Whereas autism is a form of neurodivergence characterized by differences in social communication skills and by repetitive and highly focused behaviors and ways of thinking;

Whereas, despite recent efforts to serve Black autistic individuals, there appear to be significant racial inequities in the diagnosis and treatment of Black autistic children;

Whereas Black parents of autistic children reported significantly less autism concerns and behavioral concerns, with children more likely to be seen as disruptive instead of neurodivergent;

Whereas Black autistic individuals are more likely to be misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, and diagnosed late;

Whereas Black autistic individuals are underrepresented in autism research;

Whereas Black autistic individuals have been found to have more difficulty in accessing specialty care;

Whereas the Black community reports more accounts of marginalization and dismissal of concerns in health care settings, including in the autism space;

Whereas Black autistic youth face increased risk of negative outcomes during interactions with law enforcement; and

Whereas Black autistic youth face disproportionate discipline at school, resulting in a higher prevalence of suspensions, expulsions, and other classroom punishments: Now, therefore, be it