Natasha Black, a resident of Philadelphia and suburban Pennsylvania, has expressed her desire for WHII News to cover topics related to her experiences with autism. When she’s not working part-time in her ceramics studio, Black enjoys songwriting, fashion design and hair braiding. She is also open about autism and prefers to be referred to as autistic rather than just someone with autism.
Black was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 11 and has since developed tools and strategies to help her navigate social interactions. She has experienced frustration with miscommunication and feeling unheard in noisy and busy waiting rooms and offices of health care facilities. However, neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia or other developmental challenges make up about 15-20% of the global population. These individuals experience the world differently but many buildings and spaces are not designed with their unique needs in mind.
In an effort to create a more inclusive healthcare environment, Jefferson Health collaborated with physicians and designers to develop a special pavilion at the Honickman Center in Philadelphia as a model for neurodiversity care. The goal is to provide a space that meets the needs of neurodivergent individuals and improves their overall healthcare experience by acknowledging and addressing the diverse needs of the community. Organizations like Jefferson Health are working towards creating a more inclusive