April marks National Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across all communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data, 1 in 31 children in the U.S. have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. That represents a noticeable rise from previous statistics, which reported 1 in 36 children diagnosed with ASD. This increase highlights the growing awareness and recognition of autism, as well as the importance of expanding access to services and resources for families affected by this condition.
On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott engages in an in-depth conversation with a Georgia Tech autism researcher and two parents who bring valuable perspectives to the discussion. First, Jennifer Singh, an associate professor in the School of History and Sociology at Georgia Tech, discusses symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. She also talks about her research examining autism services available in Georgia and her documentary “Navigating Autism in Communities of Color.” Singh’s work sheds light on the unique challenges faced by minority communities, emphasizing how critical it is to address disparities in healthcare and education access. Her documentary serves as an important resource, showcasing real stories that underscore the need for culturally competent care.
In addition to the academic viewpoint, the program features heartfelt insights from two parents featured in the film. Dr. Bernadette Kilo, a certified autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist and an autism spectrum disorder clinical coordinator at Kaiser Permanente, along with Natasha Nelson, a disability advocate, a certified positive discipline educator and the founder and CEO of Supernova Parenting, share their personal experiences. They describe the joys and struggles of caring for children with autism, providing an honest look at the day-to-day realities families face. Their stories highlight the importance of community support and the impact that knowledgeable advocates can have on improving outcomes for children with ASD.
The conversation also touches on a particularly important and often underrepresented topic — autism in the Black community. This focus is vital as research and advocacy work continue to reveal significant disparities in diagnosis rates, access to quality treatment, and support services within minority populations. By bringing attention to these issues, programs like “Closer Look” and researchers like Jennifer Singh are helping to break down barriers and foster more equitable care for all children on the spectrum.
Together, these experts and parents provide a comprehensive view of autism from multiple angles — scientific, clinical, and personal — encouraging viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the condition and the varied experiences of those living with it. Their combined efforts remind us that autism awareness involves not just statistics, but real families, real challenges, and real progress toward inclusive support systems.
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