3/19 Medical Sociology + Neurodivergence

Join the Duke Neurodiversity Advocates (DNA) for a discussion that goes beyond diagnoses and accommodations — into how race, gender, and class shape who gets access to care, credibility, and compassion.

In the workplace (and even in classrooms), not everyone’s struggles are seen the same way.Women and people of color are still less likely to be diagnosed, more likely to be dismissed, and often told to “just push through” when symptoms or burnout show up. Meanwhile, invisible illnesses and neurodivergent traits are questioned, minimized, or mistaken for personality flaws.

We’ll unpack how:

• Bias in medicine and hiring leads to late or missed diagnoses for women and people of color.

• Credibility gaps mean that pain, fatigue, or sensory issues are often doubted until they become crises.

• Class and privilege affect who can afford diagnosis, accommodations, or flexible work environments.

• The myth of the “professional” worker hides systemic bias against disabled and neurodivergent people.

• We can build a culture — at Duke and beyond — that believes people the first time they speak up.