This month we celebrate Black History Month, and address inequities and health disparities within the BIPOC Autism community surrounding screening, diagnosis, and care. Additionally, our monthly resources provide information about Autism and racial facts, relationship building, and COVID-19 vaccine resources. Our Public Policy resources focus on the recent Lancet Report which offers relevant data and provides recommendations for the future of Autism care and clinical research.

Relationship Building & Socialization:

Inequities in screening, diagnosis & care:

• National Autism Indicators Report: High Rates of Mental Health Conditions and Persistent Disparities in Care
• Tackling healthcare access barriers for individuals with Autism from diagnosis to adulthood
• How to help low-income children with Autism
• Screening & diagnosis Identifying Autism

Autism and Race:

• Coronavirus Information Series: “Autism and Racial Disparities” with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
• Spotlight On: Racial and Ethnic Differences in Children Identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Race, class contribute to disparities in Autism diagnoses
• How Race and Ethnicity Affect Diagnosis, Treatment and Support for Autistic Children and Adults
• Study: Black children’s Autism diagnosis typically delayed 3 years
• Racial Justice in Education – Resource Guide
• Autism Disparities and Racism: An Interview with Sarabeth Broder-Fingert, MD, MPH

Vaccine Education Initiative Resources:

• Autism Society Resource: What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine and Your Rights Under the ADA
• Autism Society Resource: Preparing Children for the Vaccine
• Autism Society Resource: Addressing Needle Hesitancy
• Autism Society Resource: Covid-19 Vaccine, Safe, Effective, Free

Public Policy Resources:

• A new international report published in The Lancet calls for a new, comprehensive model of autism care and treatment that prioritizes personalized “stepped” care approaches. The report identifies urgent steps to be taken over the next five years to address the current needs of people with autism and families worldwide and to build a foundation for improved support and services. See the full 60 plus-page Lancet report (it is free, but registration is required).
• See the Autism Society’s statement on The Lancet report.

The Autism Society’s National Helpline is here to support you and provide you with the resources you need. Our Information & Referral Specialists are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Eastern Time) at 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476) or info@autism-society.org.

The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its 73 local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting our efforts through a donation, every bit helps. Donate here!