Calling the Village Back to the Table
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Tiana “Tee” Townsend, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Amazon bestselling author, and founder of Wiselign Consulting, LLC. As a single mother to her nonverbal autistic son, True, who communicates using AAC, Tiana brings both clinical insight and lived experience to the conversation. Her work explores how cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and systemic barriers shape the experiences of Black families navigating autism. In this conversation, Tiana shares...
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Redefining Strength: Black Fatherhood and Neurodivergent Brilliance
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Dalbin Osorio, Executive Director of the Dyslexia Tutoring Program, social worker, educator, and father of two. With over a decade of experience, Dalbin works at the intersection of literacy, advocacy, and neurodiversity. His work centers on supporting Black families in navigating systems while challenging the biases and stigmas that impact how neurodivergent children are understood and supported. In this conversation, Dalbin shares what it means to move from survival-based parenting...
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Together We Thrive: Building Support Systems for Black Disability Families
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Elise Horne, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Together We Thrive Disabilities Foundation, Inc. As a Black mother raising a child with autism, Elise brings both lived experience and leadership to her work supporting families of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through her nonprofit, she creates spaces where families can find connection, resources, and a sense of belonging. In this conversation, Elise shares how community support can transform...
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What Comes Next: Navigating Autism, School, and Support Systems
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by La Shona Johnson, an advocate, author, and social services professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting children and families. As the mother of a son with autism, La Shona combines personal experience with professional expertise to help families navigate diagnosis, advocacy, and educational systems with confidence. Her journey inspired her to write Autism Roadmap: From Early Diagnosis to Academic Success, a guide designed to help parents move from confusion and...
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Building Villages, Accepting Help, and Leading with Grace
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Catina Jenkins, a dynamic TEDx speaker, autism advocate, and Founder and Principal Consultant of Catina Speaks. Catina helps organizations build and retain great talent through inclusive learning strategies, leadership development, and people-centered workplace cultures that create real impact, not just good intentions. Her advocacy journey is deeply personal. As the mother of a son with autism, Catina’s experiences navigating systems, building support networks,...
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Rising Together—Inclusion, and the Power of Support
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Ingrassia, an educator, advocate, and parent coach with 37 years of experience supporting children and families—30 of those years spent teaching in a school for the Deaf. Throughout his career, Mark has dedicated himself to empowering families navigating the world of special education. For the past eight years, he has provided parent training through outside agencies and now works directly with families through his platform, Special Ed Rising, offering one-on-one coaching,...
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Diagnosis, Academia, and Advocacy: Navigating Neurodivergence as a Black Mom and Scholar
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Briana Barner—media studies scholar, podcast researcher, professor, mother of three autistic children, and a proud late-diagnosed AuDHD baddie. Dr. Barner is currently working on a book exploring the cultural production of Black podcasts, examining how our stories, voices, and platforms shape culture and community. She lives in the DMV area with her family and is raising three ausome children who are all on the autism spectrum. In 2024, Briana was diagnosed with ADHD. In 2025,...
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Advocacy, Access, and Sensory-Friendly Faith Spaces
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Maritza Hines, MA—Founder of SPEDtacular Kids and a passionate Special Education Advocate committed to empowering families of neurodivergent children. As the Owner of SPEDtacular Kids | Ritzi Laverne LLC, Maritza supports parents, guardians, and educators in navigating special education systems with confidence, clarity, and culturally responsive strategy. With a Master’s degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders, she combines professional expertise with compassion and deep respect for...
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Living Out Loud—Unmasking, Aging, and Embracing Autistic Identity Without Apology
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti—an author, artist, and late-diagnosed autistic elder who embodies resilience, authenticity, and joy in every chapter of her story. Diagnosed just six months before turning 63, Gloria’s discovery of her autism brought clarity and healing to a lifetime of experiences marked by misunderstanding, masking pressures, and survival in systems that weren’t built for her. A breast cancer diagnosis in 2013 became a turning point, inspiring her to come out as queer...
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Living, Leading, and Building Unapologetically as a Neurodivergent Black Woman
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by CleAnn Davis, the founder of Neurospicy Black Women (NBW)—a vibrant, unapologetic community that uplifts and supports Black women navigating ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. CleAnn created NBW in March 2024 as a safe space for women like her to unmask, connect, and celebrate their neurodivergent identities. After stepping away for a few months, she made the bold decision to return to her vision in January 2025—a move that transformed NBW into the thriving,...
info_outlineThe Autism in Black Podcast is hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC and focuses on all things autism and the black parent experience. Our goal is to educate, support, and empower black parents to advocate not only for their children but themselves as well.
Today we are joined by Dr. Berry Pierre for a discussion about a fathers autism journey. Dr. Berry sheds light on why he thinks fathers stories are not shared as much as mothers. He also talks about how he felt when his daughter first received her diagnosis, how he spoke to his Haitian family about autism, and what he has learned so far through this journey with his daughter.
Resources mentioned
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