HBCUs Leading the Way for Autism Awareness and Inclusive Education
Many HBCUs are implementing inclusive education initiatives, ensuring students of all abilities have access to resources that promote academic and social success
African man and a woman in a quarrel. Conflicts between husband and wife. Two characters sitting back to back, disagreement, relationship troubles. Concept of divorce, misunderstanding in family.
April is National Autism Acceptance Month, an important time to highlight the role Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in supporting students with varying abilities. Many HBCUs are implementing inclusive education initiatives, ensuring students of all abilities have access to resources that promote academic and social success.
Schools such as Howard University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College are at the forefront of these efforts, developing programs and partnerships aimed at fostering an inclusive learning environment. However, as the demand for autism support services continues to grow, there is a need for expanded accessibility and comprehensive resources across all HBCUs.
HBCUs Committed to Inclusive Education
Several HBCUs have taken significant strides in supporting neurodiverse students:
- Howard University – Offers research programs in speech and language pathology and provides resources for students with disabilities.
- Morehouse College – Partners with organizations to provide mentorship and support for students on the autism spectrum.
- Spelman College – Provides inclusive education initiatives and collaborates with disability advocacy groups.
- Alabama State University – Home to a nationally recognized Rehabilitation Studies program that supports individuals with disabilities.
- Jackson State University – Features an Office of Disability Services dedicated to providing accommodations and support for neurodivergent students.
- North Carolina A&T State University – Has programs designed to foster accessibility and inclusivity in higher education.
While these schools have made great progress, more can be done to ensure students with autism receive tailored support to help them thrive. Expanding scholarships, increasing autism-specific services, and fostering partnerships with advocacy groups are necessary steps toward a more inclusive future.
HBCU Alumni Supporting Autism Awareness
Beyond campus initiatives, HBCU alumni are making a national impact in the autism community. One standout example is Darius Thomas, M.S., CCC-SLP, a Howard University graduate and the CEO and Founder of Dynamic Therapy and Dynamic Cares, Inc. His work exemplifies the importance of culturally competent and accessible therapy services.
Dynamic Therapy provides speech and language services nationwide, while Dynamic Cares, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded to remove financial and social barriers to essential therapy services for underserved communities. Darius has dedicated his career to increasing diversity in speech pathology, an industry where only 9% of speech-language pathologists identify as Black or African American, and fewer than 5% are male (ASHA, 2021). Recognizing the need for inclusive care, he has made it his mission to ensure clients from marginalized communities feel valued and understood.
Autism Awareness in Action: The All-White Charity Brunch
To honor National Autism Acceptance Month, Darius is leading an effort to raise awareness and funding for autism support programs. On April 5, 2025, Dynamic Cares will host an All-White Charity Brunch fundraiser at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. This event will not only raise awareness about autism but will also fund scholarships for therapy, early intervention programs for infants, and critical resources for families in need.
Darius invites fellow speech-language pathologists, the HBCU community, and advocates to support this movement. Whether by attending the brunch, donating, or spreading awareness, community involvement is essential to ensuring quality care is accessible for all.
As we celebrate Autism Awareness Month, it is crucial to recognize and amplify the efforts of HBCUs and their alumni in fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. By advocating for expanded programs and supporting initiatives like Dynamic Cares, we can help ensure that students with autism have the opportunity to excel academically and socially, creating a future where inclusivity is the standard, not the exception.
