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Raising a child with Autism can be difficult for anyone, however in the Black community there are additional challenges that may affect us. Although early intervention is key, African American children with autism are one to two years older than white children before they're even diagnosed.
This web site will explore some of the reasons for this and also provide suggestions to correct these issues. We will include links to web sites, articles, and research regarding autism and the African American community.
- In 2011 a study titled Autism and the African American Community stated "However, evidence demonstrates that although rates of diagnosis for autism occur at the same rates in all racial groups, diagnosis in African American children occurs later than in White children. As a result, African American children may require longer and more intensive intervention" - (Ruby M. Gourdine, Tiffany D. Baffour & Martell Teasley School of Social Work, Howard University , Washington, District of Columbia/ Behavioral Sciences and Social Work, Winston-Salem State University , Winston-Salem, North Carolina/ College of Social Work, Florida State University , Tallahassee, Florida)
This site has organized the causes of the disparities into three different categories:
Also provided are solutions to combat these disparities. As a relative of a child diagnosed on the autism spectrum, I understand how important it is to find not only answers, but a strategy to find the proper services for intervention.
AutisminBlack.com
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