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 families in navigating systems while challenging the biases and stigmas that impact how neurodivergent children are understood and supported.

In this conversation, Dalbin shares what it means to move from survival-based parenting to intentional, strategic advocacy, and how fathers can lead with presence, vulnerability, and purpose.

In This Episode

Dalbin offers a powerful and nuanced perspective on Black fatherhood, advocacy, and neurodivergence. He explores how historical survival strategies show up in parenting, and how families can shift toward approaches that protect both safety and identity.

Listeners will explore:

The Safety vs Self Paradox in Black Parenting: Dalbin explains how compliance-based parenting has historically been used as a way to keep Black children safe. He also shares how this approach can conflict with the needs of neurodivergent children, who may not be able to meet those expectations. Families are encouraged to move from teaching children to mask toward advocating for environments that honor who they are.
Neurodivergence as a Resource Access Issue: Why many Black children are diagnosed later and often mislabeled before receiving proper support. Dalbin discusses the importance of becoming a strategic advocate and how a father’s presence in school meetings or medical settings can shift dynamics, reduce bias, and improve outcomes.
Redefining the Legacy of Strength: Dalbin challenges the idea that strength means toughness or perfection. He reframes strength as vulnerability, learning, and showing up fully for your child. Fathers who embrace their child’s unique way of being help build a legacy rooted in acceptance, advocacy, and connection.

About Dalbin Osorio

Dalbin Osorio is the Executive Director of the Dyslexia Tutoring Program and brings over a decade of experience as a social worker and educator.

As a father of two, his work is deeply rooted in supporting Black families as they navigate education systems and access resources for neurodivergent children. He is committed to dismantling institutional bias and helping parents move from survivalist parenting to strategic advocacy.

Dalbin focuses on equipping fathers with the tools to lead with presence, vulnerability, and purpose, ensuring their children are supported not just academically, but emotionally and socially.

Connect with Dalbin Osorio

🌐 Website: www.dtpnow.org

📸 Instagram: @DTP_Baltimore

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Redefining Strength: Black Fatherhood and Neurodivergent Brilliance