Obstacles Black Autistic Individuals Face
It is an unfortunate reality that many people with special needs will encounter hardship and discrimination throughout their lifetime. However, it is essential that we acknowledge the additional obstacles and stigma Black individuals with autism face. This issue of the intersectionality of race and ability is not often widely addressed, and because of this, many Black individuals on the spectrum continue to face great challenges in society and within their own communities.
Identity & Intersectionality
According to the Oxford Dictionary, intersectionality is defined as the multiple and complex identities we each have such as race, gender, class, etc. that creates and affects unique experiences of discrimination. The different and multiple identities a person may have leads to their experiences of oppression.
Black individuals with autism encounter obstacles and stigma within their own community and in society. This is because the Black community and the autism community are both marginalized, so individuals who lie in both of those categories face even more challenges. Stereotypes about Black people may be amplified when an individual presents symptoms on the spectrum. This is a result from the misconception that autism is less prevalent in the Black community when really disparities in care and education exist.
Access to Care
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), due to stigma and lack of health services in largely minority communities, Black people are significantly less likely to be identified and diagnosed with autism. Without a diagnosis, it is difficult to find treatment or intervention model that best suits ones needs. Access to quality resources allows individuals to have their needs met which can either improve development or quality of life.
The disparity of health services in black communities creates a gap in access to care and physical, mental, and emotional health in general. Without proper access to care, those who experience social, cognitive, or behavioral challenges may continue to struggle due to the lack of intervention and services for their symptoms. According to the CDC, intervention and treatment is extremely beneficial, primarily for those at a young age. Treatment and intervention can help young children in reducing symptoms and in improving social, cognitive, or behavioral development. This has a huge impact on the lives of those with autism as well as the families of those with autism because proper health care and services allow for needs and challenges to be met which can positively future development and outcomes.
Stigma & Community Understanding
The lack of intersectional narratives leads to a lack of understanding and awareness of autism in the Black community. According to the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the cultural differences in healthcare access influences interpretations of symptoms. Since there are later and fewer diagnosis of autism in the Black community, doubts and misconceptions may arise when a Black child or individual presents symptoms of autism. Misconceptions from cultural perceptions can either lead to a lack of diagnosis or quality care.
Especially without a proper diagnosis, Black individuals with autism may be negatively interpreted as different, leading to an unwelcoming environment. Black individuals who may present the social or behavioral symptoms in autism may not be properly cared for or accepted in their community because they may be viewed as different in a negative way.
The stereotypes and discrimination Black individuals face are already dangerous as it is, but those things are multiplied when they have neglected special needs. Racially motivated stereotypes depict and describe Black individuals as aggressive and hostile, something that is awfully discriminatory. With the notion of intersectionality, both Black and autistic communities are marginalized so some of the the symptoms that appear with autism that are already stigmatized may amplify the stereotypes Black autistic individuals face. Rather than being patient and understanding of a black individual on the spectrum, others may interpret certain behaviors as a matter of being disobedient, dramatic or aggressive. This false narration is very damaging because it subjects Black individuals on the autism spectrum to harmful situations.
Police Brutality
The negative stereotypes and stigma Black individuals with autism face may put their lives at risk. It is known that police brutality is already a huge issue the minority communities are subject to. The justice system has failed several times to keep BIPOC communities safe. This is due to deep-rooted systemic racism.
Rather than using procedures to ensure the safety of Black individuals, especially those with autism or other special needs, police often times interpret mental health crises as aggressive and criminal behavior (TIME). This has resulted in several deaths and a high rate of incarceration of Black individuals on the spectrum.
We must work to dismantle and erase the stigma against Black individuals with autism and increase understanding of individuals with special needs–it could save a life.
How you can you help?
Carefully listen to the stories and experiences Black autistic individuals face in order to properly accommodate to their needs. Use your voice to spread awareness and educate others on how harmful stereotypes are. Educating just one person can influence how they treat others which can make a difference and possibly prevent future conflict. If you can, donate to a local black community in order to help spread awareness and provide quality resources to community members.
Learn and be aware of potential symptoms of autism here.