Inclusive Support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities by Tanika Davis

Our son, Slade, was diagnosed with autism at two-and-a-half. We had no idea what autism was, what it means for Slade or how to support him. We immediately sought professional advice and support to better understand autism, because we want Slade to live his best life. 

As we became more aware of autism, and navigated health and education systems, we realised how ill-equipped and complex service systems are when responding to Aboriginal children and adults who are autistic, or living on the spectrum. Time and time again we were required to educate allied health and education professionals on the cultural differences in worldviews with Aboriginal communities, to better support our family’s needs.

I am a proud Worimi woman from Forster NSW. In any kind of relationship, trust is vital for Aboriginal people — and when engaging or working with Aboriginal people, trust should be the main focus. 

There can be an element of fear around mainstream services. It’s a fear based around colonisation. Conversations around child protection and child removal is something we faced many years ago, and are still facing, as a culture. So building trust is always important. 

I’ve been able to build a great relationship with our medical team and allied health professionals, however, there’s still a continued conversation around cultural needs and implementing cultural differences in our household into Slade’s therapy. There still needs to be an understanding that we do things differently.      

For example, we’ve been able to tell our speech pathologist that we would like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander books included in Slade’s learning. We want to make sure that these are the first point of call for his development because they are culturally safe, and tell stories of the lived experience in our world. Slade has been able to relate more to these books than say, a wiggles book.

Health literacy is another huge barrier for our people. What is an occupational therapist? What are they actually going to do with my child in these sessions? What are they going to work towards? What does a paediatrician do? And what does it look like for a support worker to come into our home and do a session with our children? The majority of the time it’s not going to look like the ‘typical’ session — it’s going to look quite different.

So how can therapists, specialists and support workers come into our home and be that supportive person for our family?   

For the audience reading this, I want my experience to leave you with the question — Am I doing enough as a therapist, support worker, colleague or educator to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children?

If not, it’s ok. But now you can reflect, action and include us (Aboriginal People) in this process.

Don’t be afraid to ask where to start.

About Tanika Davis

Tanika Davis created of the The I Am, Movement shortly after her son Slade received his autism diagnosis. The I Am, Movement provides culturally-safe educational resources and interactive workshops.

To find out more, or follow Tanika’s journey, visit The I Am, Movement’s Instagram, Facebook and website.

Autism and Disability Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Autism Connect: Search is a curated autism information directory. Find information and resources on a range of topics related to autism, disability, therapeutic supports and more

Shared Book Reading, Our Way – Aspect and The I Am Movement

The resource includes a set of flash-cards that supports therapists, families and autistic children to read books together. They come with an information flyer which gives background about the collaboration, details about the books and steps for how to use the flash cards. Co-designed with Aboriginal artists, therapists and families.       

Autism, Our Kids, Our Stories: Voices of Aboriginal Parents Across Australia – Positive Partnerships

A collection of 10 interviews from Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander families of autistic people. This book aims to connect with community and raise awareness through the authentic voice of lived experience.

Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students – Positive Partnerships

Culturally specific resources for families of school-aged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Videos, podcasts, information sheets and templates to encourage partnerships between home, school and mob.