Free Toolkit:
Towards Cultural Competence
Communication for Diagnosticians working with South Asian and Black Families
When working with South Asian and Black families of children and youth on the autism spectrum, diagnosticians will have a better understanding of the barriers these communities face, the concerns with the current screening/diagnostic tools used, and strategies to more effectively communicate with families to improve retention of the families throughout the diagnostic and treatment pathways.
What’s Inside the Toolkit:
Challenges and barriers as experienced by South Asian and Black Families
Concerns around currently used screening and diagnostic tools
Strategies on how to effectively communicate with South Asian and Black families
Strategies to help create a more inclusive environment for families throughout the diagnostic and treatment pathways
Watch Our Stories
Importance of Cultural Competence in the Autism Diagnostic Journey
Developmental Paediatrician and Associate Professor at McMaster University, Dr. Mohammad Zubairi who is also currently serving as Medical Director for the McMaster Children’s Hospital Autism Program, speaks to the importance of cultural competence in the autism diagnostic journey.
Baljit’s Autism Diagnostic Journey
Parent advocate Baljit Ghuman is a South Asian father with a daughter on the autism spectrum. He details the challenges of navigating the diagnostic journey within the South Asian community.
Sherron & Clovis’s Autism Diagnostic Journey
Sherron Grant and Clovis Grant, are parents of a son on the autism spectrum are co-founders of the Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support, a support space for Black communities impacted by autism. The Grants’ reflect on their experiences of navigating the diagnostic journey as Black parents and consider the impact of a lack of representation, which led them to become tireless and dedicated advocates for Black communities.
Nellie’s Autism Diagnostic Journey
Parent Advocate Nellie Michel speaks about the experience of being a Black, Francophone mother with a child on the autism spectrum. Tenacity and not taking no for answer is how this Mom navigated the autism diagnostic journey.
Aparna’s Autism Diagnostic Journey
Aparna Sanwalka, is the Executive Director of Convergency. In this video she speaks about her experiences as a single, South Asian mother raising a child on the autism spectrum, which led to advocacy work for children on the autism spectrum, as well as being a resource for caregivers. She believes in a collaborative approach between families and the diagnostic process.
Panel Discussion:
Towards Systemic Change
What are cultural liaisons? Why do they matter? In this video, you will hear from a panel of experts and community advocates on why cultural competence and a grassroots collaborative approach to Ontario’s Diagnostic Hubs matter.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
info@saaac.org
Phone
416-289-0100
