Description
Racial Disparities in Autism: The role of race and disability stigma
This one-hour evidence-based DEI presentation will provide learners with greater insight into Intersectional Autistic Stigma and suggest ways to improve experiences and outcomes.
Target audience: Therapists, Educators, and the Autistic and Non-Autistic General Public
Receive: Session handout, slides, and Certificate of Attendance

Desi Jones
Desi is a 5th-year psychology Ph.D. student at The University of Texas at Dallas. Her research focuses on how autistic people are perceived by their peers, and how these perceptions impact the experiences of autistic adults. Desi is also interested in the intersection of race and disability, and ways to reduce barriers for disabled people of color. For her dissertation, Desi will investigate the relationship between stigmatizing attitudes, peer victimization, and mental health outcomes in Black and White autistic adults. Prior to joining UT Dallas, Desi worked as a research assistant at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She graduated from Wellesley College with a BA in neuroscience and psychology in 2016 and in 2020, she received her MS in applied cognition and neuroscience from UT Dallas.
- Autism – Identification Inequity
- The intersection of race and disability, and ways to reduce barriers
- Disability Rights and Social Justice
Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
Spectrum
Google Scholar Citations
You will learn
- Why Autism Stigma is a bi-product of Societal Norms and Values
- The What, Why, and Impact of Structural Stigma in Autism
- The What, Why, and Impact of Autistic Internalized Stigma
- The Sweeping Poor Outcomes of Minority Stress
- How Autistic Intersectional Identities impact Stigma
- About the Lived Experiences of Black Autistic People and their Caregivers
- How we can address Racial Biases in Autism Research and Practice