Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

What I eventually discovered that there wasn’t much of a support group for African American Families affected by AS Disorders. Now, I bet you’re wondering why an AA Support group would be so important. Well, as an AA I can honestly tell you that we process things differently. For years we’ve allowed our children to fall through the cracks because of our fear of anything we think borderlines crazy. The mere mention of a Neurological, Developmental, or Mental disorder sends us in a tail spin. So for years we’ve blown off AS Disorders as a white affliction. Thinking discipline would adequately treat our children. We never stopped to realize that the undiagnosed and misdiagnosed AA children typically make their way into the criminal justice system. It’s just easier for us to label them as bad kids.

Many of the families that are affected by AS are single family households and an increasing number are under 30 years old. So, out of my frustration and concern I founded The Color of Autism Foundation. The Color of Autism Foundation is committed to raising autism awareness in the African-American Community. Our goal is to educate the community about autism spectrum disorders. We are devoted to empowering families and lessening their isolation. Autism affects children of every race, ethnic group and socioeconomic status. African-American children frequently are confronted with late diagnosis or misdiagnosis. We want to overturn these disparities by helping African-Americans with autism reach their full potential. Through education and community outreach we will teach families how to identify the warning signs of autism early on. Offering support to families affected by autism equipping them with the tools and information that they can use to advocate services for their child. We want to ensure that all children with autism receive appropriate, effective services to maximize their growth and potential.

One of the challenges of bringing awareness to the AA community is that many don’t actually know what Autism is? There seems to be a misconception that Autism is a white disorder. Some seem to think it’s a disciplinary issue. And while Grammy winner Toni Braxton and acclaimed actress Holly Robinson-Peete have shared their son’s struggles. The connection still isn’t being made in the AA community, and our children are continuously receiving late diagnosis and intervention; especially in the inner city.

Studies have found disparities among African Americans with autism and other disabilities. African Americans living with autism need their family members, professionals and advocates to notice and take a definite interest in this issue. Disparities in health and special education will be a major part of our autism awareness message. One of the challenges we’re faced with is; the lack of clinical studies on African American children. Clinical data is imperative towards bringing the gap between “our” children and this disorder. Our programs will offer educational and supportive learning sessions for parents with autistic children. Referral services for working parents of autistic children will be offered. Scholarships will also be available to help support the families of autistic children. We will push forward in encouraging more childcare facilities to be inclusive of special needs children and limiting the isolation that both the parent and child feel. Special needs children often thrive in a more integrated environment. We will campaign for more clinical studies on Autism and its effects on African American Children. I want everyone in the AA community no matter what the social economic status to know the warning signs, seek help, and receive proper treatment for their loved ones.

There are so many issues that face any parent of a special needs child. Most people take for granted things like daycare. For me I had to completely stop working because no one was accommodating to a non verbal child. Even worse for me is that my son looks typical and most assumed he was just being defiant. While most daycares make claims of inclusion most are not. Many parents of special needs child are unemployed or under employed, because the options for care is very limited. Eventually I found a true inclusive daycare for my son. He’s doing really well (he’s 3.5) and he gets speech 2x a week, attends Aqua Therapy 2x a month, and PT 2x a month. I’m lucky to be able to afford all these therapies…..But what about Keisha? Who is Keisha you say? Well typically she’s around 22-23 years of age. She works full-time and goes to school. She can’t afford many of the new beneficial therapies like Hippo. The state run early intervention program her child is enrolled in only allows her speech 2x a month and the PT has a 6 month wait list.

Your help is needed! Please pass along my information to anyone you think can benefit from my foundation. Please pass my info to anyone who’d like to make a monetary donation. My foundation is currently funded by me and a few monetary donations. In kind donations are welcomed as well anything anyone can offer that can help us help aid children and their families. Your commitment to us will help families who so greatly need our support. While there is no cure for autism, there is most certainly hope. A child with autism spectrum disorders can become so many things! Most are very intelligent, caring and excel academically. Let’s do everything we can to make sure these children reach their utmost potential!

Thank you again and please take care!

www.thecolorofautism.org

Today I had a wonderful conversation with an mom in AZ, who as a 13  year old son with ASD. She and her husband started a support organization for African American families affected by ASD. Their organization is called African American Autism of AZ.

Wow! It was so nice to connect with someone that has been through the same ups and downs; but still has a great sense of humor.

I’m wishing them all the best and I will most definitely be staying in touch!