text on white: Acknowledging that “neuroqueering is open to everyone but requires a lot of unlearning, relearning, creating and recreating” (Boren & Edgar, 2024: n.a.), I recognise my own limitations during this early process of conceptualisation of neuroqueering in the context of digital youth work. With nearly a decade of experience as both a digital youth worker and a researcher in digital youth work, I have observed the gradual transition of this practice from the periphery to the mainstream of non-formal education. Consistent with existing scholarship in the field, I maintain that digital youth work requires further research and systemic support to better understand its role and impact within digital society.
However, while my background in digital youth work research and practice is extensive, my knowledge and experience with neuroqueering remain relatively limited. As a peripherally white, 40-year-old Polish migrant in the UK, my ADHD diagnosis two years ago was both shocking and liberating. By framing my personal experiences in education—as a student, youth worker, and researcher—within the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm, I am gaining a critical understanding of the systemic barriers and structural challenges neurodivergent people might face in educational settings. My evolving understanding of neurodiversity also informs my work as a researcher and educator, but it has made me acutely aware that my process of re-learning how to learn may be a lifelong learning experience. However, despite my limited experience of neuroqueering, I find reassurance in Walker’s non-conceptualisation of neuroqueering as a practice that is inclusive and open to all. Advocating against authoritative framing of what neuroqueering should mean and who can engage with it, she states in her “Anyone who engages in any of those [practices that fall within the definition of neuroqueering] practices can call themselves neuroqueer anytime they damn well want” (2021:166).
this chapter on #neuroqueering digital youth work has taken me longer then anticipated & the editors have just provided me with a wee extension - for the 2nd time.
i know my stuff in digital youth work, but #neuroqueering is super new to me. its exciting, fascinating, confusing, and scary 🌈🧠