Summary In this conversation, Patricia Morency discusses key aspects of autism, including its criteria, the nature of autism as a disability, and the importance of understanding the experiences of Black autistic individuals. She debunks common myths, particularly the misconception that vaccines cause autism, and highlights the lack of intersectionality in autism research and diagnosis. The conversation also addresses the racial bias present in autism diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need for more inclusive research practices. Resources: @blackspectrumscholar Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lapestenoire Chapters 00:00 Understanding Autism: Criteria and Characteristics 05:13 The Nature of Autism as a Disability 08:31 Debunking Myths: Vaccines and Autism 10:36 The Underrepresentation of Black Autistic Individuals 18:16 Intersectionality in Autism Research and Diagnosis 22:43 Racial Bias in Autism Diagnosis and Treatment References Baumgaertner Nunn, E., & Ghorayshi, A. (2025, September 25). What to know about painkillers, vaccines, genes, and autism. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/health/autism-tylenol-vaccines-explained.html Diemer, M. C., Gerstein, E. D., & Regester, A. (2022). Autism presentation in female and Black populations: Examining the roles of identity, theory, and systemic inequalities. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 26(8), 1931–1946. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221113501 Henderson, D., Wayland, S., & White, J. (2023). Is this autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003242130 Ramclam, A. N., Truong, D. M., Mire, S. S., Smoots, K. D., McNeel, M. M., Sakyi, G. J., & Daniels, F. M. (2022). Autism disparities for Black children: Acknowledging and addressing the problem through culturally responsive and socially just assessment practices. Psychology in the Schools, 59, 1445–1453. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22646 Wiesner, M., Windle, M., Kanouse, D. E., Elliott, M. N., & Schuster, M. A. (2015). DISC predictive scales (DPS): Factor structure and uniform differential item functioning across gender and three racial/ethnic groups for ADHD, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms. Psychological assessment, 27(4), 1324–1336. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000101
