Encouraging curiosity about Autism in the rhythm of life
This 60-minute safe-space workshop supports parents and carers to expand their understanding of Autism, the sensory experience and the behaviours often associated with neurodiversity.
Together, we explore evidence-based practical strategies to support young people at home, to navigate school and access support services more confidently.
The session also explores how cultural experiences, social inequalities and bias affect how Black children are understood and supported in their community.
Together we will explore:
What Autism is and common misconceptions
Recognising the sensory experiences associated with Autism
Strengths and positive aspects of Autism
Practical strategies to support behaviour that challenges
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform
How to work effectively with schools, employers and local services
Participants will gain:
Greater understanding of Autism and how it presents differently in individuals
Practical tools to support behaviour and emotional wellbeing
Awareness of the impact of inequality and misunderstanding on Black children and families
Increased confidence when working with schools and professionals
Connection with a community that will help you to advocate for your neurodiverse
Information about local services and resources
Maximum capacity: 7 participants per workshop
Suitable for parents, carers and family members. No prior knowledge required. Sessions can be delivered in person or online.
Workshops
This 60-90 minute culturally informed workshop is tailored to support community and faith groups to accelerate greater awareness and understanding of Autism. It will also offer insights to equip community leaders to support families with the challenges they face when accessing support.
Together we will explore:
What Autism is and common misconceptions
Recognising the sensory experiences associated with Autism
Strengths and positive aspects of Autism
Practical strategies to support behaviour that challenges
Practical tools to support the behaviour and emotional well-being of individuals with Autism and their families
The impact of inequality and misunderstanding on Black children and families
Practical ways community groups can support early intervention and encourage inclusivity
Designed to encourage open conversation, reflection and learning in a respectful and familiar environment.
Participants will gain:
Greater understanding of Autism and how it presents differently in individuals
Practical tools to support behaviour and emotional well-being
Awareness of the impact of inequality and misunderstanding on Black children and families
Increased confidence when working with schools and professionals
Information about local services and resources
Ideal for:
Community organisations
Faith groups
Parent networks
Youth and family support settings
Maximum capacity: 12 people
Sessions are delivered in person unless otherwise agreed.
This 90-120min workshop provides organisations with a practical and culturally informed introduction to Autism and inclusive practice tailored to the needs of the organisation. The session supports staff to better understand neurodiversity, recognise how behaviour may communicate unmet needs, and reflect on the impact of inequality and bias on outcomes for Black children and families.
Together we will explore:
What Autism is and common misconceptions
Recognising the sensory experiences of the Autism spectrum
Strengths and positive aspects of Autism
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform
The impact of inequality and misunderstanding on Black children and families
Inclusive communication and support strategies
Reducing misunderstanding and escalation
Strengthening equality, safeguarding and inclusive practice
Participants will gain:
Greater understanding of Autism and how it presents differently in individuals
Awareness of the impact of inequality and misunderstanding on Black children and families
Practical tools to support the behaviour and emotional well-being of individuals with Autism and their families
Awareness of inclusive services and accessible resources
Strengthened understanding of equality, safeguarding and inclusive practice
The workshop is suitable for:
Corporate teams
NHS and public sector staff
Education, safeguarding and community professionals
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives
Maximum capacity: 16 people
Sessions can be delivered online or in person.
Why We Exist
A crisis straddles the education, health and justice systems of England, and the futures of neurodivergent Black children are paying the price.
In England, the life course is riddled with challenges for Black people. Black women experience poorer maternal health outcomes (UK Parliament), Black people are nearly 4 times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act than white people, despite representing a much smaller part of the population (NHS Digital), Black children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) experience high rates of school exclusion (Runnymede Trust), and Black people are more likely to experience higher arrest rates (Arrests - GOV.UK Ethnicity facts and figures).
A 2021 University of Cambridge study found that of 7 million children in England, Black children had the highest prevalence of Autism compared to other racial/ethnic groups (Roman-Urrestarazu, p. 2). Evidence shows that Autistic children are disproportionately excluded from school (Guldberg et al.).
Although individual interventions exist for parents and carers navigating complex education, health and behaviour support, more research is needed to examine what support Black parents/carers themselves find most effective, how they access it, and the systemic barriers that hinder them.
In Black British communities, barriers to accessing support result from sustained systemic inequality, and due to stigma about mental health and SEND (Ofori), which are shaped by the above challenges throughout life. Both factors restrict Black communities from drawing on their collective wisdom and lived experiences when advocating for the educational needs of their suspected and/or diagnosed neurodivergent children. Umii Says makes it easier to share and draw on that collective wisdom.
Neurodivergence is a natural variation of being human. It is not just about how we think, but how we experience the world differently. Umii Says is a social enterprise that stands in the gaps created by misunderstanding and stigma that contribute to exclusion and poorer outcomes throughout life. We combine evidence-based strategies with powerful stories of lived experience to create more equitable spaces and real diversity of thought.
Okay so, who's Umii?
Okay so, who's Umii?
Umii Says Ltd is inspired by Yasiin Bey’s song ‘Umi Says’. ‘Umi’ is Arabic for ‘mother’, and the song is about the encouragement he receives from his mother, aunt, and grandmother to shine his light on the world. Bey talks about Black people being free to make the best use of their lives, and how precious the present moment is. There’s a sense of urgency to share the encouragement he often received, to inspire us to make the best use of what we have despite the fear and the challenges that inevitably come with improving ourselves and the world around us.
This song speaks to the core of what Umii Says Ltd is about, community leaders understanding, affirming and encouraging the unique individuals in their care. Self-acceptance is nurtured in the relationships that make us feel safe.
Our hope is for Umii Says Ltd to build a community that empowers Black neurodivergent people to live well, honouring their unique experiences in the rhythm of their lives.
Awareness is readiness.
Book a taster session with us today.