DisCrit Mothering As A Radical Act

Abstract

Influenced by revolutionary mothering, activists of color, and radical feminists, this article explores Neurodivergent families through the lens of Disability Critical Race Theory. As a parent of an Autistic child, I embark on redefining my role by integrating art and design into community advocacy for Autistic communities. I challenge unjust stigmas by breaking visual cycles within social and clinical practices. This journey culminated in the creation of “KnoxRoxs,” a photo zine dedicated to my Autistic son, aimed at increasing visibility for children of color in Neurodiverse communities. I emphasize the multifaceted nature of Neurodivergent mothering, involving caregiving, community engagement, and creative resistance.

Keywords:

• Disability critical race theory (DisCrit)
• mothering
• art activism
• neurodiversity
• neurodivergent

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

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12 Inflow Team, “ADHD in Girls and Women: Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood,” Inflow ADHD (Inflow et al. 02, 2021), https://www.getinflow.io/post/adhd-in-girls-and-women-misunderstood-and-misdiagnosed-add.

13 Julia Cusick Interim Vice President et al., “The Basic Facts about Women in Poverty,” Center for American Progress, December 3, 2021, https://www.americanprogress.org/article/basic-facts-women-poverty/.

14 Family says Black girl who died by suicide was bullied | AP News.

15 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/02/23/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-administrations-work-to-support-black-disabled-americans/.

16 https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/11/us/isabella-izzy-tichenor-utah-settlement/index.html.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jennifer White-Johnson

Jennifer White-Johnson is an Afro-Latina, Neurodivergent Disabled Parent, Art Activist, and Design Educator. Her design practice is rooted in the intersection of content and caregiving with an emphasis on redesigning ableist visual culture. Jen has her MFA in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art.