April is Autism Awareness month and more Black children are now being diagnosed with Autism and on the spectrum.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.
One mother looks to step from behind the shadows to empower and create a community with other Autism and spectrum families.
ATLANTA- Aiming to provide more awareness and support for families in the autism community, Alecia “Queen” Coleman has launched Autism Advocates. By creating the nonprofit alongside her husband Shine “Kia Shine” Coleman, the organization has a focus on making an impact in communities where support is most needed with an emphasis on equitable access to services and resources.
Aiming at building awareness, acceptance, and inclusion while promoting the standard of all ability equality, Autism Advocates is focused on providing resources, support, and education to families and individuals impacted by autism with a focus on the African American community.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects one in 44 children in the United States. However, research shows that autism is diagnosed less frequently in African American children, who are often diagnosed at later ages and are less likely to receive early intervention services. For many, race and ethnicity have directly affected the diagnosis, treatment, and support that they receive with an array of experiences throughout the community.
Balancing being a wife, business owner, and mother to multiple children, while being along the Autism journey has been a challenge for Queen; however, she looks to uplift others that are going through the same challenges while figuring out how to balance the joys and trials of everyday life.
Queen continues,
“From my experience, this journey can be extremely isolating, and I want to change that. That is why I am so glad to be seeking to support others through our nonprofit so that we can all come together and become what we have needed. I promise to do all I can to give a voice to and support the voices of our Autism community and our amazing spectrum of possibilities!”
The organization plans to continue to build momentum during April for Autism Awareness Month and continue with efforts to gain awareness and action, including partnering with other nonprofits, corporations, and support groups for their inaugural expo this summer to be held in Memphis, TN.
In addition, the nonprofit also has merchandise available for individuals to show their support of autism awareness which includes shirts, hoodies, mugs, and more. 100% of the profits from all merchandise are allocated to support children and families impacted by autism.
ABOUT QUEEN COLEMAN
Alecia “Queen” Coleman is the founder of Autism Advocates. The mother of four, wife to producer and actor Kia Shine, and yoga instructor, has been on the autism journey for ten years with her son Jameson. Knowing through first-hand experience how isolating the journey can be, Queen seeks to create the community needed for other autism families. Through Autism Advocates, she is dedicated to giving a voice to and supporting the voices of the autism community where help is most needed.
ABOUT AUTISM ADVOCATES
Autism Advocates’ mission is to create a community for children, families, and individuals impacted by autism with the goal of building autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion while promoting the standard of all ability equality. The organization looks to shine a light on autism and spread support for the spectrum of possibilities. Because none of the journeys of autism are the same, Autism Advocates understands that every member of the community is a vital part of creating a culture that is aware, accepting, and inclusive of people with varying abilities. To learn more about Autism Advocates, visit www.autismadvocates.org.
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