When working with South Asian and Black families of children and youth on the autism spectrum, diagnosticians will have a better understanding of the barriers these communities face, the concerns with the current screening/diagnostic tools used, and strategies to more effectively communicate with families to improve retention of the families throughout the diagnostic and treatment pathways.

What’s Inside the Toolkit:

  • Challenges and barriers as experienced by South Asian and Black Families
  • Concerns around currently used screening and diagnostic tools
  • Strategies on how to effectively communicate with South Asian and Black families
  • Strategies to help create a more inclusive environment for families throughout the diagnostic and treatment pathways

Watch Our Stories

Developmental Paediatrician and Associate Professor at McMaster University, Dr. Mohammad Zubairi, who is also currently serving as Medical Director for the McMaster Children’s Hospital Autism Program, speaks to the importance of cultural competence in the autism diagnostic journey.

Parent advocate Baljit Ghuman is a South Asian father with a daughter on the autism spectrum. He details the challenges of navigating the diagnostic journey within the South Asian community.

Sherron Grant and Clovis Grant, parents of a son on the autism spectrum, are co-founders of the Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support — a support space for Black communities impacted by autism. The Grants reflect on their experiences navigating the diagnostic journey as Black parents and consider the impact of a lack of representation, which led them to become tireless advocates for Black families and communities.

Parent Advocate Nellie Michel speaks about the experience of being a Black, Francophone mother with a child on the autism spectrum. Tenacity and not taking no for an answer is how this mom navigated the autism diagnostic journey.

Aparna Sanwalka is the Executive Director of Convergency. In this video, she speaks about her experiences as a single, South Asian mother raising a child on the autism spectrum — experiences that led to advocacy work for children on the spectrum and becoming a valuable resource for caregivers. She believes in a collaborative approach between families and the diagnostic process.

What are cultural liaisons? Why do they matter? In this video, you will hear from a panel of experts and community advocates on why cultural competence and a grassroots, collaborative approach to Ontario’s Diagnostic Hubs matter.

A Resource to Support Your Practice

Understanding the experiences of South Asian and Black families is key to delivering equitable and effective autism care. This free toolkit offers practical insights, communication strategies, and community perspectives to help diagnosticians and service providers better support families throughout their diagnostic journey.

👉 Download the Toolkit to explore stories, strategies, and tools that can enhance your everyday practice.