August 19th, 2025
Dear Associated Press,
We are writing in response to Kenya Hunter’s article Black Dads go public with support for their kids with autism – and each other. As a reader, we appreciated that the author was cognizant of the particular difficulties that Black fathers and, more generally, minority parents face when raising autistic children.
The article’s recognition of black and minority families’ systemic disadvantages, in terms of information, expertise, resources, and support, as well as its articulation of the emotional toll and personal struggles they face, was what most impressed us and was one of its greatest contributions. We recently cast light on the disparities in access to treatment for communities of color in a recent research synopsis.
Additionally, the article highlighted the significant ways that these communities are uniting to exchange knowledge, support one another, and push for more inclusive care while also shedding light on the little-known challenges that Black and other minority families face when raising children with autism, including cultural stigma, lack of access to specialized resources, and feelings of isolation.
Overall, this article offers a powerful and much needed exploration of the unique challenges that are too often overlooked in mainstream narratives. It highlights not only the disparities in access to resources and culturally competent support but also gives voice to the emotional realities these parents, from isolation to frustration with a system not built for them. What makes this article especially impactful is its community resilience, showcasing how fathers are coming together to share knowledge, support each other, and built networks of empowerment. A vital read for anyone seeking a deeper, more inclusive understanding of the autism experience across racial and cultural lines.
We hope this article encourages other black fathers to create similar opportunities within their communities for the benefit of all parents and the autism community, across the country.
Your readers may also be interested in one of our recent articles highlighting the needs of black families and how awareness of their unique needs can improve service delivery. Thank you again for sharing this story.
Sincerely,
Simon Celiberti-Byam, ASAT Extern
Reva Mathieu-Sher, EdD, BCBA
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
