Exploring “Woke” Through a Neuro-Affirming Lens

The term woke originated as a call to awareness and action, particularly around issues of social justice, equity, and systemic oppression. However, it has since evolved and, at times, been co-opted or weaponized, leading to mixed interpretations. When examined through a neuro-affirming lens, the concept of being “woke” offers opportunities for connection and understanding, but it can also highlight societal tensions, especially for neurodivergent individuals navigating a world that often resists change.

What Does “Woke” Mean for Neurodivergent Adults and Youth?

For neurodivergent adults and youth, woke can resonate as an acknowledgment of lived experiences that often go unseen or misunderstood. It encourages awareness of systemic barriers neurodivergent individuals face—whether in education, the workplace, or community spaces—and challenges stereotypes that perpetuate ableism.

For example, the term can apply to:

Youth advocating for inclusive education practices that respect their unique learning styles.

Adults demanding workplaces that embrace neurodiversity through accommodations and strengths-based approaches.

Being “woke” in this context isn’t just about knowing these barriers exist but actively working to dismantle them through meaningful action and policy change.

Why Is “Woke” Seen as Negative? 

In recent years, the term woke has become polarizing. Critics often use it as a pejorative, associating it with over-sensitivity, political correctness, or even division. This backlash is rooted in discomfort with change and fear of losing power or tradition. For neurodivergent communities, this negativity can be especially harmful, as it minimizes efforts to create equity and invalidates advocacy for systemic shifts.

The term “wokism” amplifies this negativity. It reduces complex movements for justice and inclusion to a stereotype of extreme behavior, overshadowing the real issues being addressed. This dismissive language can make it harder for neurodivergent individuals to advocate for their needs without facing resistance or being labeled as overly demanding. 

Can “Woke” Be Positive?

Absolutely. At its core, being woke is about awareness, compassion, and commitment to creating a more equitable world. For neurodivergent individuals and their allies, it can be a rallying cry for:

Inclusion: Ensuring neurodivergent voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes.

Representation: Advocating for diverse portrayals of neurodivergence in media and leadership roles.

Policy Change: Pushing for reforms in education, healthcare, and workplace practices that reflect neurodivergent realities.

Reclaiming woke as a positive term emphasizes its original intent: to awaken people to injustices and inspire action. For neurodivergent communities, this means fostering environments where individuality is celebrated, and accommodations are seen as an inherent right rather than a privilege.

The Societal Impact of Using Language Like “Wokism”

When society adopts dismissive terms like wokism, it trivializes genuine efforts for justice and inclusion. For neurodivergent communities, this dismissal can:

Undermine Advocacy: Labeling inclusion efforts as “woke” shifts the focus from the systemic issues being addressed to debates over terminology.

Reinforce Stigma: It perpetuates the idea that advocating for change is unnecessary or extreme.

Erode Trust: When communities feel their concerns are mocked or ignored, it creates barriers to collaboration and understanding.

Conversely, using respectful, neuro-affirming language fosters connection, empathy, and progress. A society that values woke as a tool for awareness and action becomes one where everyone, including neurodivergent individuals, can thrive.

Final Thoughts 

The term woke reflects a critical awareness of the world’s inequities. For neurodivergent individuals, this awareness is not a trend but a necessary foundation for living authentically in spaces that often overlook their needs. While language like “wokism” can polarize and dismiss, embracing the principles behind woke—equity, justice, and inclusion—creates opportunities to build a society where all voices are valued.

By approaching these conversations with curiosity and compassion, we can shift the narrative from division to understanding and from resistance to meaningful change.

Disclaimer: Neurodivergent Consultant, LLC stands committed to neurodiversity, autonomy, and the use of inclusive language. We respectfully acknowledge the preferences of the Neurodivergent Community we serve by choosing to use Identity-First language. For example: "autistic person" vs "person with autism." The articles provided to you by Neurodivergent Consultant, LLC ("We") are for information purposes only. The content reflects the experts' current knowledge and position as of the date posted. The information within the articles should never be considered a substitution for medical or legal advice. Neurodivergent Consultant, LLC and the website are not liable for errors, omissions, losses, injuries, or damages.