Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC.

In this episode, we're joined by two powerful voices in healthcare and higher education—Carl A. Frizell, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C, and Dr. Sheena D. Brown. Both are late-diagnosed autistic professionals whose journeys through medicine and academia have fueled their commitment to equity, inclusion, and disability justice.

Carl, a Physician Assistant, former PA educator, and award-winning faculty member, shares how his own experience with ableism in healthcare education led him to embrace self-advocacy and pursue systemic change.

Dr. Brown, a scholar, researcher, and advocate, combines her deep scientific background with her lived experience as an autistic and ADHD professional to challenge systemic inequities in education and healthcare. Through her research and leadership, she pushes for justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging while elevating the voices of marginalized and neurodivergent communities.

Together, Dr. Carl and Dr. Brown open up an honest conversation about navigating professional spaces as autistic adults, the importance of connection and community, and how neurodivergent professionals can reclaim agency through boundaries, advocacy, and systemic change.

In This Episode:

Carl Frizell, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C, and Dr. Sheena D. Brown join us for a transformative conversation about life, leadership, and advocacy as late-diagnosed autistic professionals. They explore the journey from isolation to authentic connection, how to advocate for meaningful workplace accommodations, and why setting boundaries is essential for well-being and self-regulation.

This episode is a must-listen for professionals, educators, and anyone navigating neurodivergence in spaces that often fail to make room for it.

Listeners will explore:

• How to move from isolation to community and connection
• Practical strategies for advocating for accommodations in the workplace
• The role of boundaries and rules in supporting well-being and sustainability

Connect with Carl:

Instagram: cafrizell_pac

About Carl A. Frizell, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C:

Carl A. Frizell is a late-diagnosed autistic Physician Assistant, educator, and disability justice advocate. With over eight years of clinical and academic experience, he has served in oncology, occupational medicine, and PA education—where he was honored with the PA Education Association's New Faculty Award in 2022. His lived experience with ableism in healthcare education propelled him into disability advocacy and doctoral studies in Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion. Today, he works to dismantle ableist structures in healthcare and education, ensuring more inclusive systems for neurodivergent professionals.

About Dr. Sheena D. Brown:

Dr. Sheena D. Brown is a scholar, researcher, and advocate with more than 12 years in higher education. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD, she leverages both her scientific expertise and lived experience to fight for neurodiversity, justice, and equity. With a Ph.D. in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology from Emory University and a B.S. from Spelman College, Dr. Brown's work centers on dismantling systemic barriers that impact marginalized and neurodiverse communities. She is a powerful voice for change in education and health equity, inspiring others to embrace diversity and challenge inequities.

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!

This safe, affirming space offers real conversations, expert guidance, and culturally responsive tools to help you navigate parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Join us today: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/aibcommunitytrial?el=couplessummit

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 Charlotte Bachelor—a dynamic writer, advocate, and proud voice for the experiences of Black Autistic women and girls. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD later in life, Charlotte began documenting her journey as a student at Michigan State University, where she earned her degree in Professional and Public Writing with a minor in African American and African Studies.

Through her powerful storytelling, Charlotte is reshaping narratives, curating Black Autistic joy, and inspiring a new generation to embrace their authentic selves. Her work uplifts voices too often overlooked, weaving together advocacy, identity, and creativity in ways that both inform and empower.

In This Episode:

Charlotte opens up about what it means to navigate your 20s with a late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, and how co-occurring conditions shape the lived experience of neurodivergent women of color. She shares how joy can be an act of resistance, why representation matters deeply, and what she's learned about self-discovery, identity, and thriving in spaces that were not built with neurodivergent Black women in mind.

This episode is a must-listen for young adults, parents, and advocates looking to better understand the intersection of race, gender, and neurodivergence.

Listeners will explore:

• Navigating adulthood and self-discovery after a late Autism/ADHD diagnosis
• The impact of co-occurring conditions on identity and advocacy
• What it means to intentionally curate Black Autistic joy

Connect with Charlotte Bachelor:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-bachelor/

https://www.instagram.com/charlottesayss

About Charlotte Bachelor:

Charlotte Bachelor is a writer, advocate, and proud Detroit native committed to amplifying the stories of Black Autistic women and girls. She holds a B.A. in Professional and Public Writing and a minor in African American and African Studies from Michigan State University. A member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated, Charlotte is also a long-term trainee with the Michigan Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. Through her writing and advocacy, Charlotte challenges stereotypes, uplifts underrepresented voices, and builds community through joy, authenticity, and storytelling.

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!

This safe, affirming space offers real conversations, expert guidance, and culturally responsive tools to help you navigate parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Join us today: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/aibcommunitytrial?el=couplessummit

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 Erin Nkele, LCPC—a licensed clinical professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and co-founder of Melanated Wellness, LLC. As a Black Autistic therapist, mental health advocate, and parent, Erin brings a deeply personal and professional perspective on the intersections of neurodiversity, gender, and sexual identity.

