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Starting with a vision

The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC), through its partnerships with programs focused on supporting people of color, is proud to carry on the legacy of Betty Camp: ASNC co-founder, former Board Chair, and Black parent of an autistic child. More than 40 years ago, Ms. Camp recognized the need for services and supports for people impacted by autism in North Carolina. In this short video, Ms. Camp talks about her vision for ASNC.

Ms. Camp’s vision for ASNC lives on today and inspires others – people like Dr. Khadijia Tribié Reid, Dr. Brian Boyd, and Dr. Jamie Pearson. Do those names sound familiar to you? A few years ago, they didn’t to me. These individuals are some of North Carolina’s most talented and dedicated Black professionals in the field of autism research and family support. They are changing the landscape of access to autism resources for the Black community. Today I know them well and have the privilege of assisting them with their efforts.  Read more about these individuals and their work in our Leading the Way blog.

 

Making connections

Creditable data shows that Black children in North Carolina have a lesser chance of being properly diagnosed with autism. It also shows they are not receiving proper interventions and experience gaps in how their families are supported. While there may be obstacles for Black parents and self-advocates in accessing services, there is always the power to ask questions and form relationships with empathetic professionals.

I have three teenage autistic children and can attest to this. As a parent, I have had seasons in my life when my finances or capacity to access services for my kids were limited. However, the community connections I made with professionals of all races kept me informed and empowered. With social media and online sources, those connections became a lifeline for me during the pandemic and have carried on to the present. There have been many opportunities for my kids, and I have expanded my support system through Facebook friend requests. I have also gained information through online resources like blogs from organizations like ASNC.

 

Becoming your best advocate

Making connections isn’t easy, especially if there have been negative experiences with people in the past. For Black caregivers and self-advocates, making connections involves building trust and being vulnerable. There are some practices to help you make connections and form lasting relationships. Here are a few tips for becoming the best advocate you can be for yourself, your family, and in your community:

• See that the relationship you have with yourself is a positive one.
• Open your heart and find the courage to trust.
• Accept and celebrate the fact that we are all different.
• Give people time and “be present” when you are with them.
• Develop and work on your communication skills.
• Learn to give and take constructive feedback.

 

A brighter future

Black History Month provides a unique opportunity to highlight the determination and vitality of Black culture. With Black professionals in the field of autism working to make services and programs accessible to all, and with organizations like ASNC dedicated to ensuring all families affected by autism are empowered, the future looks bright.

 

Check out other Black History Month features on the Autism Society of North Carolina’s blog webpage and social media.

Tags: Autism Society of North Carolina, Black History Month Go back