Autism in the African-American Community

[@ainttellinu6491]

Thank you for doing this video. Most people don't understand the unique difficulties of being black with Autism or Asperger's.

[@voiceofreason2691]

ANY autistic person can have a difficuIt Iife. regardIess of race! lt is *not* a competition!

[@jessicahearns8888]

Thank you for this episode. My only child, my little girl, 4 years old, is on the spectrum, and African American. It is so hard to find info on black girls with ASD.

[@nicoleholmes1082]

It is very hard to find information

[@thatbitch8475]

im an autistic black woman born in 1997 (dont let my pfp fool u, thats just the lead for my favorite band) and if it wasnt for my mother fighting for my diagnosis i dont know where i would be

[@tanw.5149]

Hey there ladies! I have a 4 year old daughter too and I'm warrior advocate mom in all areas. She's got every quality of an autisic child yet wiggles thru assessments no autism diagnosis yet but constant referrals to be tested after sleepsl studies. We're currently in speech therapy but would you believe the school put upna fight in my advocating for her questioning them . I fight to keep all early interventions and in home therapies . Moms try organizations like Parents as Teachers and Capable Kids and opt for sensory centered days to visit social outing type places live to suit the child's niece

[@remichloegoyo]

Gay Lord me too! you’re not alone!

[@crashspyrofan98]

I'm a black man with autism spectrum disorder I'm blessed that I can talk when I was in elementary school I never seen no autistic black girl

[@ashdacraft]

I’m going through getting a diagnosis at 30. I feel like I’ve been getting slapped with Bipolar when it doesn’t apply or cover the savant syndrome and obsession on hobbies, lack of social queues and maintaining relationships and friends. I tried to explain seeing music and sounds and colors and images in my younger years and people just have a face and appearance they associate it with.

[@DresdenDoll79]

Same problem. They've tried labelling me with borderline personality disorder. Not even close to accurate. Just gotta keep trying.

[@candecemunroe9650]

Hi thank you for sharing your experience. I'll try to explain mine to the best of my ability. My son is 18 months he has not been officially diagnosed yet but as a mother I instinctively know he is a child with asd. Long story short his father has explained his upbringing growing up in the Caribbean. He always enjoyed playing alone. He initially excelled in school with good grades but remembers regressing hard and never recovering. Dad is an auto mechanic and excels in trade skills but has never graduated. A few years ago I met a man who was dyslexic who owned a biz and was able to get his master degree with his learning disability. Told my husband about it and then did one of those online questionnaires to see if there was a possibility he is dyslexic. I answered the questions to the best of my ability using what I know and one test came back that dad might be on the spectrum. I dont know how to have this convo with him without him thinking I am trying to place blame on him. The reality is we both have stimming behaviors dads are just a bit more extreme.

[@JustinGarfield1]

I am autistic and you are blessed to have a mother who loves you. I hope you continue to be loved and supported. It makes a big difference.

[@tanw.5149]

I felt this. This mom is Me. My daughter is 4. My req began at dr office with pcp as i inquired about her he denied my concerns said all kids pause in thier sleep. She was shy of 2. I began reaching out to state reps who ever'd listen. Joined PAT for in home therapies!! I can go on and on about the closed doors wait lists etc!!!!!!!!!!!! Lord I am reaching out to you Ms Kamena self care is where I suffer and I know I have to keep strong for my little one💞

[@miahammonds525]

As a black neurodivergent female, I felt like this was very important for me to watch. People don’t realize that autism can exist in all races, ethnicities, and cultures especially within the African American community. The topic of discussion regarding autism was taboo and not often talked about enough yet my parents and even my daycare provider noticed the signs from a very young age. They got me diagnosed, found different services and therapists for me, put me in special education classes, gave me an IEP, and provided me with certain accommodations to help me live my life. I didn’t hit certain milestones until I turned 4 and since then, life has progressed from there. I’m grateful to be in the position that I’m at right now.

[@saramatthews7159]

You have wonderful parents! As a 39 year old black woman I have struggled all of my life and just now am I considering getting tested for autism. This life/journey has been a very exhausting one for me and had I gotten a diagnosis earlier, things would've been better!

[@gaillewis5472]

As far as any medical/social need is concerned, it's really about time that EVERYONE accept that blacks are underrepresented/minimally served because of the US's institutionalized racism. Doctors often dismiss the symptoms of black patients, telling them to tough it out, refuse to offer much needed pain medication, or deny recommendations for procedures. Thanks and kudos to parents who speak up for their autistic children and teach them to advocate for themselves as adults.

[@Jazzybellshouse]

I have autism and my boyfriend is black and he has autism. I like this video.

[@Gratefulmamah]

I think it is up to the child even with services. All children require something different. I started with early intervention for my son and it feels like he needs in house services. I myself was in a residential program. I gained a lot!

[@aliciastewart1223]

Thank you so much for posting. Having a son on the spectrum this warmed my heart💙

[@ryanairbrennttt4914]

U black

[@VenessaBobbA2ndVoice]

Great to find this link! Had the pleasure meeting Joanna Lara.. thanks to Ali Golding MovementWorks based in the UK

[@handinhandplus1515]

This is still so important even today

[@traceyparish7403]

It is difficult for all parents with Autisum to get diagnosis, get help after and to know where to get support. I would never put my child in residential care though. That I don't understand as a parent. Not sure how that works in the states. We don't have that in the UK.

[@Gratefulmamah]

That comment seems judgmental! You never know what you may have to do

[@traceyparish7403]

@@Gratefulmamah ture it is judgemental. But it is also from the heart as a mother with a child who has ASD. Unless a parent is facing a lot of violence from their grown child. I could not even imagine contemplating residential care.

[@jazzycasey1]

Very helpful video, my 12 year old was diagnosed 2 years ago and it is hard to find services in our communities

[@kshhha3629]

Thank you for this information. I've been searching for information and networks to help my child. I will most definitely mention the " child find" on this journey

[@Gratefulmamah]

Profound!! "My child's need and not because I want her at home!"

[@bookerwattson2697]

...I actually feel how this "Spectrumite" young lady feels, being on the spectrum as well, because I have a VERY overbearing mother that, if given the opportunity, would pretty much pretend to care about my struggles, focusing primarily on how SHE has had to go through. People talking over, around, and/or down to me. I'm currently homeless and just easing into my thirties, because my mom simply doesn't have the fortitude to care for me.

[@m.k.s.7417]

Hi, Please can you help me?? I have some "Neuro-Diversity"?? I am Both -dyslexic and Dyspraxic!! And I Love supporting =both Africa and Asia, etc. **(to make the WORLD; A Better -place). I wish to: "raise_awareness about:_ "Such Conditions/Autism etc."" across_ Africa And Asia: how can "we" (people like me); = "reach out, to: AfriCAN/Asian Governments!!"??