From Isolation to Advocacy —Centering Black Neurodivergent Professionals in Systems That Weren’t Built for Us
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 two powerful voices in healthcare and higher education—Carl A. Frizell, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C, and Dr. Sheena D. Brown. Both are late-diagnosed autistic professionals whose journeys through medicine and academia have fueled their commitment to equity, inclusion, and disability justice. Carl, a Physician Assistant, former PA educator, and award-winning faculty member, shares how his own experience with ableism in healthcare education led him to embrace self-advocacy and pursue systemic...
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Late Diagnosis, Black Autistic Joy, and Thriving in Your 20s
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 Charlotte Bachelor—a dynamic writer, advocate, and proud voice for the experiences of Black Autistic women and girls. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD later in life, Charlotte began documenting her journey as a student at Michigan State University, where she earned her degree in Professional and Public Writing with a minor in African American and African Studies. Through her powerful storytelling, Charlotte is reshaping narratives, curating Black Autistic joy, and inspiring a new...
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Unmasking, Identity, and the Power of Living Fully as a Black Autistic 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 Erin Nkele, LCPC—a licensed clinical professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and co-founder of Melanated Wellness, LLC. As a Black Autistic therapist, mental health advocate, and parent, Erin brings a deeply personal and professional perspective on the intersections of neurodiversity, gender, and sexual identity. She explores how decolonizing mental health and therapy can open the door to true healing and liberation. Erin also shares her lived experience as a Black Autistic...
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Empowering Parents in Communication, Advocacy, and Early 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 Quintina Briscoe, M.S., CCC-SLP—an experienced speech-language pathologist and founder of Pediatric Speech Lab. With over a decade of experience, Quintina has become a vital support for families navigating the long wait for therapy services. She shares practical strategies for parents to foster communication skills before services officially start and emphasizes why understanding your child’s diagnosis is essential to becoming an empowered, informed advocate. Quintina’s holistic...
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Mental Health, Advocacy, and Leading with Lived Experience
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. Destiny Huff, LPC—a licensed therapist, late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mom, and special education advocate—whose work sits at the powerful intersection of mental health and education. With lived experience as a neurodivergent parent and professional expertise supporting families and schools, Dr. Huff offers critical insight into creating affirming spaces where neurodivergent children can truly thrive. She unpacks how shame-based approaches harm students, why mental health...
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Fatherhood, Advocacy, and Rewriting the Narrative on Autism
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Dion Chavis, a certified parenting coach and founder of The Glad Dad, a national initiative focused on helping schools build stronger, more intentional relationships with fathers. As the father of a autistic child, Dion brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to his work. For over a decade, he has partnered with schools and organizations across the country to improve family engagement, reduce absenteeism, and uplift the role of Black fathers in...
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Conscious Parenting, Representation, and Radical Empowerment
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Ivory Duncan, an educator, consultant, and founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity™, LLC, a company committed to transforming how families and schools support neurodiverse children. With over 15 years of experience in education leadership, including roles as Assistant Principal and Senior Director of Postsecondary Leadership Design, Ivory blends professional expertise with personal passion as a mother of a brilliant child on the autism spectrum. In This Episode: In this...
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Uplifting, and Reimagining Support for Black Neurodivergent Families
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Samara Toussaint, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent children and their families, dedicating her career to empowering them through education, advocacy, and culturally sensitive care. Her journey as a Haitian-American woman navigating mental health stigma in her community deeply informs her work as a clinical school psychologist, driven by her commitment to breaking barriers and increasing awareness about mental health & neurodiversity within diverse immigrant...
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Homeschooling for Black Autistic Students
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Cori Fonville Foster, a homeschooling mom, educator, and advocate with over six years of experience in personalized education. After transitioning her own neurodivergent child from traditional schooling to homeschooling, she has helped numerous neurodivergent students thrive in individualized learning environments. In This Episode: In this inspiring episode, educator and advocate Cori Fonville Foster shares why homeschooling can be a transformative option for Black Autistic...
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Advocacy, Healing, and Liberation for Black Disabled Youth
The Autism in Black Podcast
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we're honored to have Cheryl Poe, the founder and Executive Director of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., a special education advocacy organization dedicated to empowering parents and professionals, especially those supporting Black and Brown children with disabilities, through resources, information, and workshops. In This Episode: In this powerful episode, advocate Cheryl Poe joins us to unpack the “double burden” Black Autistic individuals and their families face—navigating both racism and...
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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