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
Calling the Village Back to the Table
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Tiana “Tee” Townsend, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Amazon bestselling author, and founder of Wiselign Consulting, LLC. As a single mother to her nonverbal autistic son, True, who communicates using AAC, Tiana brings both clinical insight...
Redefining Strength: Black Fatherhood and Neurodivergent Brilliance
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Dalbin Osorio, Executive Director of the Dyslexia Tutoring Program, social worker, educator, and father of two. With over a decade of experience, Dalbin works at the intersection of literacy, advocacy, and neurodiversity. His work centers on supporting Black...
Together We Thrive: Building Support Systems for Black Disability Families
Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Elise Horne, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Together We Thrive Disabilities Foundation, Inc. As a Black mother raising a child with autism, Elise brings both lived experience and leadership to her work supporting families of children and adults with...
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...
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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