I help to educate people on the inequalities that Black autistic people experience at the hands of those in positions of power within the autism sphere.

I challenge people to always ask autism event organisers about the lack of diversity in their panels and keynote speakers. How many Black and Brown people hold key positions in the prominent autism organisations (including the National Autistic Society). I am never afraid to ask difficult questions.

When were you diagnosed as autistic?

Like many women, I realised I was autistic after I recognised it in my daughter. My son was diagnosed 11 years ago. Thankfully a person I worked with was a member of a Sheffield-based charity called Asperger’s Children and Carers Together (ACCT). Going there every week helped me to meet other autistic children.

I used to think only boys could be autistic, until I met autistic girls and mothers. The things I struggled with started to make sense and I realised that I was autistic too. My daughter received her diagnosis six years ago and I received my diagnosis a year later.

What does Black History Month mean to you and your family? Will you be celebrating this year?

I celebrate and acknowledge the contributions my family and ancestors have made daily. I wish BHM didn’t exist, but it is needed because the UK conveniently forgets the contribution that people who look like me have made to its wealth and infrastructure.

My great grandparents came to Sheffield in the 1950s and worked as nurses, porters and in manufacturing. They have all experienced racism and prejudice because of the colour of their skin. The hostile environment they came to; their sacrifices will never be forgotten by me.

What is being autistic like for you?

It’s a difficult question to answer, as I do not know what it feels like to be anyone other than myself - a Black, autistic cisgender woman.

Many autistic people face discrimination getting support and a diagnosis, and we know Black people can have even more difficulty getting a diagnosis and support. What was your experience?

Once I made the decision to pursue the diagnosis, it took 18 months in total. Thankfully, I had a supportive GP, family and friends around me. I acknowledge that I am in a position of privilege, as English is my first language, I have a degree and postgraduate qualifications too. This does not mean I do not face unconscious bias and microaggressions. It just means I understand it and am in a (somewhat) better position to challenge it.

I know of Black children receiving later diagnoses because people perceived their behaviour as rudeness and aggression, instead of sensory overload and communication difficulties. These children end up in the school-to-prison pipeline. Instead of receiving support they need, they are excluded and criminalised.

Why do you think representation is important, and what would you like to see more of in the media?

When people who look like me are not represented in the media, it paints a false narrative of what is truly happening in society. The issue is rife around the narrative of autism too. The initial scholars were white, Eurocentric men and they created the concept of autism by observing white boys.
 

A century later and there is still little to nothing from the Black perspective. Most of the current scholars and autistic celebrities, influencers are white. Anyone in a position of power has a responsibility to change this, or they are complicit in the continuous racial bias in the field.

Is there anything from your culture that inspires you or would like to share?

Our resistance is something that I am equally proud of and feel sorrow over. My ancestors have had experienced many atrocities, yet we continue to try to succeed.

I am from an incredibly creative and vibrant culture that uses a plethora of mediums to tell you about their lived experiences. From Grime, to Lovers Rock, poetry to culinary arts, fashion to dance, there are so many amazing ways for Black people to express their culture. I am particularly inspired by poetry and dabble in it myself. It’s a medium that helps me purge the stress from my body.
 

Are there any Black people who you admire? Please tell us about them.