The Importance Of Timely And Comprehensive Evaluations
Release Date: 04/25/2023
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineOn this episode of Autism in Black Podcast, host Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, founder, and CEO of Autism in Black Ink, speaks with Dr. Brandi Tanner, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents with learning disabilities and behavioral concerns.
Dr. Tanner shares her expertise in comprehensive evaluations within the school system and the importance of ensuring that children are not miscategorized. The discussion delves into the differences between medical diagnoses and school categorization, misdiagnoses within and outside of the school system, and unconscious biases that can impact black students during the evaluation and assessment process.
Listeners will gain insight into how to get early diagnoses to receive necessary services, possible accommodations for students with autism, and the fear of labeling children versus being able to receive the necessary services. Dr. Tanner will be speaking at the upcoming third annual Autism in Black Conference, which aims to include those who have been excluded from the conversation.
To connect with Dr. Brandi Tanner, visit her website at www.youriepsource.com or email her at [email protected].
Facebook: @youriepsource
Instagram: @youriepsource
Also enjoy a free guide, How to Get an IEP: Overview of the Special Education Eligibility Process, https://learn.youriepsource.
For more information about the third annual Autism in Black Conference happening virtually from April 28th through the 30th, visit www.autisminblack.org/
Don't miss this informative episode on comprehensive evaluations and the importance of advocating for the appropriate educational services for children with autism.
To support and connect with Autism in Black:
-
Visit the website at www.autisminblack.org
-
Like and follow on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter: @autisminblack
-
Like on Facebook: @autisminblk
And don't forget to use the official hashtag for the podcast, #aibpod, when sharing your thoughts and feedback on social media. Thank you for tuning in to the Autism in Black Podcast!