Afrikindness Neurodiversity Community Programme (ANCP)
A community awareness and training campaign to bridge the gap in autism awareness and improve response to diagnosis and support within the Black and minority communities.
Parenting with Purpose
Neurodiversity Community
Awareness Programme
Afrikindness champions understanding and support for every child, especially those on the autism spectrum in African and ethnic minority communities. We recognize the unique challenges these families face in accessing care and diagnosis, often compounded by cultural and institutional barriers.
If you’re a parent navigating the complexities of raising a neurodiverse (autistic) child within the African or ethnic minority community, know that you are not alone.
The Afrikindness Neurodiversity Community Programme is here to support you. We offer guidance on understanding autism, navigating the diagnosis process, and accessing the support necessary for you and your child to thrive.
Register to join a community of parents and have access to expert support. Together, we can navigate the challenges of raising neurodiverse children and transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and understanding.
Neurodiversity Community
Training Programme
A community training campaign to bridge the gap in autism awareness and improve response to diagnosis and support within the Black and minority communities.
ANCP is for every parent, teacher, community leader or professional from Black and minority ethnic background who is looking to:
- Improve their understanding of neurodiversity
- Get equipped to debunk the myths around neurodiversity
- Understand the pathways to diagnosis
- Better support children, friends family and others who are neurodiverse.
- Get certified to carry out training within your community.
Lead Trainer
Psychologist, Researcher and Certified trainer on Neurodiversity and inclusion for Afrikindness
Dr. Vivian Okoye is a prominent expert in the field of mental health, Trauma-informed care, and parenting education in Africa. She is also a Researcher who is passionate about understanding the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion of Neurodiverse people from ethnic minorities.
Vivian earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Imo State University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Newcastle University, UK. As a highly skilled expert, she holds certifications in Trauma treatment and Addiction treatment from the Trauma Research Foundation and the American Academy for Addiction Psychiatry respectively. Vivian is also a certified Mental Health First Aider from Mental Health First Aid England.
With over 12 years of experience, Vivian has worked with individuals, families, children, and organizations, showcasing expertise in clinical and community healthcare practice, Eye Care Practice and Regulation in Nigeria, Mental Health Policy and Best Practice Engagement in the UK, as well as mentoring, coaching, and therapy for individuals and vulnerable communities. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with genuine human connection, reflecting a commitment to patient-centred care that extends beyond the healthcare setting
Certified trainer on Neurodiversity and inclusion for Afrikindness
Manjinder’s comprehensive expertise also encompasses launching innovative financial products, navigating regulatory landscapes, obtaining permissions and licences and strategic counsel to boards and senior management on regulatory compliance and risk management.
Beyond her professional realm, Manjinder is a committed philanthropist. Manjinder also lends her time and expertise to humanitarian causes and is a trustee of the charity “Afrikindness”. Manjinder is deeply invested in advocating for neurodiversity, inspired by her personal journey with her daughter, who is gifted and on the autism spectrum.
Her dedication to this cause is a testament to her belief in the limitless possibilities of every neurodiverse child and her commitment to being a voice for change and acceptance.
In 2023, our dedicated Afrikindness research associate, a Clinical Psychology Graduate student from Newcastle University, undertook a groundbreaking study addressing the pressing issue of delayed autism diagnoses among Black African parents in the United Kingdom. The research uncovered a complex interplay of awareness, and cultural and religious factors significantly contributing to these delays, shedding light on a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by this community. This study, unlike previous research endeavours, highlighted specific obstacles faced by ethnic minority groups, particularly within the Black African community. It revealed a distinctive perspective on the intricate connection between autism awareness, cultural influences and accessing autism diagnoses by Black African parents.
The findings underscored the critical role of awareness, or lack thereof, as a significant barrier to accessing timely autism diagnoses. Varying levels of awareness and misconceptions surrounding autism were evident among the participating parents, contributing to delays in recognizing and seeking diagnosis for their children. Moreover, the study brought to light the impact of culture and religion on parents’ responses to their child’s atypical behaviours, with instances of initial resistance, denial, and scepticism reported. Beyond awareness issues, the research also uncovered challenges related to the limited knowledge of available services among Black parents, leading to aimless searches and exposure to potentially harmful information. In light of these findings, it is evident that enhancing autism awareness has the potential to significantly reduce delays in accessing diagnoses, ultimately improving the well-being of autistic children in the Black and ethnic minority community.
To address these challenges, Afrikindness has developed the NEURODIVERSITY COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN PROJECT. The findings from this research have ignited our dedication to crafting specialized programs and resources tailored to the unique needs of ethnic minority families with neurodiverse children. Our goal is to design and implement culturally sensitive education and outreach initiatives that resonate with these communities starting from Leeds and Yorkshire and hopefully to be replicated across England.
There is a pressing need for community-centred initiatives that deliver culturally attuned education and outreach programs. Our intervention is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of African and ethnic minority families. The key objectives of these programs will focus on increasing comprehension of autism, reducing associated stigma and feelings of shame, and providing families with essential resources and support as they navigate the journey towards diagnosis and treatment for their child. By investing in these initiatives, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of Black African and ethnic minority parents and their autistic children, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
The in-person and virtual workshops will offer a comprehensive curriculum covering essential aspects of neurodiversity, fostering a deeper understanding and challenging societal biases. Key components include:
- Demystifying Neurodiversity: Breaking down complex concepts surrounding neurodiversity to facilitate better comprehension among participants.
- Autism Awareness: Providing participants with insights into the spectrum of autism, its characteristics, and various presentations.
- Debunking Myths about Neurodiversity: Addressing prevalent misconceptions and stereotypes, fostering a more accurate understanding.
- Challenging Bias and Stigmatization: Exploring the impact of biases and stigmatization on autistic individuals and families, promoting empathy and inclusivity.
- Exploring Pathways to Accessing Diagnosis: Guiding participants through the practical steps involved in seeking and obtaining an autism diagnosis.
- Mental Health for Parents: Recognizing and addressing the mental health challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent children.
- Self-care: Empowering parents with strategies for self-care to navigate the unique demands of raising neurodivergent children.
- Cultural Awareness: Enhancing cultural sensitivity and understanding the intersection of cultural factors with neurodiversity.
One-on-One Sessions for Parents: Offering personalized support through our parent coaching platform.
- Organization World Cafe and Exhibitions: Providing a platform for organizations to share resources and information.
- Syndicate Sessions: Facilitating small-group discussions for deeper engagement and personalized insights.
- Interactive Play: Incorporating interactive activities to make learning engaging and enjoyable.
- Course Review and Recap: Reinforcing key learnings and allowing participants to reflect on the content.
Awards, Sponsors Corner: Acknowledging achievements and recognizing the valuable contributions of sponsors.
This training is open to:
- Parents with neurodivergent children
- Community leaders, Religious institutions, and Local authorities seeking to understand neurodiversity with inclusion
- School leaders seeking to understand neurodiversity with children of colour
- Caregivers, including grandparents and childcare providers
- Minority parents
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Participants: Max 100 participants (cohort)
Course Starts: September 2024
Duration: One Year
Delivery: Virtual via Zoom
Language: English Training
Pricing: FREE
Broadcast Location: Workshop from Leeds
