Native American Autism: Creating Space for Acceptance, Inclusion, and Culturally Informed Research, Resources, and Supports for Children and Their Families

Abstract

This study examines the understanding of autism and engagement through a critical lens. It explores and considers an Indigenous worldview of Autism as an alternative to existing settler-colonial, ableist, racist, deficit-modeled, and oppressive worldviews of Autism, which currently saturate contemporary narratives, interventions, research, and social outlooks on Autism and Autism engagement. This study is designed to be inclusive of Native American parents of Autistic Children; to reflect their needs, ideas, and voices when it comes to engagement and services for their children and families. Theoretical frameworks used in this study include Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Indigenous Storywork. The contents begin with a cultural opening and an introduction by the author. This lays the foundation for the rest of the study, which is culturally grounded and shared through an Indigenous worldview. Settler Colonialism and its impact on Native American Autism research, engagement, and interventions are explored and critiqued before the research is shared. The study concludes with recommendations and discussion about the future of Native American Autism engagement, advocacy, and acceptance. Keywords: Native American, Autism, Acceptance, Settler-Colonialism.