Rooted in Neurodiversity: Cultivating Inclusive Spaces

Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (CASY, ethnography project led by Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes) is delighted to welcome Ayanna Sanaa Davis on Thursday, February 12, 3-4pm EST (12pm PST, 8pm GMT, 9pm CET). There is no cost to attend, and international participants are welcome.

TITLE: Rooted in Neurodiversity: Cultivating Inclusive Spaces

DESCRIPTION: Facilitated by Ayanna Sanaa Davis, this chat explores the intersections of autism, race, and gender centering the voices and experience of Black women who are often diagnosed late or misdiagnosed. Grounded in Ayanna’s commitment to equity, healing, and radical inclusion, we’ll unpack how systems overlook neurodivergent Black individuals and how we can build spaces that honor our full identities.

BRIEF BIO: Ayanna Sanaa Davis is a passionate, awarding-winning autism advocate, educator, and speaker dedicated to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for Black autistic individuals. As a Black autistic woman, Ayanna brings lived experience, deep insight, and a justice-centered approach to her work at the intersection of race, disability, and neurodiversity. Through her advocacy, she challenges systemic inequities, amplifies marginalized voices, and fosters environments rooted in authenticity, belonging, and care. Whether leading workshops, facilitating dialogue, or building community, Ayanna is committed to ensuring that all autistic people—especially those too often unheard—are seen, supported, and empowered.

Learn more on Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (CASY): An 'ethnography' is an exploration of how a group of people express themselves in a cultural way. Autistic people have a growing kind of culture, and each autistic experience is a vital part of it. Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes is an anthropologist, ethnographer, primatologist, and author who is autistic. Join her for an exploration of the importance of autistic self-expression and the culture that grows from it. Those who wish to share their content are free to do so on our private Facebook groups (see below), organically contributing to a growing autistic culture.
Links to online events will also be shared on these private Facebook groups: CASY Cultural Autism Studies at Yale (recommended for autistic adults) and SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY FOR AUTISM (recommended for allies, professionals, and family members).

CREDITS: The preparation of this material was financed under an agreement with the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities (CTCDD). CASY Sparks membership and events are free. CASY Sparks is sponsored in part by The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Research Fund, and Dr. Roger Jou