Belonging has been described as a human need (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). However, Neurodivergent people are likely to face more exclusion in all domains of life (see Chapman & Carel, 2022; Mellifont, 2023; Waldock, 2023). In addition, far more focus is placed on disabled and/or Neurodivergent people being present in a space rather than enabling a sense of belonging.
It is therefore important that we as neurodivergent people have input on what belonging looks like when done right and in a manner which is neurodivergent-affirming. At this point, I would like to emphasise that what it feels like to belong is unique to each person. We all have different understandings of what belonging is, notably including belonging as a feeling between people or a group, an affinity for a place or situation or having a role where we ‘fit’ and play a part. These are likely shaped by our lived experiences, the identities we have and the situation at hand.
