Warda Farah (2023)

Early Years Educational Professionals need to be aware of the intersecting identities of the children they work with and their different needs and experiences. In this guide the author explores what it means to approach teaching through an intersectional lens. The guide also provides a practical approach to integrating intersectional practices into a classroom or wider school environment. The author stresses that with greater understand of students’ lives and lived experience, the greater opportunity for collaboration between teachers and pupils. This work takes a positive, empathetic and inclusive stance to intersectionality in Early Years Education.

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Kandeh, Kandeh, Martin and Krupa (2018)

This report is the summary of a Symposium on Autism in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in the UK in 2018. Organised by Autism Voice UK, Participatory Autism Research Collective and the Critical Autism and Disabilities Studies Research Group at London South Bank University. The aims of the Symposium were to explore and highlight different perspectives about Autism in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and to preserve the cultural dignity of the community in supporting Autistic members. Thematic analysis of the feedback from those who attended the Symposium suggested that cultural, ethnic and religious sensitivities were important and were often ignored by professionals outside of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. The feedback prioritised the need for improved Autism awareness within the communities and understanding of intersectionality between Autism and racial and cultural identity by professionals. Lastly issues around stigma were common but not well understood outside of their communities. Following the feedback an action plan was created which highlighted improving access to information for parents, raising public awareness of Autism through community engagement and culturally aware Autism education for professionals.

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 Ventour-Griffiths (2022)

A comment on 'autism while black in the UK' from the autobiographical perspective of Tre Ventour-Griffith.

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Black Mental Health and Wellbeing Alliance (2024)

This manifesto has been developed by the collective action of individuals with lived experience of mental illness and grassroots organisations within the mental health sector. With issues of racial inequalities and racism within the mental health system disproportionately effecting Black people, the manifesto presents recommendations to change the current system. Designed as a reference point for health care professionals, those working within the education sector, policymakers, the government and those with the power to enact change. The manifesto works to tackle racial inequalities within the mental health system that impact Black people. It creates a robust and clear system of accountability, the authors state that through collaboration systemic barriers can be dismantled and a mental health system that meets the needs of all communities.

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Ibram X. Kendi (2019)

This book is written by one of the world’s leading scholars on racism. Through presenting a radical new approach to tackling racism the author tears down the idea of a post-racial society. He addresses the myths and taboos that distort people’s understanding of racism. The author gives the reader tools to identify and change behaviours that maintain the structures of racism. This work is crucial in starting conversations around being antiracist around the world.

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Sistah Space was founded in 2015. An award-winning community-based charity dedicated to bridging the gap between domestic abuse services and the needs of African Heritage and Caribbean Heritage women and girls. Founded following the tragic murder of Valerie Forde and her baby daughter by her ex-partner, the charity works to tackle domestic abuse in African Heritage families and address the intersectionality of racism and gender-based violence. In addition to their work lobbying for change and increased training for a range of services including the police on intersectional issues of race and domestic violence, they offer frontline services to African and Caribbean Heritage victims and survivors of domestic violence, including:

• Professional advice

• Advocacy

• 1 to 1 support

• Group counselling

• Therapeutic services

• Training

• Workshops

• Help to support you to understand your rights

• Help to access services and support networks

• Provide culturally considered emergency packs

Referrals are completed through a google form on the Sistah Space website, you can refer yourself or on behalf of someone else. You do not need to be a professional to refer someone.

Availability: National

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Support Organisation Disclaimer

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the credibility of the above resources, the links listed above will bring you to a third party website, owned and operated by an independent party over which Neurodiverse Connect has no control ("3rd Party Website"). Any link you make to or from the 3rd Party Website will be at your own risk. Any use of the 3rd Party Website will be subject to and any information you provide will be governed by the terms of the 3rd Party Website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy and security. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, Neurodiverse Connection are not in any way associated with the owner or operator of the 3rd Party Website or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Website. Neurodiverse Connection does not endorse or approve and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of the 3rd Party Website.

In addition Neurodiverse Connection disclaims liability for any loss, damage and any other consequence resulting directly or indirectly from or relating to your access to the 3rd Party Website or any information that you may provide or any transaction conducted on or via the 3rd Party Web site or the failure of any information, goods or services posted or offered at the 3rd Party Website or any error, omission or misrepresentation on the 3rd Party Website or any computer virus arising from or system failure associated with the 3rd Party Website.

Southall Black Sisters was founded in 1979 and has been lobbying the government for the rights of Black and minority women since then. The organisation supports Black and minority women and children in cases of domestic violence and their family and friends in cases of murder or suicide. The team speaks multiple Asian and African languages. Their front-line support includes:

• Southall Black Sisters Domestic Abuse Helpline – a national helpline for free, non-judgemental advice, information and guidance on domestic and sexual abuse. The helpline is open between 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is closed between 12:30pm and 1:30pm for lunch.

