Black fathers of children with autism are creating a space for these conversations as committed parents. They are encouraging the hesitant to speak up about their emotions, fears, and hopes for their children beyond the diagnosis.
Tyrone Green, a Black father to a 3-year-old boy living with autism, did not know where to turn when he learned of his son’s diagnosis. He felt loneliness regarding his aspirations for his son, and how his new reality could change these dreams.
“(M)y wife couldn’t understand what I was going through as a Black father, all these hopes and dreams I had for my kid,” explained Green to the Associated Press. “She didn’t feel the same way.”
Instead of staying in this state of hopelessness, the Michigan resident found a community that understood his plight. He joined a Black fathers’ support group in 2021, creating a podcast two years later that speaks on Black fatherhood and autism. Called AutisHIM, the show centers on the all-encompassing reality on raising children with the developmental condition.
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people’s social skills, communication, and learning capabilities. As autism exists on a spectrum, it can vary greatly.
Studies have detailed that autism prevalence is higher among Black children than their white counterparts, as confirmed by
Autism Speaks. However, systemic biases have led to delayed diagnoses, furthering complicating the journeys of Black children who have the condition.While political leaders like Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy have disregarded autism as a “tragedy,” Black fathers are aiming to change the narratives on their children. One professor emphasized the importance of Black dads staying engaged in these health conversations, while understanding that people with the disorder can still live full lives.
“The challenge is convincing people to (talk openly and honestly), because the practice of doing that is rare, not just among Black men, but people in general,” shared Michael Hannon, a counseling professor at Montclair (NJ) State University who studies the social and emotional aspects of autism on Black fatherhood.
Other organizations have expanded their messaging to bring more Black fathers of autistic children into the community. Dr. Berry Pierre, co-founder of Autism in Black with his wife, Maria Davis-Pierre, wants to promote how engaged Black fathers are in their children’s education and futures.
“The dads are there, but we know the general public doesn’t realize
that yet,” shared Pierre. “So we try to serve as this engine to shine a light on what’s really happening. The dads are there, they’re attentive. And even with this diagnosis, they’re going even harder.”RELATED CONTENT: Black Fathers Rock! Celebrates Black Fathers, Fights Against Stereotypes