Racial and Practical Barriers to Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Black Families of Autistic Youth
Racial and Practical Barriers to Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Black Families of Autistic Youth
The personal stories shared by caregivers shed light on the struggles they endure while navigating diagnostic and treatment services—struggles often worsened by systemic, professional, and familial barriers. However, these families also emphasize the importance of advocacy, community support, acceptance, and education in improving their experiences. Black families are calling for greater compassion, cultural humility, and training among professionals who work with autistic youth. By addressing these barriers and listening to the voices of these families, we can create a more supportive, effective system for everyone involved.
Why This Is Important: We are seeing more and more children with autism. Services for children continue to improve. But once they reach adulthood, just like with every other chronic disease, good services are hard to find especially for Black patients.
