International Youth Day Special Research Topic: Participatory & Decolonizing Approaches to Autism Diagnosis, Health, & Wellbeing in Pediatrics

Current approaches to diagnostics, health and wellbeing of Autistic children inadvertently create exclusionary barriers that limit equity and access for marginalized communities. Given that clinical and research standards are historically grounded in Eurocentric, male, middle-class perspectives, they often misinterpret, delay, or deny diagnoses and resources for children with diverse communication styles, culturally specific coping strategies, or unique sensory responses when overwhelmed. When these cultural and contextual differences go unrecognized, marginalized communities such as Indigenous, racialized, and low-income families face compounded barriers that can undermine long-term health and wellbeing.Participatory and decolonizing approaches centre lived experience and are co-designed with communities to ensure meaningful outcomes for Autistic children from diagnosis through long-term health and wellbeing.Goal Our topic aims to advance understanding of the impact of exclusionary barriers on children from diverse backgrounds and attempts to identify effective strategies to dismantle those hurdles. Through participatory and decolonized approaches, we aim to highlight clear pathways toward equitable inclusion. We are inviting contributors from participatory autism research and Indigenous, minoritized, and clinical perspectives to challenge established norms and help accelerate the shift toward innovative culturally informed care and delivery models.Ultimately, the collection will showcase the impact of participatory and decolonizing approaches to autism diagnosis, health, and the wellbeing of Autistic children and offer original perspectives that advance the field with actionable concepts. Scope and information for AuthorsWe welcome a variety of submission types including original research, brief research reports, conceptual analysis, advances in methodology, literature review, and well -referenced, evidence-based perspectives that advance the field.We are interested in the following themes, as well as contributions that engage with the broader topic area:• Intersectional and marginalized experiences: examining systemic barriers to access, highlighting community-driven models that uphold equitable access, and broader discussions of challenges or joys related to intersectional identities• Redefining health and wellbeing outcomes through perspectives led by or developed in partnership with the Autistic community• Navigating systems, policies, and structural barriers that shape the health, wellbeing, and daily lives of Autistic children and their families• Family and caregiver support networks: sharing community-tested strategies identifying concrete pathways for improvement• Innovative delivery and accessibility models grounded in participatory and decolonizing frameworks• Submissions that intersect multiple themes are especially welcome, particularly those that focus on intersectional, Indigenous, and marginalized children and their families. Topic editors: TC Waisman, Grant Bruno, Sam Brandsen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/84907/international-youth-day-special-research-topic-participatory-decolonizing-approaches-to-autism-diagnosis-health-wellbeing-in-pediatrics