As a neurominorities, our unique perspective and lived experiences are invaluable, but this can make us a target for individuals or organisations looking to use us for their own agendas. It’s important to protect ourself from being exploited or misrepresented.

This guide provides tools and strategies to help navigate these situations effectively.

Understanding Exploitation

Exploitation occurs when others use our experiences, identity, or contributions for their gain without respecting our autonomy, compensating us fairly, or considering the impact on us and our community.

Examples of exploitation include:

• Sharing our personal stories without consent.
• Using our name, image, or story to promote a product or cause without full transparency.
• Asking us to work for free in situations where they can afford to pay.
• Misrepresenting our experiences to fit their narrative.

Questions to Ask Before Agreeing

When someone approaches you for a project, collaboration, or opportunity, ask these questions to ensure transparency and fairness:

1. Purpose and Intentions

• What is the purpose of this project?
• How will my involvement contribute to the final outcome?
• Who is the intended audience, and how will this benefit them? 

2. Consent and Control

• How will my story, image, or contributions be used?
• Will I have final approval over how my input is represented?

3. Compensation and Recognition

• Am I being paid for my time, effort, and expertise?
• Will I be credited appropriately in the project?

4. Impact on the Community

• How will this project support or uplift the neurominority community?
• Are there any potential negative consequences for me or the community?

5. Transparency and Accountability

• Who else is involved in this project?
• How will success be measured, and will I have access to that information?

Covert Ways People and Organisations May Exploit us

Be on the lookout for subtle or covert exploitation tactics, such as:

• Tokenism: Inviting you to participate only to appear inclusive without valuing your input.
• Emotional Manipulation: Framing their request as an opportunity to “help others” while ignoring your needs.
• Undefined Roles: Asking for your involvement without clear boundaries or expectations.
• Using Your Story: Sharing or exaggerating your personal experiences for pity or promotional purposes.
• Exposing You: Publishing sensitive details about your life without ensuring your explicit consent, privacy and comfort.
• Offering “Exposure” Instead of Payment: Promising vague benefits like visibility instead of compensating you fairly.

How to Call Out and Respond to Exploitation

If you recognise exploitative behaviour, it’s essential to address it confidently and assertively.

Calling It Out

1. Ask Direct Questions:

• “Can you explain how this benefits me and the community I’m part of?”
• “Why am I not being compensated for my time and expertise?”

2. Highlight Red Flags:

• “This seems like tokenism—are you genuinely interested in my perspective or just fulfilling a quota?”
• “I don’t feel comfortable with how my story is being framed. Let’s revisit this.”

3. Set Boundaries:

• “I cannot participate unless I’m paid fairly for my contributions.”
• “Please remove any personal details about me from your materials.”

Responding Effectively

• Document Everything: Keep records of communications, agreements, and terms.
• Seek Support: Discuss concerns with trusted allies or organisations advocating for neurominorities.
• Use Social Proof: Share your concerns with the neurominority community—public accountability can prevent future harm.
• Walk Away if Necessary: If an opportunity feels exploitative, declining is a valid and empowered choice.

 How to Protect Yourself Moving Forward

5. Create a Personal Policy: Decide what types of work or collaboration you’re willing to engage in and under what terms.
6. Understand Your Value: Your insights and experiences are unique. Do not undervalue your contributions.
7. Ask for Agreements in Writing: Always request a formal agreement outlining your role, payment, and rights.
8. Consult a Mentor or Advocate: If you’re unsure, ask someone you trust to review the terms or advise you.
9. Educate Others: Advocate for ethical practices when working with neurominorities to prevent exploitation of others.

 Final Thoughts

You deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. By setting boundaries, asking the right questions, and calling out unethical practices, you can protect yourself from being used while contributing meaningfully to projects and collaborations that truly value you.

Together, we can ensure that neurominorities are represented authentically, respectfully, and ethically.