Early Intervention and Implicit Bias with Angel Wilson

Dr Mary speaks with Angel Wilson about autism services, implicit bias, and early intervention.

MHNRN | Apple Podcasts | Spreaker | Episode #15

As a pediatrician and advocate for families navigating autism, I’m thrilled to introduce this insightful episode featuring Angel Wilson, founder of Spark Guidance. We explore the challenges Black families face in receiving autism services, how to address implicit bias in healthcare, and the importance of early intervention. Angel shares her expertise in guiding families through post-early intervention transitions and training providers to better support autistic children.

You won’t want to miss this!

[00:00] Introduction: Dr. Mary introduces Angel Wilson, founder of Spark Guidance based in Palm Beach, Florida. Angel’s work involves parent coaching for families with autistic children and training providers (daycare workers, teachers) on how to accommodate these children. Angel also announces the return of her podcast Spark Out, which focuses on autism-related topics.

[02:00] Angel’s Background: Angel shares her educational journey in psychology, starting with her Bachelor’s from Howard University and her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern. She gained experience in autism service & care working in California, holding roles such as developmental therapist and program supervisor. Her work focuses on helping families and training providers.

[04:10] Accessibility of Services: Angel discusses the differences between autism services in California and Florida. California has a structured system with regional centers, while Florida lacks adequate resources, leading to “service deserts.” Even where services exist, many providers are not specialized in autism care, leaving families underserved.

[05:25] Challenges for Black Families: Dr. Mary and Angel discuss the additional barriers Black families face in accessing autism services, including stigma and implicit bias. Black children are often misdiagnosed with behavioral issues before receiving an autism diagnosis, and implicit bias from providers affects the quality of care these families receive.

[06:30] Angel’s Training Work: Angel talks about the cultural considerations in her autism training programs, where she helps providers recognize their own biases and how these can negatively impact families. She references research that outlines the various stages where implicit bias affects autism diagnosis and services.

[07:10] Disparities in School Services: Angel shares a personal story comparing how a white family and a Black family were treated during the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, showing the disparities in care. The Black family’s meeting was rushed, and their concerns were not adequately addressed.

[08:35] Dr. Mary on Implicit Bias: Dr. Mary discusses the “assumption of non-compliance” that many Black families face in the healthcare system. This assumption leads to lower quality service and fewer efforts from providers. Both Dr. Mary and Angel emphasize the need for providers to check their biases and improve care for minority families.

[09:05] Conclusion: Angel stresses the importance of educating providers and empowering families to advocate for their children. Dr. Mary thanks Angel for the insightful conversation and encourages listeners to check out Angel’s podcast, Spark Out, when it returns.

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

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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