Indigenous Perspectives on Autism and Neurodiversity with Grant Bruno, Ph.D., and Otilia Johnson

EPISODE 123
Indigenous Perspectives on Autism
and Neurodiversity
with Grant Bruno, Ph.D., and Otilia Johnson

Play the Episode…

Show Notes

Indigenous cultures often have a very different view of raising children who receive diagnoses of autism or other neurodivergent conditions. These differences impact how families and children are supported, but also may result in difficulties when families need to interface with non-indigenous cultural professionals and systems to acquire services that may be helpful. Barry and Dave discuss these issues with Grant Bruno and Otilia Johnson, two parent-professionals from indigenous cultures in Canada and the US. A particular emphasis in the discussion is on what non-indigenous professionals can do to better serve these communities, as well as what can be learned from indigenous values and beliefs about raising children.

Featuring

Grant Bruno

GRANT BRUNO, Ph.D.

Dr. Grant Bruno is father to autistic children, a registered member of Samson Cree Nation (on of the Nations that makes up Maskwacîs, Treaty 6 territory, Alberta, Canada), and an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. Dr. Bruno’s research is community driven and aims to explore neurodevelopment differences in First Nations communities. He is also the Women and Children’s Health Research Institutes Indigenous Child Health Lead and is the founder of both the Ispimihk Awâsisak (Sky Children) and the Indigenous Caregiving Collective.

Resources

“The Gift of Being Different” – 18 minutes documentary

Article: “Indigenous Autism in Canada: A Scoping Review” (Bruno et al)

Indigenous Relations Circle – Autism Society of Alberta (open access) 

Otilia Johnson

OTILIA JOHNSON

Otilia Johnson is a proud mother to an autistic child who inspires her in many ways. She is a member of the Cora tribe of Nayarit, Mexico. Otilia currently resides in California where she holds a role in education management for the University of California, Davis, providing professional development trainings to human services agencies throughout the U.S. She consults with numerous Native American communities to assess needs and partner in the design of training plans that will inspire positive change. Providing education on neurodiversity through culturally responsive practices is her passion.

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) Grant and Otilia had different experiences around the time of their children’s diagnosis, and following the diagnosis. What was striking to you about these differences, and how might they be related to having indigenous autistic children? What advice can you take away from Grant’s and Otilia’s experiences, from a parent or professional perspective, in understanding autism through a different cultural lens?

2) What was most striking to you about the differences from mainstream western culture, or similarities in how indigenous cultures not only view their children but engage in practices in raising their children? As a professional or parent, what did you take away from these differences and similarities?

3) In indigenous cultures, spiritual beliefs and an intergenerational perspective appear to play a greater role in how children are viewed and supported. From this discussion, how will this impact how you raise your child or support children as a professional, or relate to any neurodivergent individuals in your life?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.