The Autism in Black Podcast

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 and lived experience to the conversation. Her work explores how cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and systemic barriers shape the experiences of Black families navigating autism.

In this conversation, Tiana shares what it means to build community, redefine motherhood, and hold onto hope even when the odds feel stacked.

In This Episode

Tiana offers a deeply grounded and honest perspective on parenting, advocacy, and healing. She reflects on how her journey has reshaped her understanding of support, strength, and what it truly means to show up for her child and herself.

Listeners will explore:

1. The Value of Community: Why raising a Black autistic child was never meant to be done alone. Tiana shares what the village model can look like today and how families can intentionally build supportive, connected communities.
2. Reframing Single Motherhood Through Level 3 Autism: Tiana reflects on how her son's diagnosis transformed her perspective on motherhood, advocacy, and resilience. What once felt like loss became a powerful teacher that reshaped how she shows up in her life and parenting.
3. Reclaiming Hope When the Odds Feel Stacked: Tiana speaks to the realities of systemic, racial, and personal barriers while reminding us that hope is an intentional and powerful act. She shares how families can hold onto hope even in the midst of challenges.

About Tiana "Tee" Townsend, LMFT

Tiana "Tee" Townsend is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Amazon bestselling author, and founder of Wiselign Consulting, LLC, a trauma informed consulting firm serving nonprofits, ministries, schools, and corporations.

As a single, non co-parenting mother to her son True, Tiana brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Her voice centers the realities of Black families navigating autism while addressing the impact of culture, gender expectations, and systemic barriers.

She is also a featured presenter at the 2026 Autism in Black Boys, Men, and Fathers Summit, where she leads the session "Your Presence at the Table: Black Men's Voices in the Village," speaking directly to Black men and calling them back into community and connection.

Connect with Tiana "Tee" Townsend

🌐 Website: https://iamtianatee.com

📘 Book Discount

Listeners can receive 10 percent off her newest book, What?! A 90 Day Devotional for When Life Changes Everything, by using the code AUTISMINBLACK at checkout:

https://www.iamtianatee.com/product-page/what-a-90-day-devotional-for-when-life-changes-everything

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black Community

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Experience the Autism in Black Community FREE for 2 weeks.

Join a space designed for real conversations, shared experiences, and culturally affirming support.

Start your free trial here

https://funnel.autisminblack.org/aib-trial-membership-community?el=couplessummit

Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

The Autism in Black Conference is a safe and affirming space with real conversations, expert insights, and culturally responsive tools to support your journey in parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Follow us on social media:

TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy

www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast. Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive, affirming, and supportive community.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black Community

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Experience the Autism in Black Community FREE for 2 weeks.

Join a space designed for real conversations, shared experiences, and culturally affirming support.

Start your free trial here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/aib-trial-membership-community?el=couplessummit

Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

The Autism in Black Conference is a safe and affirming space with real conversations, expert insights, and culturally responsive tools to support your journey in parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Follow us on social media

TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy

www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast. Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive, affirming, and supportive community.

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 intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through her nonprofit, she creates spaces where families can find connection, resources, and a sense of belonging.

In this conversation, Elise shares how community support can transform the caregiving journey, why support groups matter, and how families can begin building those spaces within their own communities.

In This Episode

Elise shares her journey of co-founding a support group rooted in connection, understanding, and shared experience. She discusses the importance of community for caregivers and offers practical guidance for anyone looking to create supportive spaces for families navigating disability.

Listeners will explore:

1. Building Community Through Support Groups: Elise shares her experience creating and leading a support group for parents and caregivers of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, and how these spaces foster connection and healing.
2. The Power of Connection for Caregivers: Why finding a support system can reduce isolation, provide emotional support, and help families feel seen and understood throughout their journey.
3. Starting a Support Group in Your Own Community: Practical steps for creating a support group, including how to get started, build trust, and create a welcoming and affirming space for families.

About Elise Horne

Elise Horne is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Together We Thrive Disabilities Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Her work includes leading free caregiver support groups, hosting educational workshops, and organizing community events that center connection, healing, and joy. Elise's advocacy focuses on breaking down stigma, advancing equity, and creating inclusive spaces within the Black disability community.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication with a certificate in Broadcast Journalism from Towson University and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.

