This week on the show we have Autism Speaks Family Representative and World Autism Ambassador, Kameena Dawkins speaking to us all things Autism. Kameena is the first and only Multi-Ethnic/ Afro-American Parent Partner to hold several posts in the Autism Speaks Network and is a resilient single mother of a 16-year-old on the spectrum. She answers all our questions regarding ASD, such as: What’s the earliest age we can see signs of Autism in our kids? What are the first steps to take as a parent? What is the best way to approach a family with a child on the spectrum? & more. We also talk about the disparities in care that families of color receive when dealing with ASD and resources available for low-income families.
Before the interview, Paulina and Bricia talk mom fails, puppies (lol) and re-sleep training little Eduardo.
Our Conversation with Kameena Dawkins
(14:44): A brief introduction of who you are, Autism Speak organization & the work you do for them?
(888)- Autism2
(17:25): What is ASD?
(21:55): How common is this? What’s the earliest age that we can see signs of Autism in our kids?
(22:50): The color issue (in regards to Autism)
(25:30): What are the first steps to take as a parent if we see signs in our children?
(27:38): What is the best way to approach a family with a child on the spectrum?
(29:00): What is code Adam?
(33:50): Do we know any signs of prevention?
(37:50): What is residential?
(41:10): Is there a higher prevalence of Autism in people of color?
(42:40): Are there affordable resources available for low-income families?
Children’s Hospital of los Angeles Warm line: (323) 361-6102
(47:18): You recently published a “Puberty and Adolescent Resource Tool Kit,” Was there an experience you went through and you were said “this needs to exist”?
Reach out to Kameena via IG, @kameenaspeaks and email her, kameenaspeaks@gmail.com. Also, be on the lookout for her new book, “Black & Blue: The Inside Job to Healing in Autism through Self-Care” on her blog healingselfcare.wordpress.com
Pick or Tip of the Week
(54:45): Kameena cannot say enough good things about the Disney Cruise. As she said, your kids will never forget this experience.
(59:10): Paulina has been all about the Babyganics insect wipes to prevent bug bites & lavender/peppermint essential oil for sooth bites. They’re the best!
(1:01:01): Bricia’s tip is make your way down to Valle De Guadalupe wine country and enjoy some yummy food and delicious wine.
