“Ain’t nothing wrong with him”: family messages received by Black caregivers of autistic children (2024)

Undergraduate: Dalia Marquez

Faculty Advisor: Kelly Caravella
Department: Psychology

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Black caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) express that there are gaps in both knowledge and acceptance of disabilities within their communities. This lack of information and resources provided to Black communities can lead to tensions between families regarding autism diagnoses and how to support individuals with autism in their families. The current study examines messaging received from family members about their child’s diagnosis. As part of a larger study examining barriers to participation in autism research for Black families, 23 caregivers of children diagnosed with autism participated in qualitative interviews. Two overarching themes emerged regarding family messaging. The first theme, lack of understanding and denial of autism, encompasses a variety of subthemes regarding family messaging focused on the rejection or dismissal of developmental differences or the need for a diagnosis or intervention. The second theme, supportive acceptance and inclusion, categorizes family messaging in which family members indicate general acceptance of the child’s diagnosis and willingness to serve as a source of support for the caregiver and their child. Further research should build on these findings in investigating how directly this family messaging links to broader messaging in Black culture regarding autism. Additionally, these findings can inform strategies to develop culturally tailored interventions to support Black caregivers who are receiving a first diagnosis of autism as they navigate the range of messages received from family members.