Late Diagnosis, Autism Advocacy, and Neuroaffirming Practices

• Destiny’s Journey to Diagnosis: Destiny shares how her son’s experiences in school and a culturally responsive evaluation process led to both his and her own autism diagnoses later in life. She discusses the emotional, cultural, and systemic challenges that delayed identification.
• Raising Black Neurodivergent Children: Destiny reflects on raising her children as a military spouse and navigating educational systems that often lack cultural humility or neurodiversity awareness. She stresses the need for racially and neurologically affirming providers.
• From Lived Experience to Advocacy: Drawing from her own story, Destiny talks about her transition into advocacy and therapy—supporting families in understanding their rights, navigating IEPs, and creating safe, affirming spaces for their children.
• Understanding PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance): She explains PDA, how it may present differently in BIPOC children, and the challenges in getting accurate diagnoses and appropriate supports.
• Neuroaffirming Practices for Schools: Destiny outlines what neuroaffirming practices look like in action, from language use to learning environments, and the role of trauma-informed care in supporting students.
• Cultural Competence and Intersectionality in Diagnosis: A powerful call to action on the need for providers who understand how race, gender, and neurodivergence intersect in ways that impact access to services and accurate diagnoses.

Tips for Professionals and Parents: Practical advice for clinicians, educators, and families on how to reframe “challenging behavior,” support advocacy without burnout, and collaborate effectively for student success.