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_outlineWelcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In today’s episode, we are thrilled to have Yovanna Madhere, MSW, an experienced clinical social worker, author, and transformational speaker, share her expertise and personal journey as a parent of a young adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
In This Episode:
Yovanna Madhere offers a blend of personal insights and research-backed strategies focusing on fostering independence, self-advocacy, and effective time management for young adults with ASD. Her experience as a mother and professional provides a unique perspective on raising and supporting young adults on the spectrum.
Listeners will learn about:
- Parental Insights: Yovanna’s personal experiences raising a young adult with ASD, detailing the challenges and triumphs.
- Empowering Strategies: Research and data-driven approaches that support favorable outcomes in independence and self-advocacy for autistic young adults.
- Effective Time Management: Techniques to help young adults with ASD manage their time and responsibilities more efficiently.
Connect with Yovanna Madhere:
- Instagram: Yovanna Rocks
- Book: “The Many Gems in Your Crown: 7 Ways to Shine Brighter from Within” available on Amazon.
About Yovanna Madhere: Yovanna is a Clark Atlanta University graduate with a Master of Social Work focused on health and mental health. She has over a decade of experience in clinical social work, along with being a fitness, health, and wellness expert. A dedicated life coach and speaker, Yovanna’s work encompasses spiritual, mental, and physical practices aimed at healing and empowerment. Living in Atlanta, GA with her family and pets, Yovanna continues to inspire and advocate for wellness and personal growth.
Missed the Conference? Didn’t catch Yovanna’s workshop or other insightful sessions from the recent Autism in Black Conference? You can still access all the knowledge and inspiration. Purchase the replay to watch at your convenience here: www.autisminblack.org/conference2024
Support and Connect with Autism in Black:
- Website: www.autisminblack.org
- Social Media: Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter: @autisminblack
- Facebook: @autisminblk
- Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy: www.autisminblack.org/membership
Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast! Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media. Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive and supportive community.