is a queer, agender and neurodivergent author who graduated in Spring 2025 with a major in Writing Studies (Creative Writing Track) and minor in American Indian Studies. Written in Winter 2025, this article discusses the similarities of colonialism between Indigenous and Neurodivergent identities and how it continues to negatively impact them to this day.

Document Type

Undergraduate Research Paper

Abstract

Neurodivergent and Indigenous identities are often intertwined with both facing difficulties because of Euro-centric views that came with colonialization. As much of Indigenous people's ways of being—such as their culture, traditions, language and spirituality—have been eradicated, there is a lack of research and understanding on Indigenous individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The purpose of this research is to look at Indigenous perspectives on neurodiversity with the aims of increasing awareness of these voices. This research asks, how has the intersectionality of Indigenous and neurodivergent identities been misunderstood and neglected by American society? It is important for us to understand Indigenous terminology related to neurodiversity, along with the current limitations of research on their perspectives and difficulties acknowledging intersectionality. To address these limitations, this paper utilizes Indigenous methodology and draws on peer-reviewed scholarship. Even though we have a long way to go, we must continue to improve awareness of neurodiversity with Indigenous communities.

University

University of Washington Tacoma

Course

T EGL 303: American Indian Education

Instructor

Pah-tu Pitt

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