Intro
Contents
Acknowledgments
Prelude: "I Am Caleb's Mom"
Introduction
Notes on How to Read the Book
Chapter 1 Study Overview
Refrigerator Mothers: Historical Representations of Autism Mothers
White Warrior Autism Mothers
Black Family Perspectives on Autism
Black Mothers and Sons
Intersectionality Theory and Motherwork
Study Purpose
Study Methodology
Study Participants
Data Collection Methods
Data Analysis
Chapter 2 The Making of Black Autism Mothers
Participants and Descriptions
Donelle Boston, 64, North Carolina

Candi Charles, 47, New York
Marley Christian, 35 New York
Karla Daniels, 45, New York
Thelma Fox, 47, Texas
Kendra Green, 40, New York
Beverly Hughes, 50+, New York
Ginger Lawrence, 50+, Virginia
Sarah Mitchell, 46, New York
Faith Murphy, 33, New York
Indigo Odum, 50+, New York
Michelle Priest, 52, New York
Lisa Thompson, 50, New York
Kiara Williams, 42, New York
Chapter Summary
Chapter 3 "Black Mommas Need Action Items"
Overview of Autism Acceptance Models
Picture of Action: Acceptance in Action

Picture of Action: Strategizing the Autism Learning Curve
Picture of Action: Helping Husbands and Partners Create a New Normal
Picture of Action: "Don't Demean What's Happening with My Son"
Picture of Action: "All My Chips Are on God"
Picture of Action: "Make the Best Lemonade"
Chapter Summary
Chapter 4 Black Mothers at the Intersection of Race, Class, Gender, and Autism
Protecting the Innocence of Black Boys
Mothering with an Awareness of Police Brutality
Mothering for Safety with "the Talk"

A True-to-Life Experience at the Intersection of Race, Class, Gender, and Autism
Chapter Summary
Chapter 5 Education at the Intersection of Race, Class, Gender, and Autism
Black Mothers' Involvement with Special Education
Building Trust with BAMs
Class Implications of BAMs' Advocacy
"They Hate to See Me Coming Up to That School"
"I Feel Threatened": A Teacher Calls the Police
Sacrifices for Special Education Services
The School Meeting
"I Gave Him His Power Back"
Chapter Summary
Chapter 6 Black Is the New Autism: BAMs and Autism Representation

The Autism Cultural Scene
Black Autism Mothers Creating Autism Cultural Spaces
Autism in Black Churches
BAMs Offer Advice on Culturally Responsive Autism Care and Services
Sociopolitical Consciousness
Cultural Competence
High Expectations for Clinicians and Autism Researchers
High Expectations for Service Care Coordinators and Agencies
Chapter Summary
Chapter 7 BAMs and the Future
The Dearth of Adult Autism Services
Raising Successful and Good Black Men
"Just Because You Got Autism, You Don't Get a Pass"
"I Don't Want Him to Be the Inheritance"