As a Black mother raising a Black son with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), I hope that more states will take inspiration from Alabama’s progressive steps.
Being a parent of a child on the autism spectrum comes with its unique challenges, especially when confronted with misconceptions that ignore the reality of ASD in Black children. I’ve encountered comments like, “He looks fine,” which leave me puzzled. My son may seem physically okay, but he faces significant neurological hurdles that affect how he processes emotions, thoughts, and his surroundings. The Invisible Disabilities Association defines an “invisible disability” as one that isn’t immediately apparent but can greatly impact a person’s ability to function.
Together with my son, we’ve put in substantial effort to equip him with skills for navigating the world. We prepare him for social situations by showing him pictures of upcoming interactions, but we know that there will always be unpredictable challenges ahead as he matures into adulthood.
My concerns as a Black mom raising a neurodiverse son are compounded by the realities of racial profiling and law enforcement’s often hasty responses. I worry that someone may misinterpret the headphones my son wears—earplugs that prevent him from hearing commands—as a sign of defiance, leading to dangerous encounters. He doesn’t visibly show signs of being on the spectrum, which raises fears about potential misunderstandings in critical situations.
Fortunately, organizations like KultureCity are working to change this narrative. Their commitment to educating communities about sensory needs is offering hope. In a recent interview, KultureCity’s director, Leo Adams, emphasized the importance of sensory-inclusive training, which is now being provided to law enforcement officers in Alabama. This initiative is crucial for fostering understanding between officers and individuals with invisible disabilities.
Understanding Sensory Issues
Let’s explore what sensory issues entail. For instance, my son struggles with eye contact, often finds comfort in wearing the same clothes, and relies heavily on daily routines. If there’s even a slight change, it can trigger anxiety and frustration. As Leo points out, sensory needs are not confined to certain regions; they affect 1 in 6 individuals across all communities.
Alabama’s pioneering initiative to mandate sensory-inclusive training for police is a significant step. Governor Jamie Reed expressed pride in this effort, linking it to a broader commitment to mental health and support for those in need. The necessity for such training is underscored by alarming statistics: young Black males face a disproportionate risk of fatal encounters with police, and those with autism are more likely to have run-ins with law enforcement.
We’ve seen fictional representations of these tensions, such as a scene in the Netflix series, Atypical, where the main character, Sam, faces a distressing encounter with police. As I watched, I felt a visceral fear for a character who could very well resemble my son.
KultureCity’s training aims to improve these interactions, ensuring that individuals with invisible disabilities are treated with understanding and compassion. It’s not just about police officers; this awareness is essential for everyone in our society. The training should be standard practice across all states to protect the lives of neurodiverse individuals.
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To summarize, as a Black mom raising a Black son with ASD, I advocate for increased awareness and sensory-inclusive training that can foster safer interactions with law enforcement. With more states following Alabama’s example, we can work towards a future where understanding and compassion are prioritized.