Connect with Elise Horne

🌐 Website: https://togetherwethrivemd.org/

📘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3VD2qa7

📸 Instagram: https://bit.ly/3W61qvh

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black Community

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Experience the Autism in Black Community FREE for 2 weeks.

Join a space designed for real conversations, shared experiences, and culturally affirming support.

Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

The Autism in Black Conference is a safe and affirming space with real conversations, expert insights, and culturally responsive tools to support your journey in parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Follow us on social media:

TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy

www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast. Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive, affirming, and supportive community.

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

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black Community

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Experience the Autism in Black Community FREE for 2 weeks.

Join a space designed for real conversations, shared experiences, and culturally affirming support.

Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

The Autism in Black Conference is a safe and affirming space filled with expert insights, practical tools, and powerful conversations centered on parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Follow us on social media

TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy: www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast. Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive, affirming, and supportive community.

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 workplace cultures that create real impact, not just good intentions.

Her advocacy journey is deeply personal. As the mother of a son with autism, Catina's experiences navigating systems, building support networks, and advocating for her child shaped the powerful message behind her TEDx talk, "Finding Community When You Need It Most." Through her work and storytelling, she highlights the importance of connection, belonging, and authentic support systems.

With her energetic delivery, thoughtful insights, and just the right touch of sass, Catina brings both heart and honesty to conversations about leadership, advocacy, and community building. This episode reminds us that none of us are meant to navigate life or parenting alone.

In This Episode:

Catina shares how building strong support systems transformed her journey as a parent and advocate. She speaks openly about the power of community, the courage it takes to accept help, and why kindness and grace are essential for navigating life's challenges.

Listeners will explore:

Why Building Your Village Matters

How community support can provide strength, perspective, and encouragement during difficult moments. No one should have to carry life's challenges alone.

Accepting Help as a Strength

Why asking for and receiving support is not a weakness, but an important part of connection, healing, and growth.

Leading with Grace and Kindness

How compassion and empathy help sustain us through challenging seasons, and why we never truly know what others may be navigating behind the scenes.

About Catina Jenkins

Catina Jenkins is a TEDx speaker, autism advocate, and Founder and Principal Consultant of Catina Speaks, where she helps organizations build stronger, more inclusive workplaces through leadership development, learning strategies, and culture transformation.

Her work centers on people-first leadership and meaningful connection, drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experiences as a mother advocating for her autistic son.

Through speaking, consulting, and storytelling, Catina inspires individuals and organizations to move beyond performative ideas and create environments where people genuinely feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.

When she's not speaking or consulting, Catina enjoys building her own village of friends, discovering new restaurants, and spending quality time with Netflix because balance is everything.

Connect with Catina Jenkins

🌐 Website: CatinaSpeaks.com

📸 Instagram: @catinajspeaks

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black® Community!

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Experience the Autism in Black® Community FREE for 2 weeks.

Join a space designed for real conversations, shared experiences, and culturally affirming support.

Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

The Autism in Black Conference is a safe, affirming space with real conversations, expert insights, and culturally responsive tools to support your journey in parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Register here:

https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Follow us on social media:

TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy:

www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast. Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive, affirming, and supportive community.

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 the world of special education. For the past eight years, he has provided parent training through outside agencies and now works directly with families through his platform, Special Ed Rising, offering one-on-one coaching, practical tools, and compassionate guidance for parents and caregivers of children with exceptional needs.

Mark is also the host of the heartfelt and empowering podcast, Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind—a space created to remind families that they are not alone on this journey. Blending decades of classroom experience with real-world insight, the show delivers meaningful strategies, honest reflection, and a deep commitment to inclusion and connection.

This conversation centers on the power of informed advocacy, the importance of equipping parents with practical tools, and the belief that true inclusion happens when families feel supported, seen, and heard.

In This Episode:

Mark shares how his decades in education shaped his passion for parent empowerment and why he believes family partnership is the foundation of meaningful inclusion. He discusses the heart behind Special Ed Rising and the importance of creating spaces where no parent feels isolated in their advocacy journey.

