As a Black Mom Raising a Black Son with Autism, I Hope More States Embrace Alabama’s Initiative

As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I often encounter skepticism from those who are unaware that a Black child can have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I hear comments like “he looks fine,” which leaves me baffled. What does that even mean? My son may appear physically well — no sniffles or coughs — but neurologically, he is navigating his thoughts, feelings, and environment in ways that require additional effort from both him and us as his parents. According to the Invisible Disabilities Association, an “invisible disability” is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that is not outwardly visible, yet can significantly affect a person’s movements, senses, or activities.

Together, we’ve diligently worked to cultivate skills that can assist him in everyday life. For example, when he faces new social scenarios or visits relatives, we prepare him with visual aids to help him anticipate what’s to come. Despite our best efforts, there will inevitably be unpredictable situations as he matures into adulthood that we cannot foresee or prepare him for.

As he grows into the man he is destined to be, my concerns about how society perceives and understands him intensify. With the prevalence of racial profiling and the often hasty reactions of law enforcement, I can’t shake the fear that an officer might misinterpret my son’s constant use of headphones (which renders him unable to hear anything) as defiance, potentially leading to excessive force. At first glance, one might not recognize he is on the spectrum — what if they mistake him for a threat?

These are just a few of the worries I carry as a Black mother raising a neurodiverse Black son in America. However, organizations like KultureCity, which focuses on raising awareness about the sensory needs of individuals, offer a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.

In an insightful interview, KultureCity’s executive director, Tara Greene, highlighted the importance of sensory-inclusive training for all members of the community. KultureCity has made a significant impact by collaborating with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, making Alabama the first state to mandate sensory-inclusive training for its police officers. This initiative is crucial for several reasons.

Understanding Sensory Issues

To start, let’s define sensory issues. My son has difficulty maintaining eye contact, and if he does, it’s fleeting — so brief that it might go unnoticed. He cuts tags off his clothing and prefers wearing the same outfits repeatedly. He thrives on routine and finds it challenging when those routines are disrupted. Even minor changes can escalate his anxiety and frustration.

Removing clothing tags, adjustments in routine, and sensitivity to sounds are all sensory-related challenges. Tara emphasizes that “sensory needs are not confined to Alabama or specific communities; they affect 1 in 6 individuals across all neighborhoods.”

While Alabama has taken the lead with this training, I hope other states will follow suit. Governor Lisa Hart remarked, “I’m proud of ALEA for taking the lead in training all officers to recognize and appropriately respond to those with invisible disabilities. KultureCity’s training supports my administration’s commitment to prioritizing mental health and providing vital resources for those in need.”

In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Netflix series Atypical, the protagonist, who has ASD, faces a distressing encounter with law enforcement. Watching it made my heart race with fear for a character who, while not my son, could easily have been. Such incidents are not mere fiction; they happen in real life.

Tara points out that individuals with invisible disabilities often react differently and become overwhelmed more easily than neurotypical individuals due to various sensory sensitivities. These challenges, along with communication barriers, create situations ripe for misunderstanding and escalation during emergencies. Behaviors such as avoiding eye contact, appearing restless, or not following directions can lead to dangerous misinterpretations. The training aims to ensure that interactions with those who have invisible disabilities yield more positive outcomes.

The statistics are alarming: in 2020, the CDC reported that 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism, affecting all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Young Black males are nearly three times more likely to be victims of police violence than their white peers, and those with autism are seven times more likely to encounter police than neurotypical individuals.

These facts underscore the urgency of implementing sensory-inclusive training across law enforcement agencies. Better training for officers can lead to improved interactions and potentially save lives. KultureCity is actively working to extend this training to law enforcement in over 21 cities.

We need more organizations like KultureCity. Their efforts can help everyone — including law enforcement — become more sensitive to the diverse needs of others. For those living with invisible disabilities, such trainings can facilitate smoother and more constructive interactions with police. This should become the standard practice across all 50 states, as the lives of neurodiverse individuals may hinge on it.

For additional information or to enroll in KultureCity’s sensory-inclusive training, check out their website.

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Summary:

As a Black mother raising a Black son with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I express my hopes for more states to adopt sensory-inclusive training for law enforcement, following Alabama’s lead. The training aims to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities, helping to foster understanding and reduce the risk of miscommunication in tense situations. Organizations like KultureCity are making strides in this area, and it is imperative that similar initiatives are implemented nationwide to protect and support neurodiverse individuals.

Keyphrase: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Law Enforcement Training

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