Podcast
The Autism in Black Podcast
The Autism in Black Podcast focuses on all things Autism and the Black Parent experience.
Our goal is to educate, support, and empower black parents to advocate not only for their children but themselves as well
What Comes Next: Navigating Autism, School, and Support Systems
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...
Building Villages, Accepting Help, and Leading with Grace
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Catina Jenkins, a dynamic TEDx speaker, autism advocate, and Founder and Principal Consultant of Catina Speaks. Catina helps organizations build and retain great talent through inclusive learning strategies, leadership development, and people-centered...
Rising Together—Inclusion, and the Power of Support
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Ingrassia, an educator, advocate, and parent coach with 37 years of experience supporting children and families—30 of those years spent teaching in a school for the Deaf. Throughout his career, Mark has dedicated himself to empowering families navigating...
Diagnosis, Academia, and Advocacy: Navigating Neurodivergence as a Black Mom and Scholar
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Briana Barner—media studies scholar, podcast researcher, professor, mother of three autistic children, and a proud late-diagnosed AuDHD baddie. Dr. Barner is currently working on a book exploring the cultural production of Black podcasts, examining how...
Advocacy, Access, and Sensory-Friendly Faith Spaces
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Maritza Hines, MA—Founder of SPEDtacular Kids and a passionate Special Education Advocate committed to empowering families of neurodivergent children. As the Owner of SPEDtacular Kids | Ritzi Laverne LLC, Maritza supports parents, guardians, and educators in...
Living Out Loud—Unmasking, Aging, and Embracing Autistic Identity Without Apology
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti—an author, artist, and late-diagnosed autistic elder who embodies resilience, authenticity, and joy in every chapter of her story. Diagnosed just six months before turning 63, Gloria’s discovery of her autism brought clarity and...
Living, Leading, and Building Unapologetically as a Neurodivergent Black Woman
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by CleAnn Davis, the founder of Neurospicy Black Women (NBW)—a vibrant, unapologetic community that uplifts and supports Black women navigating ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. CleAnn created NBW in March 2024 as a safe space for women like her...
Unmasking, Belonging, and Building Real Connections as a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adult
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Coach Lee Hopkins, a Social Connections Coach and CEO of Patterns of Possibility LLC. After years of masking and struggling with loneliness, Coach Lee discovered the power of authenticity—and now helps late-identified autistic adults and professionals create...
Behavior, Connection, and Caregiver Confidence
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Kea Lee, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, wife, and proud mother of two. As the founder of Moment of Behavior, Kea brings nearly a decade of experience helping parents, caregivers, and educators understand the “why” behind behavior and create meaningful,...
Building Support, Centering Self-Care, and Finding Joy in the Journey
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Tia Howard, a Family Team Meeting Facilitator at the Child and Family Services Agency in Washington, DC. With over 23 years of experience supporting children and families, Tia has dedicated her life to creating collaborative spaces where families...
Autism in Black
Mission Statement
Autism in Black aims to provide support to black parents who have a child on the spectrum, through educational and advocacy services. Autism in Black is dedicated to bringing awareness to Autism Spectrum Disorder and reducing the stigma associated with ASD in the black community.
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