Draft:The Color of Autism
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Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. ~2026-37432-94 (talk) 19:24, 29 June 2026 (UTC)
| Formation | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Camille Proctor |
| Type | Non-profit |
| Focus | Autism equity, caregiver training, underserved communities |
| Website | thecolorofautism |
The Color of Autism Foundation is an American nonprofit organization that provides support, training, and advocacy resources for autistic individuals and their caregivers, with a focus on underrepresented and underserved communities. The organization was founded in Atlanta, Georgia in February 2009 and relocated to Detroit, Michigan in 2012, where it operates as a national organization.[1][2]
History
[edit]Camille Proctor established the foundation in Atlanta, Georgia in February 2009, one year after her son was diagnosed with autism at age two. Proctor observed that families of color faced significant barriers when navigating systems to access care, and that Black children were being diagnosed with autism at lower rates than white children, often receiving misdiagnoses that further delayed access to appropriate services. She founded the Color of Autism Foundation in response to the absence of culturally competent support for these families.[3][4]
In 2012, the organization relocated to Detroit, Michigan. Since its founding, the Color of Autism Foundation has grown into a national organization, extending its work beyond early diagnosis to supporting autistic individuals and their families across the lifespan.[5]
Programs
[edit]The Color of Autism Foundation operates several training and support programs for families, caregivers, and professionals. Its core training model, Spectrum of Care, is a structured parent and caregiver training program designed to build confidence and competency in families navigating medical, educational, and social service systems.[6] The Spectrum of Care model has been the subject of peer-reviewed research examining the impact of culturally grounded parent training in underserved communities.[7]
The organization also provides advocacy and leadership training, supporting parents in developing the skills to advocate effectively for their children and within their broader communities.[8]
Recognition and media
[edit]PBS featured the Color of Autism Foundation in a segment examining autism awareness and support in communities of color.[9] Founder Camille Proctor has delivered lectures at major research institutions including the UC Davis MIND Institute's Distinguished Lecturer Series.[10] The foundation has been featured in coverage by the Organization for Autism Research, Sesame Workshop, and the Michigan Chronicle.[11][12]
In 2024, the foundation was featured in a documentary produced in partnership with faculty from the Georgia Institute of Technology's Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts exploring autism in communities of color.[13] In 2023, Proctor was appointed to the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC).[14]
References
[edit]- ^ "The Color of Autism Foundation". Model D Media. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Black parents of children with autism face unique challenges. This Detroit nonprofit offers help". From Common Ground. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Black parents of children with autism face unique challenges. This Detroit nonprofit offers help". From Common Ground. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "The Color of Autism Foundation". Model D Media. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Illuminating the Path: The Color of Autism Foundation's Commitment to Justice and Insight". Organization for Autism Research. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Black parents of children with autism face unique challenges. This Detroit nonprofit offers help". From Common Ground. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Peer-reviewed study on culturally grounded parent training". PubMed. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Illuminating the Path". Organization for Autism Research. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Understanding Autism". PBS. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Lecture to focus on culturally grounded approach to supporting parents of autistic children". UC Davis Health. 2023. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Exploring the Amazing in Autistic Children". Sesame Workshop. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Detroit vs. Everybody to donate a portion of proceeds of Everybody vs. Autism shirts". Michigan Chronicle. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Documentary from Ivan Allen College Faculty Explores Challenges of Autism". Georgia Institute of Technology. 2024. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
- ^ "Black Health and Wellness in the Autism Community". MyAutism.org. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States Category:Autism-related organizations Category:Organizations established in 2009 Category:Non-profit organizations based in Michigan