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_outlineWelcome 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 children. She explores how individualized, culturally affirming education can help neurodivergent kids thrive outside of systems that often misunderstand and marginalize them. Cori introduces her CHOICE framework, centered on Customization, Holistic growth, Opportunity, Individualized support, Community, and Empowerment, as a guide for families navigating homeschooling. She also offers practical advice, encouragement, and real talk to help parents feel confident in creating educational paths that honor their child’s unique strengths and needs.
Listeners will explore:
- Why Homeschooling is a Game-Changer for Black Autistic Students
- The CHOICE Framework for Empowered Education
- Real Talk for Parents: How to Start, What to Expect, and Why You’re Qualified
Connect with Cori Fonville Foster:
Homeschool consultation call: https://calendly.com/irocmbs/homeschool-consultation
Homeschool Transition Guide: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGfvyh9u0k/92lKUeFfXyua9aCLn3PhAw/view?utmcontent=DAGfvyh9u0k&utmcampaign=designshare&utmmedium=link2&utmsource=uniquelinks&utlId=h1ae87fd47f
About Cori Fonville Foster:
Cori Fonville Foster is a homeschooling mom, educator, and advocate with over six years of experience in personalized education. After transitioning her own neurodivergent child from traditional school to homeschooling, she has supported numerous families in creating structured, flexible learning environments where neurodivergent students can thrive. Cori has taught in various homeschool co-ops and played a vital role in supporting public-schooled children during the COVID-19 pandemic. She specializes in individualized, strengths-based education that meets each child’s unique needs.
Join us for the FREE Couples & Co-Parenting Virtual Summit on July 26!
This one-day virtual event is designed to empower, support, and uplift Black couples and co-parents raising neurodivergent children—don’t miss these powerful conversations and practical tools. Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/2025couplessummit
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.