Raising a Black Child with Autism Lesson 78

Cleverly Changing Podcast

One in 40 people are believed to be living on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately according to Spectrum News “Black children with autism tend to be diagnosed later than white children and are often misdiagnosed with other conditions. They also have less access to services and tend to be underrepresented in most studies of autism.” We have shared several episodes that highlight special needs children on the Cleverly Changing Podcast. Some of the episodes that spoke about children growing up on the autism spectrum are:

• Episode 56 - Children and Developmental Concerns with Dr. Richelle Whittaker
• Episode 54 - Autism and Education #WorldAutismDay with Kpana Kpoto
• Episode 36 - Navigating Special Education at Home Jocelyn Chavis

During this episode the topic is back in the hot seat. We chatted with Quiana Darden and gained insights from her expertise as a teacher and parent who is raising a Black child with Autism.

This episode is brought to you by sickle cell books. I'm Elle the producer of the cleverly changing podcast, but I'm also parenting a child with sickle cell disease and I've published 3 books about sickle cell. A sickle cell coloring book for kids, The Ultimate Sickle Cell Activity Book, and ABCs for sickle cell disease. If you want to learn more about the most common genetic disorder in the world, then head over to https://sicklecellbooks.com and purchase a book today.

Something to Explore:

According to Spectrum News "Many children with autism across Africa stay out of sight . . . In 2015, there were about 50 child and adolescent psychiatrists for the 1 billion or so inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa."

More psychiatrists are needed to help provide mental health services in Africa.

African Proverb
"The water of the river flows on without waiting for the thirsty man." - Kenyan Proverb.

Word of the Episode

Lekol means school in creole.

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Grown Folks Section: Meet Quiana Darden who discussed Raising a Black Child with Autism

According to the Center for Disease Control "Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD."

You can learn more about Quiana Darden and her organization for families impacted by autism at Shining On The Spectrum. You can also connect with her on Instagram, and on the Shining on The Spectrum Podcast. If you are a family with a child diagnosed with autism, check and join Quiana's club Shining on the Spectrum Club for families.

Listen in to hear all about how Sakilé pours into herself and her family while traveling the world and homeschooling her 6 children. Here's some of the questions Quianna answered during our discussion:

• What is the correct term to use when referring to children with autism?
• How many therapies are available for children with autism and what are they?
• Are there any signs parents should be aware of when raising a child with autism?
• How to find resources and support groups while raising a child with autism.

One quote from Quiana that stands out during the interview is that she stated, "Be O'kay stepping away from the rule book."

***If you are so stuck on that label your child is not going to get the support that need and it's going to be harder for them. - Quiana Darden

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