Professionalism Is a Neurotypical Concept

Professionalism Is a Neurotypical Concept

And it’s weaponized against anyone who dares to show up differently.

Let’s Talk About the Word “Professional”

You know the tone.
The look.
The “We’re just trying to maintain a professional environment” line when someone shows too much emotion, too much honesty, too much humanity.

But here’s the truth:
Professionalism isn’t neutral. It’s coded—and it’s often neurotypical.

What Professionalism Really Means in Most Workplaces

It means:

  • Speak when spoken to—but not too much

  • Regulate your tone at all times

  • Don’t stim, fidget, pace, or cry

  • Keep your reactions in the “acceptable” range

  • Mask anything that makes others uncomfortable

Sound familiar?

“Professionalism” is often just comfort-based bias, wrapped in corporate language.

Who Gets to Be “Professional” Anyway?

Let’s be honest—who defines it?

  • A white, neurotypical, extroverted manager?

  • A handbook written by someone who’s never experienced sensory overload, RSD, or shutdown?

  • A team that confuses “calm” with “compliant”?

Neurodivergent people often get labeled unprofessional for:

  • Being direct

  • Asking for accommodations

  • Needing breaks

  • Speaking up when a process doesn’t make sense

  • Having a facial expression that doesn’t match expectations

It’s not unprofessional. It’s unmasked.

We Deserve Better Than Respectability Politics

Respect doesn’t require sameness.
It doesn’t require silence.
And it definitely doesn’t require shrinking your identity to make other people more comfortable in the boardroom.

Want to Redefine What Professional Looks Like?

🖤 Shop unapologetic work-friendly designs:
“System Isn’t Broken” and “Disruptive by Design” shirts are made for boardrooms and burnout.

📥 Stay tuned for our free guide:
“Scripts for Self-Advocacy at Work” – built for emails, requests, and holding the line.

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