Access Gaps and Opportunities to Better Support Black Autistic Individuals and Families

African-American and Black (AA/B) youth and adults diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorders rarely are supported in a way that acknowledges both their racial identity and their autism diagnosis. Little is known about intersectional oppression in the lives of these children and adults. As people of color may come to terms with a society that may not treat them fairly and equally due to their race, autistic AA/B young adults may be even more vulnerable to stress and psychological disempowerment due to the added impact of negative experiences of being Black and having an autism diagnosis.

In a recent survey of 168 households of AA/B youth or an AA/B adult diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, 83% of the respondents suspect their family member(s) experience service gaps due to their racial identity. Autistic AA/B youth and adults experience significant barriers in accessing medical, behavioral and psycho-educational services throughout Washington. This presentation will address these complexities with the goal to ensure comprehensive support and inclusivity in our communities.

Ms. Timmesha Watson is a special education teacher and a parent of 2 (one on the autism spectrum). She has personal experience with disparities in diagnosis, timely access to vital services and effective education due to racial identity. She understands how these persistent disparities continue to adversely impact our AA/B youth and adults and became a teacher in order to maximize educational opportunities for her daughter and those who are similarly situated.

Ms. Hillary Davis-Burwell, a parent of two autistic young adults and wife of a disabled veteran, holds an AA degree in Cross-Cultural Studies with an emphasis on African American and Native American sociology. She has experience dealing with diagnoses, misdiagnoses, and the navigation of government support structures. She has experience with disparities in diagnosis, timely access to vital services and effective and ineffective education due to racial identity. She highlights the challenges people of color face in getting diagnosed and accessing support. She notes that verbal individuals are often dismissed, and expresses concern about the transition from high school to employment, lack of public awareness, and low expectations from providers due to racial identity. She emphasizes the need for backup support and advocacy for parents.

Courtney D. Bhatt is an attorney who provides pro bono legal services for parents with special needs children.

She represents employers in the defense of federal and state employment law claims, including discrimination, harassment, internal investigations, and alternative dispute resolution. Further, Courtney represents and counsels employers in traditional labor law and labor relations matters. She provides advice and counsel, and innovative solutions to issues including harassment prevention training and inclusion, equity, and diversity.