Manualizing FACES: A Community-Based Intervention Supporting Black Families Raising Autistic Children

• In Event: Centering Families in Special and Inclusive Education

Abstract

Due to disparities in diagnoses and access to interventions, Black autistic youth and their families frequently face challenges obtaining early intervention and related services. These disparities often result in culturally insensitive service delivery and strained parent-professional partnerships. The FACES program was designed to equip Black families with tools and strategies to improve these systemic inequities and to enhance outcomes for their autistic child and family. Historically, FACES has been facilitated solely by the FACES lab. However, to reach more families within the community, FACES is currently undergoing manualization so it can be facilitated by community-based providers. This paper details the processes involved in manualizing FACES to be implemented by the broader community.

Authors

• Jamie Pearson, North Carolina State University

• DeVoshia Mason Martin, North Carolina State University

• Janelle A. Johnson, North Carolina State University

• Jared Stewart-Ginsburg, North Carolina State University

• Jetta K. Lewis, North Carolina State University

• Lonnie D. Manns, North Carolina State University

• Jennifer Macko, North Carolina State University