Late Diagnosis, Black Autistic Joy, and Thriving in Your 20s

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 generation to embrace their authentic selves. Her work uplifts voices too often overlooked, weaving together advocacy, identity, and creativity in ways that both inform and empower.

 

In This Episode:

Charlotte opens up about what it means to navigate your 20s with a late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, and how co-occurring conditions shape the lived experience of neurodivergent women of color. She shares how joy can be an act of resistance, why representation matters deeply, and what she’s learned about self-discovery, identity, and thriving in spaces that were not built with neurodivergent Black women in mind.

 

This episode is a must-listen for young adults, parents, and advocates looking to better understand the intersection of race, gender, and neurodivergence.

 

Listeners will explore:

• Navigating adulthood and self-discovery after a late Autism/ADHD diagnosis
• The impact of co-occurring conditions on identity and advocacy
• What it means to intentionally curate Black Autistic joy

 

Connect with Charlotte Bachelor:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-bachelor/

https://www.instagram.com/charlottesayss

 

About Charlotte Bachelor:

Charlotte Bachelor is a writer, advocate, and proud Detroit native committed to amplifying the stories of Black Autistic women and girls. She holds a B.A. in Professional and Public Writing and a minor in African American and African Studies from Michigan State University. A member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated, Charlotte is also a long-term trainee with the Michigan Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. Through her writing and advocacy, Charlotte challenges stereotypes, uplifts underrepresented voices, and builds community through joy, authenticity, and storytelling.

 

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Support and Connect with Autism in Black:

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