Support Black/African Americans diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
In 2001, Congressmen Chris Smith and Mike Doyle founded the Autism Caucus. Throughout the years the caucus has been instrumental in policy advancements for the Autism Community.
However, some of us have been left behind. The Black/African Community consistently lacks resources both clinical and educational. Black/AA children’s rate of diagnosis lags behind their white counterparts. Coupled with the rate of poverty, systemic racism, failure to implement and support Black-led research within black communities, our children fail to reach their potential.
The Color of Autism will soon have a seat on the IACC (Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee) a federal advisory body that coordinates, advocates, and advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
It is time for the Black/AA voice within Autism to be elevated on a federal level to ensure that our children have an equitable chance at a better future.
Support our request for the following:
The Fiscal Year 2022 Labor-Health and Human Service, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations (LHHS) bill needs to follow the IACC recommendations of 150 million proposed increase in Autism related activities MUST include funding for Black/AA communities including Black/AA clinicians, educators, and peer support specialists who are serving our population as well as community-based organizations like The Color of Autism Foundation.
In addition, the 150 million proposed must include funding for Black-led Research done within Black Communities to better target services and provide cultural adaptations to evidence-based treatment as well as funding for new interventions that will better serve the Black/AA community.
We ask that any monies allocated also be earmarked for improvements in transition to adulthood, pathways to job training, and college prep for the Black/AA Autistic Community.
We are striving for equity and without a targeted and collective voice, we will be left behind. The history of our systemic treatment is proof enough that we cannot allow our children to be left behind.
However, some of us have been left behind. The Black/African Community consistently lacks resources both clinical and educational. Black/AA children’s rate of diagnosis lags behind their white counterparts. Coupled with the rate of poverty, systemic racism, failure to implement and support Black-led research within black communities, our children fail to reach their potential.
The Color of Autism will soon have a seat on the IACC (Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee) a federal advisory body that coordinates, advocates, and advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
It is time for the Black/AA voice within Autism to be elevated on a federal level to ensure that our children have an equitable chance at a better future.
Support our request for the following:
The Fiscal Year 2022 Labor-Health and Human Service, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations (LHHS) bill needs to follow the IACC recommendations of 150 million proposed increase in Autism related activities MUST include funding for Black/AA communities including Black/AA clinicians, educators, and peer support specialists who are serving our population as well as community-based organizations like The Color of Autism Foundation.
In addition, the 150 million proposed must include funding for Black-led Research done within Black Communities to better target services and provide cultural adaptations to evidence-based treatment as well as funding for new interventions that will better serve the Black/AA community.
We ask that any monies allocated also be earmarked for improvements in transition to adulthood, pathways to job training, and college prep for the Black/AA Autistic Community.
We are striving for equity and without a targeted and collective voice, we will be left behind. The history of our systemic treatment is proof enough that we cannot allow our children to be left behind.
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