Culturally Responsive Autism Support in Indigenous Communities with 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 caregiving How parents are being empowered to train educators What culturally responsive autism assessment still gets wrong—and how to improve it Key Topics & Highlights Adapting evidence-based interventions for Indigenous communities Barriers: rural geography, transportation, internet, and systemic gaps Language access—including the need for autism terminology in Navajo Cultural values like Hózhó and their role in care AAC innovation: from iPads to paper-based systems in low-resource settings Community connection as an intervention outcome Expanding work to Hopi and other Indigenous communities Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XWkC-7l19is Continuing Education Credits (https://www.cbiconsultants.com/shop) BACB: 1.0 Ethics IBAO:  1.0 Cultural QABA: 1.0 Ethics CBA/CPD: 1.0 Cultural Diversity  Follow us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behaviourspeak/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaviourspeak TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@behaviorspeak   About the Guests Dr. Davis Henderson – Associate Professor, Northern Arizona University. Navajo researcher focused on communication disorders and culturally responsive care. https://directory.nau.edu/?person=dh929 Dr. Candi Running Bear – Assistant Professor, University of New Mexico. Former special education teacher with deep experience in early childhood education on the Navajo Nation. https://coehs.unm.edu/faculty-staff/profiles/running-bear-candi.html Dr. Olivia Lindly – Associate Professor, Northern Arizona University. Public health researcher focused on maternal and child health and autism services. https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-lindly-phd-mph-3323306/ https://directory.nau.edu/?person=ojl28   Research Discussed: Lindly OJ, Running Bear CL, Henderson DE, Lopez K, Nozadi SS, Vining C, Bia S, Hill E and Leaf A (2023). Adaptation of the Parents Taking Action program for Diné (Navajo) parents of children with autism. Front. Educ. 8:1197197. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2023.1197197 Lindly, O., Running Bear, C., Henderson, D. E., Kirby, B. R., Begay, V., Shui, A., Dababnah, S., & Magaña, S. M. (2025). Pilot study of a strengths-based education program for Diné (Navajo) families of autistic children: Feasibility, fidelity, acceptability, and initial outcomes. Research in Autism, 127, 202658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2025.202658 Related Episodes: https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-37-the-realities-of-autism-in-first-nations-communities-in-canada-with-grant-bruno-phd-candidate/ https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/episode-147-culturally-responsive-care-in-indigenous-communities-with-dr-jaxcy-turietta/ https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/behavior-analysis-and-indigenous-ways-of-being-with-leslie-peters