Diagnosis Bias & Autism- A Juneteenth Special

Stephanie Holmes Neurodiverse Podcast discuss diagnosis bias & autism for Juneteenth with Dr Mary.

MHNRN | Apple Podcasts | Spreaker | Episode #19

Diagnosis Bias & Autism – A Special Juneteenth Episode

Celebrate Juneteenth with Dr Mary Jones & Stephanie Holmes as they discuss their professional and personal experience of diagnosis bias & autism. Learn more about autism and special needs from the perspective of people of color.

EPISODE NOTES:

[00:00:00] Introduction

  • Host: Dr. Stephanie Holmes.
  • Guest: Dr. Mary Jones, pediatrician, wife, mother, and empowerment advocate.
  • Discussion about implicit bias, autism in the Black community, and challenges faced by people of color in diagnosis and treatment.

[00:02:25] Autism in the Black Community

  • Dr. Mary’s niche is educating the Black community about autism and advocating for better access to services.
  • Key Issue: Disparity in early diagnosis and access to services for Black individuals with autism.
  • Fact: CDC and WHO state that autism diagnosis rates should be equal across races, but this is not reflected in reality.

[00:03:45] Misdiagnosis and Bias

  • Some clinicians misattribute autism symptoms in people of color to trauma or socioeconomic factors.
  • Main Point: This is a form of racial prejudice and leads to improper evaluations and delayed diagnoses.

[00:05:50] Diagnostic Disparities

  • Studies show that Black parents voice concerns about their children’s development around age 2, but diagnoses are often delayed until age 5.5.
  • Impact: This delay significantly hinders access to early intervention services, which are crucial for development.

[00:09:50] Gender and Behavioral Factors in Diagnosis

  • Children who don’t “act out” or cause disruption are often diagnosed later, especially girls and quieter children.
  • Example: Stephanie’s daughter, who was diagnosed around 6.5 years old due to problematic behaviors in the classroom, was initially misdiagnosed with disorders like Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Pediatric Bipolar.

[00:12:00] Stigma and Cultural Bias

  • Black children often receive negative diagnoses based on behavior rather than being properly evaluated for autism.
  • Discussion: The stigma of being from a single-parent home or being “uneducated” contributes to these misdiagnoses.

[00:14:35] Role of Pediatricians

  • Pediatricians are often the first line in recognizing developmental delays.
  • Concern: There is a lack of standardized questions in well-child visits to screen for autism, which contributes to delayed diagnoses.

[00:17:05] Dr. Mary’s Pediatric Training

  • Dr. Mary received substantial training in developmental pediatrics during her residency, which focused on recognizing developmental milestones and deviations.
  • Observation: Dr. Mary was drawn to developmental pediatrics and the education and advocacy aspects of the field.

[00:19:35] Personal Experience with Autism

  • Dr. Mary’s son was diagnosed with autism at age 11, despite showing signs earlier. The diagnosis was delayed because his behaviors were misinterpreted as social awkwardness or laziness.
  • Key Insight: Dr. Mary’s personal experience highlights the challenges of recognizing autism, even for trained professionals.

[00:22:35] Comparison Between Her Son and Husband

  • Dr. Mary’s husband was also diagnosed with autism later in life. His behaviors were seen as brilliance, while similar behaviors in her son were seen as defiance.
  • Reflection: This comparison underscores how biases and perceptions can influence diagnosis and treatment.

[00:24:20] Misdiagnoses in Girls

  • Girls with autism, like Stephanie’s daughter, are often misdiagnosed with conditions like sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or ADHD, due to their quieter or less disruptive behaviors.

Find out more about our guest here:
Stephanie C Holmes, Ed.D, MA BCCC (through AACC)
Certified Autism Specialist / NeuroDiverse Marriage Specialist
www.HolmesASR.com
Courses found at: https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/membership

Where to Listen: Available on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Connect with Us:

HEY SIS!

As a devoted pediatrician, specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, my focus is on guiding and supporting families who have received an autism or ADHD diagnosis.

I am a PCCI trained life and leadership coach.

– Dr Mary