This month the Accessibility Advisory Committee invites our campus community to broaden their understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to help create an accepting and inclusive environment for individuals with autism. We also encourage everyone to reflect on how we, as a community, can address the challenges that the autism community faces.
As indicated in the name, autism exists on a spectrum, meaning that each person who is on this spectrum has unique challenges and strengths. When autism intersects with other identities, additional challenges and barriers can arise. Autism manifests uniquely across different gender identities, leading to disparities in diagnosis, support, and societal understanding.
Societal expectations shape how autistic individuals express unique traits. Women and gender-diverse individuals with autism commonly report engaging in intrapersonal strategies such as masking behaviors, mimicking socially accepted gender norms, and adopting social scripts to navigate social interactions. This process, known as camouflaging (commonly known as masking), helps the individual blend in but can also delay recognition and support of their autism. While this strategy may help individuals navigate social situations, it often comes at a significant psychological cost. Studies link camouflaging to increased mental health challenges, including heightened anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Because traditional diagnostic assessments rely heavily on observable behaviors, they may fail to identify individuals who have learned to mask their autistic traits effectively. Furthermore, co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or other neurodevelopmental disorders can obscure an autism diagnosis, leading to misidentification and inadequate support.
The intersectionality of autism and race can create additional barriers to success. Most current autism research is gathered from white, economically advantaged communities. This means that when people of color present differently, early signs of autism may not be recognized until much later in life. Statistics show that white children are 19% more likely than Black children and 65% more likely than Hispanic children to be diagnosed at an early age.
Late diagnosis of autism creates barriers that impact personal acceptance and robs individuals of timely interventions, tailored educational approaches, and access to support services—all of which contribute to better outcomes for autistic individuals.
How to Support an Autistic Peers
Here are some ways to be supportive:
- Practice Clear Communication
- Be Mindful of Sensory Sensitivities
- Respect Different Social Styles
- Provide Flexible Work Arrangements
- Foster an Inclusive Environment
Inclusion benefits everyone and when autistic individuals feel supported, they can fully utilize their strengths, such as attention to detail, creativity, and problem-solving skills. A culture of awareness and acceptance leads to better collaboration and a more positive environment for all. Awareness is the first step toward acceptance and meaningful inclusion, helping to build a culture where everyone can thrive.
Want to learn more? Visit the websites of these organizations for more information about autism:
