As you know, I am an autism therapist and I write a blog on neurodiversity. My heart has been moved by the Black Lives Matter Movement. So, today I wanted to speak about this topic.
I became an autism therapist because I am drawn to trying to understand people on a deeper level. This means talking to them when they are at their most vulnerable and feeling raw. I am there for them when they share about their innermost thoughts and feelings. I care so deeply about my clients and their families. When an injustice is happening, it is my job to provide compassion that they are not experiencing elsewhere. I want them to know they matter in this world, and I do this by listening to their story.At my autism therapy clinic in Palo Alto, CA, I work with high-functioning autistic teens and adults who are very often misunderstood by the world. For example, many of my clients struggle to read social cues, express empathy, and make small talk. So, to others, this makes them seem unapproachable and rude. Because of these neurotypical assumptions and biases, autistic people are often misunderstood and face discrimination.
Intersectionality: Autism and Being Black
Over the last several weeks, the Black Lives Matter Movement has exposed the vulnerable and raw inner emotions related to racism, profiling, and police brutality. I have listened to webinars and podcasts relating personal stories of racism by black therapists, black parents, black educators, and black athletes. I have watched movies related to the injustice perpetrated against African Americans. These stories have been gut-wrenching. My goal is to really listen to these black stories. Listen without bias, without the lens of my privilege as a white woman, and hear what they are saying.
So, you may be wondering why I am choosing to write this blog, as a caucasian autism therapist? Well, let me begin by explaining the concept of intersectionality and how it applies to my feelings, on the Black Lives Matter Movement. Intersectionality is a term that describes how two social and political identities meet. like being autistic and Black for example. And combined, they put individuals at an even greater risk for discrimination and disadvantage. This concept really stood out to me. I have been trying to make sense of what I can do to be an ally in the Black Lives Matter movement. It pains me to realize that simply due to the color of their skin, black individuals are often misunderstood and interpreted as a threat. Thus, putting them in danger of being a victim of police brutality. A Story About Autism and Race
Recently, I read an article written by Catina Burkett published in the Spectrum News Organization. She describes what it’s like to be a Black Woman with Autism. This really brought the concept of intersectionality full circle. Not only is she Black, but she is also a woman, and she has autism. This puts her at triple the disadvantage of her white, male, neurotypical peers.
In her article, which I highly recommend you read (link below), she talks about being misunderstood as perpetuating the stereotype of an “angry black woman.” But, she says her thoughts and behaviors don’t reflect anger. She goes on to describe her colleges’ misinterpretations of her body language, her quiet disposition, and her lack of energy. These are all common traits associated with neurodiversity. But, because she is black, she is ever further misunderstood. Unfortunately, statistics show that minorities are less likely to be diagnosed with autism. Especially if they are high-functioning as she is. So, many people just assume the worst about her, not knowing what is actually going on. The sad part of this story is that we know, that if she was stopped by police officers, her disadvantages put her at an even greater risk for victimization.
You can read the article ‘Autistic While Black’ here
My Take-Away Message as an Autism Therapist and BLM Ally
I am writing this blog to say that I will continue to learn about the personal stories of black individuals. Every story matters. Giving voice to these stories, and not burying them under centuries of shame, brings hope for change. To every black person who tells their stories of racism, I am in awe of your ability to stand up for justice.
I have heard people say, “But all lives matter”. Yes, that is true. But that is not the point of this movement. The point is to bring to light racism experienced by black people, whether it is obvious or carried out in microaggressions. This gives us an opportunity to understand how the black experience today continues to carry the burden of past slavery and racism. Because, racism is real today.
Just listen to their story…
Just like my work in my autism therapy clinic, the first step is to take the time to listen to a story shared by a black person. Really hear them as they talk about their experiences with racism. Try and understand what they have gone through in life. And, when you listen to their story, I encourage you to try and understand bias through their eyes not your own. It’s simple: if you have been afforded privileges in life, imagine if you hadn’t. Try to imagine being born into their family, into their neighborhood, into their school district, and then listen to their story. This is called empathetic listening. And it’s a skill I believe everyone can increase. Especially now, when it matters more than ever.
So, I ask all my readers to take a moment now to listen to or read a black person’s story. Increase your own awareness of racism. My hope is that this will increase your compassion and support for the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Stories About Racism and Injustice:
- Kimberle Crenshaw- Ted Talk: Intersectionality
- Catina Burkett: Autistic While Black
- Bryan Stevenson-Ted Talk: We Need to Talk About Injustice
- Matthew Rozsa: Young, black, autistic and imprisoned: Matthew Rushin’s story is sadly not unique
- Allison Norlian: For Mothers Of Black Children With Disabilities, Living With Twice The Fear
- Theresa Vargas: Remember Neli Latson, the black teen with autism who seemed ‘suspicious’ sitting outside a library? Ten years after his arrest, he still isn’t fully free.
- Abigail Abrams: Black, Disabled and at Risk: The Overlooked Problem of Police Violence Against Americans with Disabilities
- Claire Lampen: What We Know About The Killing Of Elijah McLain
Begin Autism Therapy Services in Palo Alto, CA or Online
If you are seeking a place where you can receive compassionate autism support, regardless of the color of your skin, then I invite you to meet with me. As an autism therapist, I will offer you a safe space to talk about the issues you’re facing, and I will listen to everything you have to say.
To begin autism therapy in Palo Alto, CA, or online autism therapy in California, please follow these steps:
- Schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation using this link. During your call, we will discuss the issues you’re having and how I can help.
- Like me on Facebook. On my page, I post useful information that will allow you to stay up-to-date on Open Doors Therapy and our autism services.
- Sign up to receive my newsletter.
Autism Therapy Services offered at Open Doors Therapy:
Our Palo Alto autism counseling clinic serves teens and adults on the autism spectrum. We help high functioning individuals who identify as having Aspergers, high functioning autism, undiagnosed autism traits, etc. and their families. Right now we are providing all our autism therapy services online. We provide a variety of autism counseling services including individual counseling for autistic teens and adults, parent counseling, and group therapy. Also, we run several different social skills groups for neurodiverse working professionals, college students with autistic traits, gifted youth & caregivers, autistic adults, women who identify as neurodiverse, a summer social skills college transition training program for youth transitioning to college, teens & caregivers, and a mothers group. Please contact our Palo Alto, CA autism counseling office for more information on our services or to schedule a consultation.
