Webinar: Understanding Autism in Indigenous Communities

Overview

In this webinar, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Autism Coordinator and Director of the Office of National Autism Coordination (ONAC), Susan Daniels, Ph.D., will host an insightful conversation with a clinical psychologist and parent, Crystal Hernandez Psy.D., MBA (Cherokee), advocate Jim Warne MS (Oglala Lakota [Sioux] Nation) and autistic self-advocate Jules Edwards (Anishinaabe), who will discuss the intersection of his Native American heritage with his professional and lived experiences with autism. They will discuss the needs of indigenous communities in the US and recent projects and initiatives to increase outreach and provide resources to assist Native Americans with autism and other developmental disabilities.

This webinar is held in honor of Native American Heritage Month in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages ​​and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Islander communities and ensure that their rich stories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.

About the speakers

Julio Edwards
Board of Directors, Network of Autistic and Non-Binary Women

Ms. Jules Edwards is a neurodivergent Anishinaabe writer, gardener, accountant, and disability justice advocate. She is a mother of neurodivergent Afro-Indigenous people and has cared for many neurodivergent children over the years. She is a co-founder of the Minnesota Autistic Alliance, a board member of the Minnesota Ombudsman for American Indian Families, and a board member of The Arc Minnesota. She serves as chair-elect of the Minnesota Autism Council, a working group of the Senate Policy and Finance Committee on Human Services Reform. Ms. Edwards is passionate about building community and works to improve child safety and disability policy. Her culture shapes her worldview and decision-making, and she is committed to making the community a better place for generations to come. Ms. Edwards’ educational background includes a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship 2020-21, an Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) National Training Steering Council Fellowship 2021-22, and Fellow of the Wilder Foundation Community Equity Program 2022-23 cohort. .

Crystal Hernandez, Psy.D., MBA
Owner and CEO, Dr. Crystal Hernandez Consulting, LLC

Dr. Crystal Hernandez is a proud Cherokee, a psychologist by training, tribal disability expert, researcher, mental health administrator, and mother of three children, including a wonderful young autistic boy. She is the CEO and owner of Dr. Crystal Hernandez Consulting, LLC, which works with a variety of tribal nations, public and private organizations, and federal agencies. He has over two decades of experience in the mental health and addictions field, as well as years of experience working in the disability field. Dr. Hernandez serves as a Board Member for the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma and Arc of Oklahoma and is also a member of the Program Advisory Committee for the State of the States on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She believes in service to others and works tirelessly to improve clinical treatments, diagnosis, and equitable access to care for all. Culturally grounded supports and services are critical to Dr. Hernandez, and she incorporates this principle into all aspects of her life. Dr. Hernández is an advocate for system change, equity, and the protection of human rights. She is widely published, has presented at various venues, and is the host of the Black Feathers podcast focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities in Indian Country.

Jim Warren
Director of Community Engagement, University of South Dakota Center for Disabilities, Oyáte Circle Sanford School of Medicine

Jim Warne is a member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Nation. He is the Director of Diversity and Community Engagement at the University of South Dakota (USD) Center for Disabilities, Oyate Circle at Sanford School of Medicine. He is also a USD Pediatrics Instructor. Mr. Warne provided several grants to the University of South Dakota to establish the Oyate Circle to establish a University Tribal Center for the Disabled. He is president of his consulting firm Warrior Society Development, LLC (WSD). He works with various government agencies, organizations and tribal nations. Mr. Warne is a motivational speaker and has experience in Indian Country advocacy, Congressional testimony, cultural diversity, film production, acting, stunt work, professional football, youth sports and life skills camps, grant writing and organizational development. Its film division of WSD Productions produced “7th Generation,” an award-winning documentary. Jim produced and wrote the film based on his lectures and teachings as an educator, advocate and public speaker. Mr. Warne earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a master’s degree from San Diego State University.

Susan Daniels, Ph.D.
National Autism Coordinator; Director, National Autism Coordination Office

Dr. Daniels is the HHS National Autism Coordinator, a role created by Congress to facilitate the coordination and implementation of autism activities across federal departments and agencies. She is also Director of ONAC at the National Institute of Mental Health and Executive Secretary of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) . The IACC is a federal advisory committee created by Congress to coordinate federal activities on autism and provide advice to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues related to autism. Dr. Daniels has a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from Brandeis University, where he conducted research in neuroscience.