Listeners will explore:

1. The Mission Behind Special Ed Rising: Why Mark created his podcast and coaching practice—and how storytelling, strategy, and shared experience help families feel connected and empowered.
2. Parent Training That Builds Confidence: How practical tools, clear communication strategies, and personalized coaching can help parents navigate IEP meetings, school systems, and everyday challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
3. Inclusion as Action, Not Just Language: What true inclusion looks like in classrooms and communities—and why collaboration between educators and families is essential for children to thrive.

About Mark Ingrassia

Mark Ingrassia is an educator, advocate, and parent coach with 37 years of experience supporting children with exceptional needs and their families. He spent 30 years teaching in a school for the Deaf and has provided parent training for the past eight years through outside agencies before launching Special Ed Rising.

Through one-on-one coaching and his podcast, Special Ed Rising: No Parent Left Behind, Mark continues his mission to equip families with compassionate guidance, proven strategies, and a powerful reminder: no parent walks this path alone.

When he's not coaching or recording, Mark enjoys boxing, running, and playing guitar for local audiences.

Connect with Mark & Special Ed Rising

🌐 Website: specialedrising.com

📸 Instagram: @specialedrising

📘 Facebook: @specialedrising

🎵 TikTok: @specialedrising

💼 LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ingrassia-m-s-04680a77/

▶️ YouTube: Special Ed Rising

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black® Community!

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Experience the Autism in Black® Community—FREE for 2 weeks.

Join a space created for real conversations, shared experiences, and culturally affirming support.

Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

The Autism in Black Conference is a safe, affirming space filled with expert insights, practical tools, and powerful conversations centered on parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Follow us on social media:

TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy: www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast. Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive, affirming, and supportive community.

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 our stories, voices, and platforms shape culture and community. She lives in the DMV area with her family and is raising three ausome children who are all on the autism spectrum.

In 2024, Briana was diagnosed with ADHD. In 2025, she received her autism diagnosis. These revelations didn't just provide clarity—they reshaped how she understands herself, her motherhood, and her work as a scholar and professor navigating academia while neurodivergent.

This conversation is honest, layered, and deeply affirming—exploring diagnosis in adulthood, parenting multiple neurodivergent children, advocating within school systems, and redefining career success on your own terms.

In This Episode:

Dr. Barner shares what it has meant to be newly diagnosed as an autistic and ADHD Black woman while simultaneously raising three autistic children. She speaks candidly about advocacy battles, especially the unique challenges of getting her daughter properly diagnosed and supported, and how those experiences exposed systemic gaps in education.

Listeners will explore:

Late Diagnosis & Self-Discovery:

What it feels like to receive an ADHD diagnosis in 2024 and an autism diagnosis in 2025—and how those pieces brought clarity to a lifetime of experiences.

Parenting Three Autistic Children:

The beauty, complexity, and advocacy required in raising multiple neurodivergent children, including navigating resistance from school systems and fighting for equitable support—particularly for Black girls.

Rethinking Work & Academia as a Neurodivergent Professor:

How earning a PhD and building a career in higher education intersects with being AuDHD—and what it means to redesign work, productivity, and success in ways that honor your neurodivergent brain.

About Dr. Briana Barner

Dr. Briana Barner is a media studies and podcast scholar whose research centers on the cultural production of Black podcasts. She is currently working on a book exploring how Black podcasting shapes media landscapes and community storytelling.

She lives in the DMV area with her family and is raising three autistic children. Recently diagnosed with ADHD (2024) and autism (2025), Briana brings both scholarly insight and lived experience to conversations about neurodivergence, parenting, and identity. She proudly identifies as a late-diagnosed AuDHD baddie committed to authenticity, advocacy, and reimagining systems that were never built with us in mind.

Connect with Dr. Briana Barner

📸 Instagram: @raisingausomeblackchildren

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black® Community!

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Experience the Autism in Black® Community—FREE for 2 weeks.

Join a space designed for real conversations, shared experiences, and culturally affirming support.

Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

The Autism in Black Conference is a safe, affirming space with real conversations, expert insights, and culturally responsive tools to support your journey in parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Register here:

https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Follow us on social media:

TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy:

www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast. Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive, affirming, and supportive community. 💛

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 navigating special education systems with confidence, clarity, and culturally responsive strategy. With a Master's degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders, she combines professional expertise with compassion and deep respect for the lived experiences of families raising neurodivergent children.

Through her advocacy and consulting practice, Maritza provides IEP and 504 plan guidance, tailored accommodations and modifications, sensory and behavioral strategies, and parent coaching sessions. She also partners with churches and children's ministries to create sensory-friendly spaces that ensure all children feel seen, safe, and celebrated.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that advocacy is not about confrontation—it's about preparation, clarity, and ensuring our children receive the support they deserve to thrive.

In This Episode:

Maritza shares practical strategies for navigating IEP and 504 meetings, understanding your child's rights, and building collaborative relationships with schools. She breaks down common challenges families face and offers empowering tools to approach the special education process with confidence and intention.

Listeners Will Explore:

• Bridging the Gap Between School and Home:

How families can create alignment between what happens in the classroom and what happens at home—ensuring consistency, communication, and collaboration that truly supports the child as a whole person.

• Understanding Your IEP Rights:

Breaking down IEP and 504 rights in clear, accessible language so parents feel informed, empowered, and confident walking into meetings. Maritza shares how knowledge shifts the power dynamic and helps families advocate effectively.

• Creating Sensory-Friendly Church Spaces:

Why faith communities must prioritize accessibility—and how simple, intentional changes can create welcoming, sensory-supportive environments where neurodivergent children feel safe, included, and valued.

About Maritza Hines, MA

Maritza Hines is the Owner and Founder of SPEDtacular Kids | Ritzi Laverne LLC, a Special Education Advocacy & Consulting practice dedicated to supporting families and educators of neurodivergent children.

She holds a Master's degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders and provides IEP/504 advocacy, parent coaching, sensory and behavioral strategy support, and consulting services to schools and churches seeking to create inclusive environments.

Maritza's mission is to equip families with practical strategies and culturally responsive support so children can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Connect with Maritza

📘 Facebook: Fb: SPEDtacular Kids

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black® Community!

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Experience the Autism in Black® Community—FREE for 2 weeks!

Join a space designed for real conversations, shared experiences, and culturally affirming support.

Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

The Autism in Black Conference is a safe, affirming space filled with expert insights, practical tools, and powerful conversations centered on parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Register here:

https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Follow us on social media:

TikTok, Instagram, Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy:

www.autisminblack.org/membership

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 healing to a lifetime of experiences marked by misunderstanding, masking pressures, and survival in systems that weren't built for her. A breast cancer diagnosis in 2013 became a turning point, inspiring her to come out as queer and live fully in her truth.

Gloria's powerful storytelling has appeared in True Stories: Vol. V and Sharing Our Journeys 2: Queer BIPOC Elders Tell Their Stories. She co-hosts a Neurodivergence Discussion Group in Seattle and has appeared on Neurodiversity 101 panels at conventions such as Norwescon and Worldcon. Her forthcoming memoir, A Different Drum: A Black, Autistic, Polyamorous, Mentally Ill, Former Fundamentalist Christian/Cult Member and Breast Cancer Survivor WHO JUST WANTS TO FIT IN, is an unapologetic exploration of identity, belonging, and the beauty of being different.

In This Episode:

Gloria opens up about her experiences growing up in Mississippi in the 1950s, navigating relentless bullying from classmates, teachers, and even family—often for "acting differently" in ways she didn't yet understand. She shares how those early experiences shaped her sense of self and why she now refuses to mask, choosing instead to live as her full, authentic self.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to find understanding, belonging, and self-acceptance—and that our stories, no matter how complex, can be sources of strength and connection for others.

