‘All stories have structural underpinnings and material consequences. All stories are political’ (Rohrer, 2016).

Positionality and insights

As a mother of two autistic children living in the UK and an academic researcher, I  – a Black cisgendered able-bodied woman – occupy a complex positionality that straddles the realms of personal experience and professional observation. This dual identity situates me as an ‘outsider within’, a term that captures the nuanced experience of Black women in spaces where their presence is acknowledged but not fully integrated. My intimate understanding of the challenges faced by Black families navigating autism, education, health and social care services provides me with a unique perspective that is deeply personal and rich with insight. Yet, as a member of the academic community, I am also part of a system that has historically marginalised voices like mine. 

My current research project, titled ‘Mothering at the Margins’, has been designed with another researcher who is also a Black female academic and mother to autistic children. The study explores the perspectives of Black mothers of autistic children to gain an insight into how race, gender and disability affect their experiences of advocating for their children. This research highlights a group whose experiences intersect multiple marginalised social categories and who are historically underrepresented in academia. Black feminist theory emphasises the critical importance of research dissemination in advancing the understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by Black women. This theory, rooted in the intersectionality of gender, class and race, provides a lens through which the unique experiences of Black women can be comprehended (Davis, 2008) as well as a lens through which we can see the benefits and challenges of effective research dissemination. 

Enhancing research dissemination and academic challenges

Research dissemination is a critical component of academic scholarship and public engagement, serving as the bridge between the generation of new knowledge and its application in real-world contexts. The importance of this process cannot be overstated, particularly when viewed through the lens of community engagement and inclusivity. 

The dissemination of research findings to communities and stakeholders is recognised as an essential aspect of research due to the contribution it can make to the translation of research into practice and policy (Cunningham-Erves et al., 2020). Effective research dissemination is critical then, particularly when viewed through the lens of Black feminist theory, as it emphasises the role of research participants as both subjects and agents of knowledge creation (Collins, 2000). 

Bridging the gap between discourse and practice

In the Mothering at the Margins study, we aim to use our positions to not only highlight the experiences of Black mothers and their autistic children but also to actively contribute to reshaping the academic environment to be more inclusive and reflective of a multitude of perspectives. This involves challenging conventional research dissemination methods, advocating for participatory, accessible, and empowering approaches that truly engage and benefit the communities involved. This is closely related to the points made in the articles about research design and analysis and data analysis and interpretation.

In embodying this critical consciousness, I recognise the power of research to both perpetuate and challenge existing marginalisations. The goal is to bridge the gap between scholarly discourse and the lived realities of marginalised groups, ensuring that research serves as a tool for empowerment and not exclusion. This stance not only informs my own work but also serves as a guiding principle for others in academia who seek to make a meaningful impact on the communities they study.

Theory enhancing research dissemination 

Black feminist epistemology offers a unique and invaluable framework for understanding the complexities of knowledge production and dissemination. It emphasises the lived experiences, narratives and voices of Black women, positioning them not only as subjects of research but as critical contributors to knowledge creation (Collins, 2000). 

The significance of research dissemination from a Black feminist standpoint lies in its ability to challenge systemic inequalities and biases inherent within academic and social structures. By foregrounding the experiences and perspectives of Black women, this approach disrupts the dominant narratives that often overlook or misinterpret the realities of marginalised communities (Crenshaw, 1991). My current research project focusing on Black mothers of autistic children in the UK exemplifies this approach by highlighting a group whose experiences are at the intersection of race, gender and disability, areas that have been historically underexplored in academic research.

Community engagement and empowerment

Effective dissemination of research from this perspective requires strategies that go beyond traditional academic publishing. Community engagement becomes a pivotal element, ensuring that research findings are not only accessible but also meaningful to the communities they concern. This involves employing a variety of dissemination channels, such as community workshops, social media platforms, and collaboration with community-based organisations, to reach a broader audience and foster a two-way dialogue between researchers and community members.

Moreover, the involvement of community members in the dissemination process can empower them, turning passive recipients of information into active participants in knowledge exchange. This participatory approach aligns with the Black feminist principle of valuing and leveraging the expertise that exists within communities, recognising that those most affected by research outcomes are pivotal in shaping how knowledge is communicated and applied (Hill Collins and Bilge, 2016).

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Challenges and future directions

Challenges to this approach, however, cannot be overlooked. These include potential barriers to access and engagement, such as digital divides and socio-economic factors that may limit participation in dissemination activities. Additionally, the academic community must be willing to embrace alternative forms of knowledge and dissemination channels, which may challenge entrenched norms and practices within academia (Dillard, 2000).

Our project on Black mothers of autistic children serves as a pertinent example of how research can be disseminated in a way that engages and benefits the community it studies. By actively involving Black mothers in the dissemination process, the research not only gains depth and authenticity but also ensures that the findings are presented in a manner that is accessible and resonant with the lived experiences of these mothers. This will involve collaborative presentations at community centres, interactive online platforms that allow for sharing of personal stories, and the creation of policy briefs aimed at influencing practices and policies that impact Black families with autistic children.

Conclusions

I will conclude by restating the criticality of the dissemination of research, particularly when it involves marginalised communities. Effective dissemination of research demands a thoughtful and inclusive approach that respects and incorporates the voices and experiences of those communities. A Black feminist perspective, with its emphasis on the lived experiences of Black women and its critique of traditional power dynamics in knowledge production, offers a powerful framework for achieving this. The examples in this article illustrate how research can be disseminated in a way that not only reaches but also empowers the community it seeks to understand and support. As academics and researchers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our work contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society, and effective dissemination is a crucial step in this process.