Unpacking radicalisation: how Neurodivergent minds are targeted by the far-right
Against the backdrop of the wave of racial-hatred and violence that has swept the UK in recent weeks, NdC Development Lead Grace Lee examines how Neurodivergent minds can be vulnerable to exploitation and radicalisation by by far-right narratives and deliberate misinformation. As an appendix, Kay Aldred considers what can be done to find a way forward.
In recent weeks, with the political unrest and acts of fascist terror that have engulfed our country, I have sadly felt a foreboding sense that this chaos was not only inevitable but engineered, bringing the deep-seated issues of this country to the surface. As someone of mixed Caribbean heritage, I find these events disturbingly reminiscent of the racism my grandparents faced upon arriving in Britain. The rise of online radicalisation and right-wing terrorism, both in the UK and globally, has fuelled this unrest. Misinformation, such as the false identification of a concert attacker as an Islamic terrorist, has been cynically exploited by right-wing figures to incite violence and further their political agendas (Sky News).
This blog explores the dangers posed by misinformation and right-wing, incel-led spaces, particularly to neurodivergent individuals who may be more vulnerable to online radicalisation, due to certain factors which will be discussed here. These racially motivated acts of terror, disguised as ‘protests of the disenfranchised white population’ against already marginalised and vulnerable groups like asylum seekers, have been driven by a culture of systemic racism on multiple levels.
From being promoted in culture wars on ‘stopping the boats’; to the prevalence of these attitudes within institutions like the Metropolitan Police, and with the rapid expansion of xenophobic rhetoric in populist discourse; emboldened by influential right wing figures such as Elon Musk, who has reinstated previously banned white nationalist and incel accounts on a global scale, in the name of ‘free speech’ on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter, colloquially known as the globalised, digital town square) (Warzel 2024). Such narratives promoted by prominent right-wing activists, scapegoat immigrant, minority and queer communities as ‘folk devils’ and frequently share misinformation and stoke fear around these identities.
These forms of information can commonly be traced to funding by right wing think tanks, seeking to exert their power through information warfare. and even influence political elections. We are truly in an age of digital behaviour modification, and all of us must be alert to the dangers of how this can shape people’s behaviour in the real world.
Whilst Islamic terrorism is often highlighted as the primary threat, the neglect of narratives surrounding “Fortress Britain” and "indigenous" British identity perpetuates a fear of difference, the demonization of communities of colour, and overlooks their contributions to this country. This has become a convenient distraction from political failures, fostering real violence that originates from online and media sources.
Research into neurodivergence and radicalization highlights factors like trauma and disenfranchisement from growing up neurodivergent in a neurotypical society, as well as systemic failures in health and social services, and insular communities, that increase susceptibility to extremist ideologies (Wijekoon et al 2024 , ). In a society struggling with a decimated mental health system, with social divisions being regularly stoked along racial and gendered lines both in news media and social media spaces, hate groups have readily exploited these gaps, offering a false sense of community and perpetuating narratives calling for civil war. Addressing these issues requires careful consideration to avoid further stigmatising neurodivergent communities.
A way forward
Kay Aldred
Safeguarding neurodivergent communities against racism and radicalisation involves creating supportive environments that are growth-orientated; aware and reflective, equity-focused, and inclusive, proactively educational, and responsive. Supportive, safe, and regulated environments mean there is a willingness within the community or organisation to engage with and sit with ‘taboo,’ triggering and uncomfortable questions, and topics, be messy and make mistakes in discussions, and individually and collectively assess bias, privilege, power, as well as acknowledge and bridge knowledge deficits.
As a learning organisation, at Neurodiverse Connection, we are committed to becoming anti-racist and are making space to explore how we can safeguard our organisation and community against racism and radicalisation.
Last year, as part of our Grooming and Coercive Control Summit, the red and green flags around communities and groups in our NdC curated resource Safeguarding Neurodivergent Individuals from Spiritual Abuse and considered the applications of it to online hate speech promoters and influencers, such as Andrew Tate. The points made in this resource around why neurodivergent individuals might be more at risk of spiritual abuse – social exclusion, challenges in discernment, a desire for belonging, reliance on authority figures, difficulty in self-advocacy and isolation - might equally apply to specific vulnerabilities of risk of radicalisation.
We recognise the importance of understanding diverse cultural backgrounds within the Neurodivergent communities to address internalised and structural racism by seeking representation, voices, and perspectives. Our focus on service and community accountability, some of the green flags listed in the resource means that we look to create safe space, peer support, allyship and collaboration opportunities.
References
Cheshire & Doak (2024) Southport attack misinformation fuels far-right discourse on social media, Sky News
https://news.sky.com/story/southport-attack-misinformation-fuels-far-right-discourse-on-social-media-13188274
