Hidden in Plain Sight: A Call to Action for Cultural Responsiveness in Addressing Bias, Building Trust, and Supporting Black Families Navigating Autism is the kind of topic that looks straightforward until it collides with the speed, ambiguity, and competing demands of clinic sessions and day-to-day service delivery. In Hidden in Plain Sight: A Call to Action for Cultural Responsiveness in Addressing Bias, Building Trust, and Supporting Black Families Navigating Autism, for this course, the practical stakes show up in clearer roles, fewer duplicated efforts, and better coordinated intervention, not in abstract discussion alone.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Florida Association of Behavior Analysis
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Join Free →This panel discussion brings together voices from across disciplines to explore how race, culture, and systemic inequities intersect with autism, shaping the experiences of black children diagnosed with autism and their families. Featuring a BCBA, a Clinical Psychologist, and a Physician, the panel will examine how implicit bias and dominant societal narratives about autism influence the professional practices and interactions that affect black children. Together, the panelists will explore how ABA practitioners can critically reflect on their own assumptions, adopt culturally grounded practices, and become more effective advocates and allies for black families navigating autism Panelists will focus on the unique experiences of black children and their families, whose challenges in diagnosis, access to services, and support are often overlooked or misunderstood within traditional behavioral frameworks. These disparities call for intentional, culturally responsive approaches to address the specific needs of Black autistic children. This session will include guided reflection, moderated discussion, and audience engagement, providing participants with actionable strategies for dismantling bias, fostering trust, and creating affirming, supportive environments for black children and their families.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | General |
| COA | 1 | — |
| FL MH/PSY | 0 | — |
Nicole Brown Nwokey is a board-certified behavior analyst and educational leader dedicated to advancing culturally responsive, evidence-based practices for children with autism and their families. She currently serves as the Clinical Director of Angelic Steps Therapy and Director of Academics at Angelic Steps Academy, where she leads interdisciplinary teams and develops comprehensive, individualized support systems grounded in behavior analytic principles. With over a decade of experience across clinical, academic, and research settings, Nicole brings a deep and informed perspective on the systemic barriers that disproportionately impact minority families navigating autism services. Her work is rooted in equity, parent empowerment, and collaborative care—driven by a commitment to dismantling the institutional obstacles that prevent families from accessing high-quality support. Nicole is a vocal advocate for all families facing insurance denials, working to ensure that coverage and funding do not become insurmountable obstacles to medically necessary care. She actively participates in community events aimed at bringing resources to underserved neighborhoods, and she is deeply committed to offering free or sliding-scale services based on family income to close gaps in access. In her role as Director of Academics, Nicole is especially passionate about creating a stable academically enriching school environment for children who have struggled in traditional public school settings. Under her leadership, Angelic Steps Academy has become a haven for children with complex behavioral and learning needs, offering individualized instruction, trauma-informed care, and a sense of belonging that is often missing in other educational contexts. Nicole’s work exemplifies the power of culturally responsive, community-rooted care. She continues to push the field forward by centering the lived experiences of marginalized families and by fostering partnerships that prioritize long-term, meaningful outcomes for all children.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
236 research articles with practitioner takeaways
205 research articles with practitioner takeaways
193 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.