Listeners will explore:

• Growing Up Different: What it was like to be an undiagnosed autistic Black girl in the segregated South, and how Gloria learned to survive constant scrutiny and misunderstanding.
• Why I Don't Mask: How lifelong pressure to "act normal" shaped Gloria's identity—and why she chooses authenticity over assimilation today.
• Finding Freedom Later in Life: How breast cancer, self-discovery, and diagnosis became catalysts for embracing her queerness, neurodivergence, and voice as an elder in the community.

About Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti:

Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti (she/her) is an author, poet, speaker, and late-diagnosed autistic elder whose work explores identity, survival, and self-acceptance. Her essays appear in True Stories: Vol. V and Sharing Our Journeys 2: Queer BIPOC Elders Tell Their Stories. Gloria co-hosts a Neurodivergence Discussion Group in Seattle and has spoken on Neurodiversity 101 panels at Norwescon and Worldcon. Her forthcoming memoir, A Different Drum, is a courageous reflection on a lifetime of navigating faith, race, neurodivergence, and healing—and a testament to the power of being unapologetically oneself.

Connect with Gloria:

🌐 Website: notgloriajean.net

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/GloriaJacksonNefertiti

📸 Instagram: @gloriajacksonnefertiti

🎧 Featured Podcast Appearances:

Shifting the Narrative on Everything Autism – Episode 92: It's Never Too Late to Come Out as Autistic

Trust Me Podcast – Episode 21: Autism, Racism, and a Religious Cult

💬 Free Resource: Gloria offers a 30-minute Zoom chat for late-diagnosed Black autistic individuals (one-on-one or group) to provide encouragement and remind them they're not alone.

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black® Community!

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Now's your chance to experience the Autism in Black® Community—FREE for 2 weeks!

Join us for the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026 — a safe, affirming space with real conversations, expert insights, and culturally responsive tools to support your journey in parenting, advocacy, and healing. Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black:

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Social Media: Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy: www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast! Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media. Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive and supportive community.

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 to unmask, connect, and celebrate their neurodivergent identities. After stepping away for a few months, she made the bold decision to return to her vision in January 2025—a move that transformed NBW into the thriving, affirming movement it is today.

With a degree in Psychology and a Master's in Organizational Management, CleAnn brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Her leadership is fueled by authenticity, resilience, and a deep belief that neurodivergent Black women deserve spaces designed for them and by them.

Now, as NBW evolves from a community into a full-fledged business, CleAnn is creating opportunities for other neurodivergent Black women through merch, travel experiences, coaching, conferences, and scholarships—proving that when we bet on ourselves, we open doors for others, too.

In This Episode:

CleAnn shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery, from receiving her late ADHD diagnosis to rediscovering her purpose and rebuilding Neurospicy Black Women into a powerful platform for connection and change. She talks about what it means to live and lead differently, how betting on herself changed everything, and why the future of NBW is about collaboration, empowerment, and limitless possibility.

Listeners will explore:

• Living Differently, Leading Differently: How embracing her ADHD helped CleAnn lead on her own terms and inspire others to do the same.
• Betting on Myself: The powerful shift that came from returning to her paused vision—and how trusting herself turned an idea into a movement.
• The Vision Ahead: How Neurospicy Black Women LLC is expanding to create opportunities for neurodivergent Black women through business, creativity, and community.

About CleAnn Davis:

CleAnn Davis is the founder and visionary behind Neurospicy Black Women (NBW)—a growing movement that celebrates and supports Black women living with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence. With a background in psychology and organizational management, CleAnn blends insight, lived experience, and passion to lead NBW into its next chapter: a thriving business that empowers and employs neurodivergent women through connection, collaboration, and creativity.

Connect with Neurospicy Black Women:

🌐 Website: neurospicyblackwomen.com

📘 Facebook Page: Neurospicy Black Women LLC

👩🏾‍🤝‍👩🏾 Private Facebook Group: Join Here

📸 Instagram: @neurospicyblackwomen

🎵 TikTok: @neurospicyblackwomen

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Join us for the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026 — a safe, affirming space with real conversations, expert insights, and culturally responsive tools to support your journey in parenting, advocacy, and healing. Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

Support and Connect with Autism in Black:

Website: www.autisminblack.org

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Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy: www.autisminblack.org/membership

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast! Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media. Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive and supportive community.