From Isolation to Advocacy —Centering Black Neurodivergent Professionals in Systems That Weren’t Built for Us

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 change.

Dr. Brown, a scholar, researcher, and advocate, combines her deep scientific background with her lived experience as an autistic and ADHD professional to challenge systemic inequities in education and healthcare. Through her research and leadership, she pushes for justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging while elevating the voices of marginalized and neurodivergent communities.

Together, Dr. Carl and Dr. Brown open up an honest conversation about navigating professional spaces as autistic adults, the importance of connection and community, and how neurodivergent professionals can reclaim agency through boundaries, advocacy, and systemic change.

 

In This Episode:

Carl Frizell, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C, and Dr. Sheena D. Brown join us for a transformative conversation about life, leadership, and advocacy as late-diagnosed autistic professionals. They explore the journey from isolation to authentic connection, how to advocate for meaningful workplace accommodations, and why setting boundaries is essential for well-being and self-regulation.

This episode is a must-listen for professionals, educators, and anyone navigating neurodivergence in spaces that often fail to make room for it.

 

Listeners will explore:

• How to move from isolation to community and connection
• Practical strategies for advocating for accommodations in the workplace
• The role of boundaries and rules in supporting well-being and sustainability

 

Connect with Carl:

Instagram: cafrizell_pac

 

About Carl A. Frizell, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C:

Carl A. Frizell is a late-diagnosed autistic Physician Assistant, educator, and disability justice advocate. With over eight years of clinical and academic experience, he has served in oncology, occupational medicine, and PA education—where he was honored with the PA Education Association’s New Faculty Award in 2022. His lived experience with ableism in healthcare education propelled him into disability advocacy and doctoral studies in Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion. Today, he works to dismantle ableist structures in healthcare and education, ensuring more inclusive systems for neurodivergent professionals.

 

About Dr. Sheena D. Brown:

Dr. Sheena D. Brown is a scholar, researcher, and advocate with more than 12 years in higher education. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, she leverages both her scientific expertise and lived experience to fight for neurodiversity, justice, and equity. With a Ph.D. in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology from Emory University and a B.S. from Spelman College, Dr. Brown’s work centers on dismantling systemic barriers that impact marginalized and neurodiverse communities. She is a powerful voice for change in education and health equity, inspiring others to embrace diversity and challenge inequities.

 

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Support and Connect with Autism in Black:

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