• Email support – there is support offered for those who cannot for whatever reason use a phone. The email support is via their website.

• Violence and abuse case work – if you are living in Ealing, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Richmond, Sutton, Kingston or Croydon you are eligible to access Southall Black Sisters’ support working with you to ensures your safety, access to legal advice and representative, securing support from services such as the police, social services, housing authorities and refuges, providing you with practical and emotional support to empower you to rebuild your life and independence.

Availability: Domestic Violence Helpline – National

Forced marriage – National

Casework – Ealing – Hounslow – Hillingdon – Richmond –Sutton – Kingston - Croydon

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Support Organisation Disclaimer

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the credibility of the above resources, the links listed above will bring you to a third party website, owned and operated by an independent party over which Neurodiverse Connect has no control ("3rd Party Website"). Any link you make to or from the 3rd Party Website will be at your own risk. Any use of the 3rd Party Website will be subject to and any information you provide will be governed by the terms of the 3rd Party Website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy and security. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, Neurodiverse Connection are not in any way associated with the owner or operator of the 3rd Party Website or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Website. Neurodiverse Connection does not endorse or approve and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of the 3rd Party Website.

In addition Neurodiverse Connection disclaims liability for any loss, damage and any other consequence resulting directly or indirectly from or relating to your access to the 3rd Party Website or any information that you may provide or any transaction conducted on or via the 3rd Party Web site or the failure of any information, goods or services posted or offered at the 3rd Party Website or any error, omission or misrepresentation on the 3rd Party Website or any computer virus arising from or system failure associated with the 3rd Party Website.

SupportLine is a confidential helpline that provides emotional support to anyone, regardless of age, race or gender, on any issue that may be causing them a problem. The Helpline is a preventative service and aims to support people before they reach crisis point. The Helpline while open to everyone is particularly focused at people who are socially isolated, vulnerable, at risk groups and victims of any forms of abuse. They support a range of issues including, but not exclusively, bullying to exam stress, to self-harm to abuse, mental health to disability and domestic violence. They keep information on other agencies, support groups and counsellors, this service can be used by professionals seeking resources for clients in their care. SupportLine allows people to talk through their feelings with a helpline worker who offers non-judgemental, caring, empathetic support. There are currently three ways to contact SupportLine:

• Phone Support – Telephone Helpline open 6am to 8pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

• Email Support – A direct email address is open every day and they aim to respond to emails with in 48 hours and try to respond the day you send the email

• Postal Support – SupportLine aim to respond to letters with in 48 hours of receiving them and where possible aim to respond the same day

Availability: National

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Support Organisation Disclaimer

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the credibility of the above resources, the links listed above will bring you to a third party website, owned and operated by an independent party over which Neurodiverse Connect has no control ("3rd Party Website"). Any link you make to or from the 3rd Party Website will be at your own risk. Any use of the 3rd Party Website will be subject to and any information you provide will be governed by the terms of the 3rd Party Website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy and security. Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, Neurodiverse Connection are not in any way associated with the owner or operator of the 3rd Party Website or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Website. Neurodiverse Connection does not endorse or approve and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of the 3rd Party Website.

In addition Neurodiverse Connection disclaims liability for any loss, damage and any other consequence resulting directly or indirectly from or relating to your access to the 3rd Party Website or any information that you may provide or any transaction conducted on or via the 3rd Party Web site or the failure of any information, goods or services posted or offered at the 3rd Party Website or any error, omission or misrepresentation on the 3rd Party Website or any computer virus arising from or system failure associated with the 3rd Party Website.

Delivered by Warda Farah

Content Warning: Grooming, Abuse and Coercive Control

Through personal anecdotes, research findings, and community narratives, this talk explores the multifaceted challenges faced by Autistic individuals, particularly those compounded by intersectionality. It will delve into the critical issues of grooming, from sexual abuse to involvement in county drug lines, and the vulnerabilities that can arise within familial, friendly, and romantic relationships.

Shedding light on the unique perspectives of being both Autistic and Black, emphasising how intersectionality amplifies these challenges. By examining these experiences through an intersectional lens, actionable insights for support systems, communities, and policymakers are generated.

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Warda has written an accompanying blog, which can be found here:

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Disclaimer

At Neurodiverse Connection, we are committed to promoting the use of neurodivergent affirming language. However, please do note that in these webinars, as with any content that Neurodiverse Connection host or share that includes input from other organisations or parties, we cannot guarantee that the preferred neurodivergent affirming terminology is always used.

Our guide to neurodivergent affirming language is available here:

View Language Guide