Culturally Responsive Autism Support in Indigenous Communities with Dr. Candi Running Bear, Dr. Davis E. Henderson, and Dr. Olivia Lindly

About this episode

Ben Reiman discusses culturally responsive autism support in Indigenous communities with experts Dr. Candi Running Bear, Dr. Davis E. Henderson, and Dr. Olivia Lindly.

What does truly culturally responsive autism support look like—and who should lead it? In this episode, Ben speaks with Dr. Davis Henderson, Dr. Candi Running Bear, and Dr. Olivia Lindly about their work adapting the Parents Taking Action program for Diné (Navajo) families. Together, they unpack how geography, language, family structure, and cultural values shape access to autism services—and how their team is working alongside communities to close those gaps. From telehealth delivery across vast rural regions to adapting AAC tools in Indigenous languages, this conversation highlights what it really takes to move beyond “one-size-fits-all” care. The team also shares their innovative next step: empowering parents to train educators—flipping the traditional model of expertise on its head. What You’ll Learn Why autism awareness and services remain limited in many Indigenous communities How the Diné Parents Taking Action program was culturally adapted The role of community advisory boards in ethical, effective research How telehealth unexpectedly improved access and connection Why AAC must be culturally and linguistically responsive The importance of extended family systems in…

People in this episode

Host: Ben Reiman

Guests: Dr. Candi Running Bear, Dr. Davis E. Henderson, Dr. Olivia Lindly

Topics covered

• culturally responsive autism support
• Indigenous communities
• telehealth
• autism services
• community engagement
• parent empowerment

Keywords

• autism support
• Indigenous
• cultural adaptation
• telehealth
• community advisory boards
• AAC tools
• parent training
• Diné
• Navajo families

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Parents Taking Action

Places: Diné, Navajo

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