Often Seen, Still Misunderstood: Why Autism Awareness Still Matters—Especially for Black Children

Every year, on April 2nd, we recognize World Autism Awareness Day—but for many families like mine, autism awareness isn’t just a day. It’s every day.

It’s the conversations we have with teachers. It’s the sideways glances at the grocery store. It’s the tightness in our chest when our child is misunderstood—again. It’s our very real fear when we send them into a world that often isn’t made with them in mind.

There is a natural fear that comes along with raising a Black child in today's culture, now imagine raising a Black child with autism... that fear doubles.

Here’s the truth: even our neurotypical Black children are too often viewed through a distorted lens—one that paints them as aggressive, defiant, disrespectful.

They’re punished more frequently and more severely in schools. They’re policed instead of protected. They’re silenced instead of supported. So imagine what happens when a child doesn’t communicate the way society expects them to. Imagine what happens when their disability isn’t visible.

We’ve seen what happens.

Just last year, 15-year-old Ryan Gainer, a Black autistic boy, was shot by police. His mother had called for help during a mental health crisis—seeking safety, not violence. But instead of empathy, Ryan had the welcome of bullets. And he’s not the only one.

Statistics show Black children with disabilities are more likely to be:

• Misdiagnosed or diagnosed later than white peers

• Disciplined more harshly in school settings

• Referred to law enforcement for behavior related to their disability

• Physically restrained or secluded at higher rates

  
  

Let that sink in...

Pause.

Process.

Proceed.

Autism awareness is not optional. It’s life-saving.

It’s the difference between a teacher punishing a child for "talking back" or "getting smart" versus recognizing echolalia (repeating words or phrases) also commonly referred to as gestalt language processing.

It’s the difference between a student being labeled "disruptive" versus understanding their need to stim or cover their ears.

It’s the difference between judgment and support.

And we desperately need this awareness within the Black community, too.

We need more conversations about what autism looks like—because guess what???

IT DOESN'T HAVE A "LOOK."

We need to break the silence around invisible disabilities. And we need to lead with empathy, especially when behaviors don’t make sense to us.

You may see a child rocking, humming, flapping, repeating a line from a cartoon or book over and over. You may see a child avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name, or melting down from sensory overload. That child deserves love, not suspicion. Understanding, not punishment.

Autism isn’t a tragedy. Ignorance is.

So today, on World Autism Awareness Day, I’m asking you to do more than wear blue or post a hashtag.

I’m asking you to learn. To listen. To advocate.

Especially for our Black autistic children. Because their lives depend on it.

Let’s create a world where all kids—regardless of race, diagnosis, or how they show up in the world—are seen, heard, and safe.

That starts with awareness.

That leads to acceptance.

And that grows into action.

Our babies are worth it.

Every.

Single.

One.

Love y'all... mean it,

Trese, Unapologetically

*Portions of text (facts) written by Keisha aka ChatGPT*