ERIC Number: EJ1352881
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Nov
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Autism Presentation in Female and Black Populations: Examining the Roles of Identity, Theory, and Systemic Inequalities
Diemer, Maire Claire; Gerstein, Emily D; Regester, April
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v26 n8 p1931-1946 Nov 2022
The prevalence of autism is rising, a dynamic attributed to numerous explanations (e.g. better diagnostic practices, decreased stigma). As this neurodevelopmental disability increases in visibility, disparities in its diagnostic rate grow. Female and Black populations in the United States have historically lower prevalence, are diagnosed later, are more likely to have co-occurring intellectual disability, and experience exclusion from research. Autistic Black girls are effectively invisible in the literature. To combat this exclusion, this narrative review discusses intersectionality theory and how it may be used to provide integrated models that are inclusive toward diverse gender, ability, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Systemic inequalities, including prenatal care and misdiagnosis, disproportionately negatively impact the quality of care available to female and Black autistic populations. The authors recommend that research include autistic populations with co-occurring intellectual disability, include a diagnostic evaluation as part of protocols, and clinically, universal screening and improved provider competence and confidence in working with diverse autistic populations.
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Females, African Americans, Incidence, Clinical Diagnosis, Gender Bias, Racism, Access to Health Care, Disproportionate Representation, Intellectual Disability, Socialization, Prenatal Care, Equal Education, Research Needs, Comorbidity
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A