Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC.
In this episode, we’re joined by La Shona Johnson, an advocate, author, and social services professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting children and families.
As the mother of a son with autism, La Shona combines personal experience with professional expertise to help families navigate diagnosis, advocacy, and educational systems with confidence. Her journey inspired her to write Autism Roadmap: From Early Diagnosis to Academic Success, a guide designed to help parents move from confusion and overwhelm toward clarity and informed action.
In this conversation, La Shona shares practical insight on navigating the diagnosis journey, advocating within school systems, and addressing the disparities many African American families face when seeking support and services.
In This Episode
La Shona shares how her son’s diagnosis shaped her advocacy and led her to create a resource designed to guide families through the early stages of the autism journey. She also discusses the importance of building strong support systems and navigating barriers that families in underserved communities often encounter.
Listeners will explore:
1.Turning Personal Experience into Purpose
La Shona shares her story of receiving her son’s autism diagnosis and how that experience inspired her to write Autism Roadmap: From Early Diagnosis to Academic Success. Her goal is to help families move from uncertainty and overwhelm toward clarity, confidence, and action.
2.Navigating the Diagnosis and Advocacy Journey
What parents can do when they first suspect developmental differences, how to begin the evaluation process, and ways to prepare for school meetings and advocacy within the education system.
3.Bridging Gaps in Underserved Communities
La Shona discusses the disparities many African American families face in healthcare, education, and access to services. She offers practical advice on using available resources, building strong support systems, and advocating effectively even when resources feel limited.
About La Shona Johnson
La Shona Johnson is an advocate, author, and social services professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting children and families. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Community Health Education.
As a mother of a son with autism, La Shona combines personal experience with professional expertise to provide compassionate guidance for families navigating diagnosis, education systems, and long term advocacy.
Married for more than 16 years, she understands the complexities of family life and is committed to empowering parents through knowledge, resilience, and community support. Through her writing and outreach, she continues to inspire and uplift families navigating similar journeys.
Connect with La Shona Johnson
Website: https://thelashonaperspective.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thelashonaperspective
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/thelashonaperspective
YouTube: https://youtube.com/thelashonaperspective
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