Beyond Barriers: Empowering Gifted, Disabled, and Black Students
Release Date: 06/12/2024
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Stacy Haynes, a distinguished educator and Licensed Professional Counselor, discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting gifted, disabled, and Black students.
In This Episode:
Dr. Stacy Haynes delves into the world of Black Autistic students who are also identified as gifted, a group that often faces significant challenges in traditional educational settings. This episode focuses on creating inclusive environments that recognize and cater to the specific needs of these students to ensure their academic and social success.
Listeners will explore:
- Challenges at the Intersection: Understanding the unique barriers faced by gifted and disabled Black students in school systems.
- Evidenced-Based Practices: Strategies that have been proven to support the educational journey of K-12 students within this demographic.
- Creating Inclusive Environments: How schools and educators can better accommodate and celebrate the diversity and capabilities of all students.
Connect with Dr. Stacy Haynes:
- Websites: Dr. Stacy Haynes LPC and Raising Black Genius
About Dr. Stacy Haynes: Dr. Haynes has over 20 years of mental health experience, specializing in the behavioral and emotional challenges of children and families. She holds degrees from Liberty University, Bowie State University, and Argosy University. As the Clinical Director of Little Hands Family Services, LLC in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Dr. Haynes continues to make impactful changes in the lives of many families. She is also a proud wife and mother, deeply committed to community and family.
Missed the Conference? Didn’t catch Dr. Haynes’s workshop or other insightful sessions from the recent Autism in Black Conference? You can still access all the knowledge and insights. 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.