As a Black mother raising a Black son with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I truly hope that more states will take inspiration from Alabama’s recent initiatives.
Being a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, I’ve encountered disbelief from some who think that a Black child cannot have ASD, often saying, “he looks fine.” What does that even mean? While my son may seem physically okay — not battling a cold or anything — he is navigating his thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in ways that require extra effort from both him and us as his parents. The Invisible Disabilities Association defines an “invisible disability” as a condition that isn’t outwardly visible yet can significantly impact a person’s capabilities.
We’ve dedicated a lot of work to help him develop skills for everyday situations. For example, when he’s about to meet new people or go to unfamiliar places, we use pictures to prepare him for what to expect. However, there will always be unpredictable situations in the future that we cannot train him for.
As he matures, I worry about how society perceives him. Given the realities of racial profiling and how swiftly law enforcement can react without fully assessing a situation, I live with the fear that my son’s headphones — which he wears to manage sensory overload — may be misconstrued as defiance, leading to excessive force. To the untrained eye, he may not appear to be on the spectrum, and that frightens me.
These are just a few of the many concerns I face as a Black mother raising a neurodiverse child in America. However, organizations like KultureCity, which focus on educating communities about sensory needs, give me hope for progress. KultureCity has partnered with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to provide sensory-inclusive training to police officers, making Alabama the first state to do so. This initiative is crucial.
Understanding sensory issues is essential. For instance, my son avoids eye contact, often cutting tags off his clothes for comfort, and thrives on routine. Any slight change can increase his anxiety. KultureCity’s executive director, Mira Thompson, emphasizes that sensory needs exist in every community, not just in Alabama.
While Alabama has taken this vital step, I hope other states will follow. Governor Laura Sparks expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support for those with invisible disabilities.
In a scene from the Netflix series “Atypical”, the main character Sam, who has ASD, faces a distressing encounter with the police that resonates deeply with me. It’s a stark reminder of the real dangers neurodiverse individuals face.
Mira explains that individuals with invisible disabilities often react differently and can become overwhelmed, leading to actions that may be misunderstood by law enforcement. This sensitivity can result in risky situations, and proper training can lead to better interactions with those who have sensory needs. The data is alarming: in 2020, 1 in 54 children in the U.S. was diagnosed with autism. Tragically, young Black males are disproportionately affected by police violence.
KultureCity’s training can save lives by fostering understanding among law enforcement. As they expand their training to over 21 cities, it’s clear we need more organizations advocating for awareness around sensory needs.
For families like mine, the kind of training KultureCity provides could mean the difference between a positive and a negative encounter with law enforcement. Such initiatives should be standard across all states, as the safety of neurodiverse individuals hangs in the balance.
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In summary, as a Black mother of a son with ASD, I urge more states to adopt sensory-inclusive training for law enforcement, inspired by Alabama’s initiative through KultureCity. This training is essential for promoting understanding and ensuring safer interactions for neurodiverse individuals, which is critical in our society today.
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