A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight
2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: Autastic
Organization Type: Autistic-led
Grant Categorie(s): Social
WHO THEY ARE
The NEXT for AUTISM-funded initiative, #AutisticWhileBlack: Exploring Identity, was a unique program designed to support people of the African Diaspora in the period of transition after learning they’re autistic. Focusing on their shared experiences of being autistic and Black, participants came together to support each other and share resources around their multi-layered and persistently marginalized intersectionalities. The initiative brought together small groups of peers, each member in their first year of self-discovery and exploration of their autistic identities. #AutisticWhileBlack: Exploring Identity was offered at no cost to participants and was facilitated by Wright along with an associate clinical social worker, both identifying as autistic Black women.
Out of this experience, participants have used their emerging understanding of themselves and their supported sense of belonging to rebuild fractured primary relationships; to harness new-found confidence and engage in public advocacy through their team leadership role in the workplace; to launch a custom artwork production facility and to expand a speech pathology consultancy focusing on autistic youth. With a greater understanding of autistic life, a toolbox of skills, growing self-compassion grounded in acceptance and community, and a sense of belonging, positive life changes emerged.
“This funding allowed me to center the Black autistic community and in doing so, others saw that we could be centered and deserve to be centered.”
Diane J. Wright, Founder, Autastic
GRANT IMPACT
- 13 participants
- Two (2) cohorts
- 12 live events
- 100% BIPOC
NEXT for AUTISM prioritizes funding programs that serve marginalized communities, ensuring that vital support reaches those who have historically been excluded. One of our grantee programs, the #AutisticWhileBlack: Exploring Identity initiative, was the only Black autistic-led program dedicated to guiding newly identified autistic adults through the crucial first year of self-discovery.
The #AutisticWhileBlack: Exploring Identity initiative exclusively served participants who self-identified as being of the African Diaspora. Participants represented a range of professions, regions, economic strata, and genders. Two cohorts successfully completed the program with a growing waitlist of individuals eager to participate in future cohorts. Through trust-building, advocacy, and leadership development, Autastic is transforming the landscape of support for adult-identified Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.
For many who learn in adulthood that they’ve been autistic their entire lives, the journey often begins online. Often they find that most available resources center white male children, teens, and increasingly white adult men and women. The absence of culturally relevant information and opportunities for connection is a crisis for communities of color. Autastic and its initiatives like #AutisticWhileBlack: Exploring Identity exist to change that reality.
By bringing together small peer groups of newly identified autistic adults, the program provided culturally competent resources and guidance and, most important, meaningful connection. To continue filling the access gap, Autastic communities offer spaces for participants to explore their identities, navigate systemic barriers, reframe their experiences, and build a future for themselves and their families with the support of peers.
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