CO-SPONSORED with the SSW/AHEC Training Partnership
Description:
This presentation explores how the intersection of race, gender, and disability shapes the experiences of Black Youth with autism. Participants will be introduced to foundational terms such as microaggressions, micro-affirmations, spirit murdering, and intersectionality—and how these concepts show up in schools, healthcare, and community life. Drawing from both lived experience and research-informed strategies, the session offers practical tools for building respectful, culturally responsive relationships with youth and families. Designed for educators, clinicians, students, and the general public, this session bridges theory and practice to promote equity, empathy, and inclusive support.
Learning Objectives:
By end of the program, participants will be able to:
1. Understand and reflect on key concepts like microaggressions, micro-affirmations, spirit murdering, and intersectionality—and their relevance in daily and professional life.
2. Recognize how overlapping identities impact experiences and outcomes for Black youth with autism across education, healthcare, and community settings.
3. Apply at least 2 culturally responsive strategies to engage families of Black youth with autism using respectful communication, active listening, and a strengths-based approach.
Trainer:
Danyale Sturdivant, MSSW, is a nationally recognized disability justice advocate, equity strategist, and clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience supporting racially and ethnically diverse communities. She is the founder of Living Autism Out Loud, an initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized families navigating autism and disability systems. Danyale’s work centers culturally responsive advocacy, family empowerment, and systemic reform across education, health care, and public policy. Her presentations reflect a rare blend of personal experience and professional expertise, grounded in a deep commitment to intersectional equity.
References:
- Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299
- Annamma, S. A., Connor, D. J., & Ferri, B. A. (2016). Dis/ability critical race studies (DisCrit): Theorizing at the intersections of race and dis/ability. In S. A. Annamma, D. J. Connor, & B. A. Ferri (Eds.), DisCrit: Disability studies and critical race theory in education (pp. 9–32). Teachers College Press.