Brought together by our love for our children growing up on the autism spectrum, a diverse group of fathers has been meeting since September 2019 with the support of the A. J. Drexel Autism Institute. Drs. Michael Hannon and Robert Naseef have facilitated the group drawing from a depth of lived and professional experience. It’s generally rare, but so welcome and vital, to see racially and ethnically diverse men sharing the same space for support. Our group has often discussed the disparities that exist between children and families of color and White children and families in getting the ASD diagnosis as well as the vital intensive services necessary.
Our last meeting via Zoom on May 30, we aired our honest, pent up frustrations after over 10 weeks of quarantine. We all admitted some form of anger at the world, acute symptoms of anxiety and depression, less patience with loved ones, more alcohol consumption, all while cities across the country burned with the flames of protest against police violence against Black citizens in hopes for some semblance of justice.
Our virtual meetings are open to fathers everywhere to participate. That participation can come in the form of solely listening or actively contributing to our conversations. Mark your calendars for this Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 AM, Eastern. We are living through some horrible moments as “I can’t breathe!” echoes deep in our collective souls. Nonetheless, in these moments, there exist opportunities to be better men, fathers, partners, brothers, and friends. As we continue to be transformed by the journey of raising children on the spectrum, we have an opportunity to be a part of the change we want to see in the world in representing a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith group of fathers.
Stay safe, and peace brothers!
Michael & Robert
P.S. If you're a dad interested in joining the meeting this Saturday morning, you can email autisminstitute@drexel.edu for the login information.