Nationwide — This year marks a historic first with the recognition of Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day, to be observed annually on September 19th. The national observance is dedicated to highlighting the lived experiences, challenges, and contributions of Black autistic individuals while addressing long-standing inequities in diagnosis, access to care, and support.
The day was established following the introduction of a congressional resolution emphasizing equity-focused awareness and acceptance. The resolution was inspired by the advocacy work and lived experience of Ayanna Sanaa Davis, a Black autistic advocate whose voice has helped bring national attention to a frequently overlooked community.
Addressing Long-Standing Disparities
Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day was created to confront a well-documented reality: Black children are more likely to be diagnosed with autism later in life, misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all. These delays often result in reduced access to early intervention, educational accommodations, and essential support services. In adulthood, Black autistic individuals frequently face compounded discrimination due to the intersection of race and disability.
The observance moves beyond awareness alone, emphasizing acceptance, recognizing autistic individuals as whole, valuable people rather than problems to be solved. It encourages policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities to adopt more equitable and culturally responsive practices.
About the Founder
Ayanna Sanaa Davis’ advocacy is rooted in lived experience. Like many Black autistic adults, she received her diagnosis later in life after years of being misunderstood and navigating systems that failed to recognize her neurodivergence. Instead of receiving support, her differences were often misinterpreted through bias and stereotype.
Determined to change that narrative, Davis began speaking openly about the realities of being both Black and autistic. Through education, storytelling, and advocacy, she has worked to center Black autistic voices and challenge the gaps in representation and understanding that persist in autism conversations.
Her advocacy resonated widely, reaching families, communities, and policymakers, ultimately helping inspire the congressional resolution that established September 19th as Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day.
A Call to Action
The recognition of this day represents more than a symbolic milestone. It serves as a call to action to:
• Improve early and accurate autism diagnosis for Black children
• Increase culturally competent healthcare and educational supports
• Address systemic bias affecting Black autistic individuals across the lifespan
• Elevate Black autistic voices in policy, research, and advocacy spaces
For Davis, the observance is about creating a future where Black autistic individuals are seen, supported, and affirmed without having to mask or justify their existence.
Looking Ahead
As the first Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day approaches on September 19th, it stands as a testament to the power of advocacy grounded in truth and lived experience. What began as one woman’s journey toward understanding herself has become a national moment of recognition and possibility.
Ayanna Sanaa Davis is a U.S. House of Representatives–recognized Changemaker and is represented by Collective Speakers Bureau. Her work continues to shape national conversations around disability justice, racial equity, and neurodiversity.
This inaugural observance honors the past, addresses the present, and lays the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future for Black autistic individuals nationwide.
For more information, follow Ayanna on Instagram at @phenomenallyautistic
Also, check visit her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/Phenomenallyautistic
For press inquiries, contact Teyana Cowan at phenomenallyautistic@gmail.com or 347-541-6226.