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As a mother to a child on the autism spectrum, I often encounter disbelief from those who fail to recognize that a Black child can have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I’ve heard comments like, “He looks fine,” and I find myself questioning what that actually means. While my son may appear physically healthy — not battling a cold or cough — he faces unique neurological challenges that require additional 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 movement, senses, or activities.
We are dedicated to helping him build skills for the real world. For example, we prepare him for new social situations by showing him pictures of what to expect when visiting new family members. However, as he matures, there will be unpredictable scenarios we can’t prepare him for.
My concerns about how society perceives my son grow as he approaches adulthood. Given the realities of racial profiling and the tendency of law enforcement to react without fully assessing a situation, I fear that a police officer might misinterpret the headphones he wears — which render him unable to hear commands — as defiance, possibly leading to excessive force. To an untrained eye, he may not appear to be on the spectrum, raising the risk of misjudgments.
These fears, along with many others, are part of my experience as a Black mom raising a neurodiverse son in America. However, organizations like KultureCity, which focuses on educating communities about sensory needs, provide a glimmer of hope for change.
In a conversation with Modern Parent, KultureCity’s executive director, Sasha Reed, emphasizes the universal benefits of sensory-inclusive training for everyone. KultureCity is making strides in how law enforcement interacts with communities by collaborating with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, making Alabama the first state to implement sensory-inclusive training for its police officers. This is a significant step forward for all of us.
Understanding Sensory Issues
Let’s delve into sensory issues. My son struggles with eye contact; if he does make it, it’s fleeting. He removes tags from his clothes for comfort and adheres strictly to routines, becoming anxious with even minor changes. Such behaviors are tied to his sensory sensitivities. As Sasha mentions, “Sensory needs are not limited to specific regions; they affect 1 in 6 individuals across various communities.”
While Alabama is the pioneer in mandatory sensory-inclusive training for police officers, I hope other states will follow suit. Governor Jane Foster expressed pride in ALEA’s initiative to educate officers about invisible disabilities, aligning with her administration’s commitment to prioritizing mental health.
In a tense scene from the Netflix show, Atypical, a character with ASD is treated harshly by police. Watching it made me tense up, as it could easily reflect a real-life scenario for my son.
Sasha notes that individuals with invisible disabilities often respond differently and may become overwhelmed more easily due to sensory sensitivities. This can lead to misunderstandings during emergencies, especially when communication challenges arise. Our training aims to ensure these interactions yield better outcomes for everyone involved.
The Alarming Statistics
The statistics are alarming: in 2020, 1 in 54 children in the U.S. received an autism diagnosis, affecting all demographics. Young Black males are nearly three times more likely to be killed by police than their white peers, and those with autism are seven times more likely to encounter law enforcement.
This underscores the necessity for sensory-inclusive training, which can potentially save lives. Improved training for law enforcement leads to better understanding and responses, a fact that is all too clear. KultureCity is expanding this vital training to over 21 cities.
We require more initiatives like KultureCity’s. Their work can enhance awareness of the diverse needs of individuals, benefiting not only police officers but everyone in the community. For those with invisible disabilities, such training can facilitate more positive interactions with law enforcement, an essential need that should be standardized across all 50 states.
To explore or enroll in KultureCity’s sensory-inclusive training, visit kulturecity.org.