Action Step #9-Learn about the intersection of Race and Autism

One time a person told me that I could not call myself an Autism mom. It’s like telling me whether I should call myself Black or African American. Honestly, I thought how dare she tell me what I can or cannot say when I have been a parent for over 10 years. Then I thought self awareness and education are needed. What I told her was that my son would determine what that phrase would be for me and until then I simply want to use my role to help others learn. Thus, I spoke at the 2021 Autism Parenting Summit and I was one of the few Black parents and educators to do so. I thought it was important to have my voice because the voices are majority overwhelmingly White and while they offer valuable information, there is always a gap in knowledge around issues and solutions that speak to the intersections of race and disability. I am glad they offered me the platform to share better practices.

Autism is a not just an important topic for dad and I, it is in my DNA because of my Black and Autistic son. I am one of the only people I know who can say that our Autism journey has been a pretty positive and joyful experience. While we have had a few bumps in the road, I continue to have amazing opportunities to learn-from my son first then others. My son has his own story from his voice and this a snipet of my perspective only. And for those who say that we (I) cannot speak for Autistic people, I disagree because I am a Black mother with a Black Autistic son and in this game together we have reached over 400K families, practitioners and educators. So thank you.

The beginning. My child developed quickly-learned to walk, playing and saying “mama” and then I noticed changed. He stopped speaking, lacked eye contact and lined up cars. I tracked everything and I noticed that the changes in behavior happened after I chose to do the first set of immunizations. Instead of getting into the debate, I focused on what I could do to support him. The pediatrician asked if I heard of autism. I had not. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a researcher by nature, so I began to research the topic and learned quite a bit. My son was officially diagnosed age 2, but I had already began supports before then. Getting a diagnosis is one of the most helpful things I could do or any parent can do. I say this because some allow pride or fear to stop them.

The middle. I found it incredible. There was so much I was able to learn and support in different areas from learning about the brain, eating diet to academics. It began with Neurologist, Speech Therapy then moved to Occupational Therapy and Sensory Diet, Music Therapy, Equine Therapy (straight up fun), Verbal Behavior Therapy (not the Pavlov version), Autism Dietician, Chiropractor (absolute must) and teacher education. (diversity). For example, there was a time we could not sit through a movie, then we began to use noise cancelling headphones and now we don’t use them at all. And every step of the way, I asked my son for feedback because I always wanted him to know his voice mattered to me and everyone around him (inclusion). In doing so, I had a speech pathologist switched-not because she was not great at her practitioner role, but she simply had difficulty developing a connection or relationship with him and could not see it. I remember the Principal thanking me because the new therapist had my son using words the first day. Beyond that, every private and school based therapist has been effective and from time to time needed coaching from me. As a result, I have seen growth in life skills, career choice and academics. We have been able to learn names, go to DisneyWorld 2x (his fav place), walk without getting lost, going to NASA Space Center, a 5 day cruise and touching dolphins (belonging) and now homeschooling (equity).

Best Practices. Autism is a topic that directly relates to antiracism, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at from birth to adulthood. It will continue to matter whether he becomes the next Black talent or starts his own business like his mommy. In the roles you have now you can use your voice to change policies, people and practices in order to make school or work environment equitable.

If you work in a school, here are a few best practices: Antiracism means gain training and coaching on the intersections of race and disability and how to develop a curriculum that embraces the family’s culture, diversity means having adults represent the race/ethnicity of the child while interrogating the curriculum, equity means creating Sensory Diet and offering online and offline resources that meet the individualized students needs, inclusion means getting feedback from the student on what’s working and what’s not, and belonging means to ensure Autistic kids are celebrated for who they are.

If you are an employer, here are some best practices: Antiracism means gain training and coaching for your team on the intersections of race and disability, diversity means rethinking what representation means for Black and Autistic talent and partnering with organizations to bring on new hires, equity means creating an individualized Sensory Workplace Diet inclusion means individuals giving feedback of what’s working and what’s not, and belonging means to ensure Autistic individuals feel connected in your space.

The Equity Source wants you know that Autistic and Black individuals or Black and Autistic individuals are intelligent and talented just as we all are. It simply requires a different approach to support their needs. We have to look out for each other just as you would yourself.

Connection Question: Do you know how to advocate for Black and Autistic individuals at school and work?

Action Step: Learn about the intersections of Autism and race

The Equity Source is the space that turns likes into action and viewers into doers. I am CEO and founder of LaTonya Davis Consulting, LLC. I have enjoyed leading Professional Development Workshops with schools, Boys and Girls Club Boys and Girls Club and Easter Seals. Visit TonyaDavis.com to learn more about me, my work and e-book on Autism.