Neurodivergence is a new term—but the conditions that make up this term are as old as civilization. Of course, scientifically we don't know the who, what, when of the first neurodivergent person—but thinking and processing differently isn't a "new thing." If it was, we wouldn't have progressed to where we are now.
For too long, people just thought something was wrong with them, when in fact, something was wrong with how mainstream society viewed and portrayed what was "normal." We celebrate different—and it should be celebrated. In this series, we look at black leaders who have identified as having a neurodivergent condition.
In part one, we explored black leaders with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and here we list some of the black role models with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). There are too many to list here—but comment below on those who weren't featured here and share their accomplishments—and what that means for you.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Questlove
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson is a multi-talented musician, producer, author, and cultural icon best known for the Grammy-winning band The Roots, and musical director of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Renowned for his innovative drumming style and encyclopedic knowledge of music history. He is also an accomplished filmmaker, winning an Academy Award for his 2021 documentary Summer of Soul, which unearthed the history of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
Questlove embraces and celebrates his Autistic identity and life on the autism spectrum through his passions and work. His creative success and his autistic traits like stimming, special interests, attention to detail, pattern recognition, and monotropism interconnect and reflect what can happen when autism is not treated as a problem, but instead nourished to thrive.
Tyla Grant
Tyla Grant is a passionate neuroinclusive speaker, podcast host, and advocate dedicated to raising awareness about neurodiversity and creating spaces where all minds are valued. She hosts "Actually Adulting," a go-to podcast for navigating the ups, downs, and sideways moments of adulthood, and "Mind Over Meltdown," exploring the realities of being an autistic twenty-something in a world that wasn’t built for you. She openly shares personal experiences, insights, and expert perspectives on autism and other neurodivergent conditions, fostering greater understanding and inclusion. Tyla’s work empowers individuals and organizations to embrace neurodiverse talent and challenges societal misconceptions through candid storytelling and actionable advice. Her advocacy continues to inspire and create meaningful change in the neurodiversity movement.
Kalin Bennett
Kalin Bennett is a trailblazing athlete who made history as the first autistic student-athlete to sign a national letter of intent to play Division I college basketball. Kalin defied early developmental challenges, including doctors' doubts about his ability to walk or talk, to pursue his passion for basketball. Playing for Kent State University, he gained widespread recognition not only for his skills on the court but also for his advocacy for neurodiversity. He transferred to Morehouse college and graduated in 2023.
He launched his non-profit, SpeKTrum 50 Foundation, in Atlanta, which aims to provide hope and inspiration for individuals with and without autism through programs and support services. He continues to inspire others by sharing his journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and breaking stereotypes about autism.
Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD, MA
Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, PhD, MA, is a renowned educator, advocate, and scholar whose work focuses on autism, disability justice, and intersecting social identities. She has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and promoting inclusivity in education, healthcare, and policymaking. Dr. Giwa Onaiwu is an accomplished author and editor, contributing to groundbreaking works such as All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism. A sought-after speaker, she challenges societal norms and advances equity through her leadership in organizations like the Autism Women’s Network and her work on diversity initiatives worldwide. Her advocacy combines lived experience with academic rigor, making her a transformative force in the disability and social justice movements.
Armani Williams
Armani Williams is a groundbreaking NASCAR driver and an inspiring advocate for autism awareness. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age two, Williams defied expectations to become the first openly autistic driver in NASCAR history. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, he began racing at age eight and worked his way up through the ranks with determination and talent. Beyond his achievements on the track, Williams uses his platform to raise awareness about autism, encouraging others to pursue their dreams regardless of challenges. Through his racing career and advocacy, he continues to break barriers and serve as a role model for neurodiverse individuals worldwide.
Breanna Clark
Breanna Clark is an accomplished Paralympic athlete and a trailblazer in track and field. Diagnosed with autism, Clark has risen to international prominence as a champion in the 400 meters. She made history at the 2016 Rio Paralympics by winning a gold medal and has continued to dominate her sport, breaking records and earning multiple titles. Known for her perseverance and infectious positivity, Clark is a role model who uses her platform to inspire others, advocating for greater inclusion and understanding of athletes with disabilities. Her achievements highlight the power of determination and the importance of embracing diversity in sports.
Stephen Wiltshire
Stephen Wiltshire is an autistic artist celebrated worldwide for his extraordinary ability to create incredibly detailed and accurate drawings of cityscapes from memory. Often referred to as a "human camera," Wiltshire’s talent emerged early, and his intricate artworks have garnered international acclaim. Notable works include vast panoramas of cities like Tokyo, New York, and London, drawn after brief observation from helicopter rides. His art captures the beauty and complexity of urban landscapes, and his story serves as a powerful testament to the unique strengths of autistic individuals. At 8 years old, the Prime Minister owned one of his pieces. In 2006, Wiltshire was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to the art world.
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