AUTISM AWARENESS

By Jazz Pazz
From – https://aframnews.com/
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News

About 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. are autistic. e Autism Spectrum Disorder affects how a person interacts with others, causing social obstacles and communication difficulties. Characterized by verbal and nonverbal impediments, and the presence of repetitive behavior or restricted interests, autism leads to self-isolation, educational and wellbeing challenges and exposes the individual to bullying and depression.

Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood. Many children show symptoms of autism within their first year, others not until they are two or three. Black people are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with autism even though the rate of autism is not significantly different among races. These differences are intensified by a system not designed for Black parents of children with neurodiversity, making Black parents feel inadequate to identify the need, or find appropriate support services. e CDC promotes early intervention and treatment as extremely beneficial, especially for children. Proficient treatment can help to reduce symptoms and expand social, cognitive, and behavioral advancement. A postponed diagnosis makes treatment less effective, but too frequently Blacks are misdiagnosed with conditions like ADHD or conduct disorder or go entirely undiagnosed.

Intersectionality refers to the unique and copious forms of punishment faced by people who are both Black and disadvantaged by belonging to other marginalized or underrepresented groups. The traumatic intersectionality of being Black and autistic creates its own vulnerabilities. Generations of Black autistic persons have suffered intolerance resulting in high rates of misdiagnosis, which results in a lack of resources and support. e stereotypes and discrimination Blacks face daily are hazardous and are amplified when they have unrecognized special needs. Black and autistic communities are both ostracized causing some of the stigmatized symptoms of autism to amplify the stereotypes Black autistic people face, causing others to interpret their particular behaviors as de ant, histrionic or hostile.

People with unusual needs commonly suffer hardship and rejection, making it essential that the Black community address the greater hurdles and stigma Blacks with autism endure. The historical dearth of services available to Black communities as well as race-based trauma founded on malevolent medical “research” has destroyed our trust of the medical establishment, exacerbating the lack of access to competent physical, mental, and emotional health.

This deficiency especially affects those who experience social, cognitive, or behavioral challenges. The consequences of this on their lives as well as the families of those with autism are often momentous and tragic. It is incumbent on us all to demolish and expunge the stigma against Black individuals with autism and heighten awareness of individuals with special needs by learning the potential symptoms of autism; becoming familiar with what Black autistic individuals face in order to properly accommodate to their needs; by educating others regarding pernicious stereotypes; by advocating for those with special needs.

Autism in Black (https://www.autisminblack.org/), Autistic While Black (https://www.spectrumnews.org/opinion/viewpoint/autistic-whileblack-how-autism-ampli es-stereotypes/) and the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity’s Becoming an Ally to the Black Autistic Community (https://aane.org/autism-infofaqs/library/becoming-an-ally-tothe-black-autistic-community/) are all good sources of information.