My current research aims to highlight contextual, experiential and psychological factors that influence (determine or threaten) the wellbeing of Black caregivers of children with ASD in the UK. This research measures the impact of autism on Black parents to raise awareness and begin dialogue that addresses transnational and global issues, while providing a framework to address government policies and funding for services. I explore contextual and systemic factors such as ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status and length of caregiving experience; such diversity is likely to produce information that can be transferred and generalised to a wider UK population.

I employ a qualitative methods approach to capture the unique voices and experiences of Black parents. Intersectional links of contextual, systemic and individual experiences are examined along with various factors that impact parents' psychological factors. Semi-structured interviews will opportune parents to voice out their perspective of the role of (indigenous and host) culture on autism, whether their beliefs have changed, their experiences and concerns for a personalised and detailed response.

The findings from this research can commence public and social policy initiatives to deliver practical and culturally appropriate services to understand the global issues surrounding autism and ethnic minority families, guidance for government policies, autism services and professional relations. The study aims to influence foreign and UK policy on public and cultural relations, public health initiatives and autism legislations: we will identify and contact policymakers with an interest in autism, families and global issues and disseminate findings quickly to develop recommendations that deliver tangible and lasting impact in the autism field.

Gemegah, E., Hartas, D. and Totsika, V., 2020. Public attitudes to people with ASD: contact, knowledge and ethnicity. Advances in Autism.

Tromans, S., Chester, V., Gemegah, E., Roberts, K., Morgan, Z., Yao, G.L. and Brugha, T., 2020. Autism identification across ethnic groups: a narrative review. Advances in Autism.

Peer Reviewer: Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools, A Guidance Report

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1589180181/bsmeorguk/x8vmwwdvv3boyefpvdbs/EEF_Special_Educational_Needs_in_Mainstream_Schools_Guidance_Report.pdf 

[e.gemegah@warwick.ac.uk]