Racial Disparities of Autism Spectrum Disorders and its Relation to PSB

This workshop will provide an overview of the recent literature which suggests that structural racism exists in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Namely, studies have demonstrated that children who are BIPOC or who are from low-income families experience significantly more delays in diagnosis, reduced access to treatment, lack of representation in research for certain communities, and misinterpretation of ASD-related behaviors.. Furthermore, children with ASD are particularly vulnerable to engaging in sexually problematic behaviors, raising the important question about how to best protect and educate children and their families given these inequities. The presenters will discuss the implications of these findings for practice, such as protective factors for children who engage in sexually problematic behavior and the larger issues of changing incentives of larger entities that drive structural racism.

At the conclusion of this Lunch and Learn session, participants will be able to:

• Discuss structural disparities in autism spectrum disorders within the realms of diagnosis, treatment, interventions, and research
• Describe the relation between ASD and PSB through examples found in existing literature and in clinical practice
• Describe implications for practice and identify barriers for patients

May 30, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST. Register here.