She explores how decolonizing mental health and therapy can open the door to true healing and liberation. Erin also shares her lived experience as a Black Autistic parent, emphasizing the power of embracing all parts of ourselves to foster resilient families and communities.

In This Episode:

Erin Nkele joins us for an honest and insightful conversation about the complex intersections of autism, gender, and sexual identity. Drawing on her experience as a Black Autistic therapist and parent, Erin unpacks the importance of decolonizing mental health care and creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals can heal and thrive. She also shares the realities and joys of parenting as a Black Autistic mom. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand identity, intersectionality, and culturally responsive healing.

Listeners will explore:

• The intersection of autism, gender, and sexual identity in therapeutic care
• What it means to decolonize ourselves and the mental health system
• The lived experience and strengths of being a Black Autistic parent

Connect with Erin Nkele:

Website: www.melanatedwellness.net

IG: @melanatedwellnesstherapy

Go Fund Me for The Melanated Wellness Foundation: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-underserved-teens-in-montgomery-county-with-therapy

About Erin Nkele:

Erin Nkele (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and co-founder of Melanated Wellness, LLC, a practice dedicated to serving Black, Neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ communities. She is also co-founder of The Melanated Wellness Foundation, which provides free culturally competent mental health services to underserved youth and families. Erin's work centers trauma, neurodiversity, and identity, aiming to create compassionate and equitable mental health care. She is a proud mother, Xavier University alum, and lover of puzzles, yoga, and gaming.

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!

This safe, affirming space offers real conversations, expert guidance, and culturally responsive tools to help you navigate parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Join us today: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/aibcommunitytrial?el=couplessummit

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 Quintina Briscoe, M.S., CCC-SLP—an experienced speech-language pathologist and founder of Pediatric Speech Lab. With over a decade of experience, Quintina has become a vital support for families navigating the long wait for therapy services. She shares practical strategies for parents to foster communication skills before services officially start and emphasizes why understanding your child's diagnosis is essential to becoming an empowered, informed advocate. Quintina's holistic and inclusive approach centers families—especially Black parents—as the experts in their child's journey, offering encouragement, clarity, and tools that make a real difference.

In This Episode:

Quintina Briscoe, M.S., CCC-SLP, joins us to share how parents can confidently support their child's communication development—even before therapy services begin. As a seasoned speech-language pathologist and founder of Pediatric Speech Lab, Quintina provides practical tools for language building at home and emphasizes why understanding your child's diagnosis is key to becoming an empowered advocate. She also explains how communication skills should be nurtured across all areas of a child's life—not just in therapy. This conversation is filled with encouragement, insight, and strategies every parent should hear.

Listeners will explore:

• Interim language and communication strategies for parents to use while waiting for services
• The importance of generalizing communication skills across home, school, and community settings
• Why parents need a clear, full understanding of their child's diagnosis and what it means for long-term advocacy

Connect with Quintina Briscoe:

Empowered Parent Circle: https://empoweredparentcircle.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quintinabriscoeslp?_t=ZT-8uthR6jZloU&_r=1

About Quintina Briscoe:

Quintina Briscoe, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a passionate speech-language pathologist and the founder of Pediatric Speech Lab. For over 10 years, she has worked to bridge the service gap for families of children with autism, delivering early tools and support for communication development. She is also the creator of the Empowered Parent Circle, a supportive community designed to equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to advocate effectively for their children. Quintina is known for her compassionate, culturally aware approach and her commitment to empowering families to become the strongest voices in their child's care.

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!

This safe, affirming space offers real conversations, expert guidance, and culturally responsive tools to help you navigate parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Join us today: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/aibcommunitytrial?el=couplessummit

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 Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC—a licensed therapist, late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mom, and special education advocate—whose work sits at the powerful intersection of mental health and education. With lived experience as a neurodivergent parent and professional expertise supporting families and schools, Dr. Huff offers critical insight into creating affirming spaces where neurodivergent children can truly thrive.

She unpacks how shame-based approaches harm students, why mental health must be a part of every IEP conversation, and how parents can show up empowered, informed, and unapologetic. Dr. Huff's message is clear: when we center agency, empathy, and inclusion, we shift the entire system.

In This Episode:

Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, joins us for a powerful conversation on the deep connection between mental health and special education. As a neurodivergent therapist, late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD woman, and mother to two neurodivergent children, Dr. Huff brings a rare blend of lived experience and professional insight. She shares how parents can advocate with confidence in IEP spaces, why mental health must be prioritized in school systems, and what it means to raise and support neurodivergent children with empathy and agency. This is a must-listen for parents and professionals committed to shifting the system, not just surviving it.

Listeners will explore:

• How to integrate mental health and special education advocacy
• What neuroaffirming education really looks like
• The harm of shame-based discipline and the need to protect student agency

Connect with Destiny Huff: www.destinyhuffconsulting.com

Instagram: @destinyhuffiepadvocate

Facebook: Destiny Huff Consulting

About Destiny Huff:

Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, is a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD military spouse, therapist, and mother of two neurodivergent children. As a licensed mental health professional and non-attorney special education advocate, she helps families navigate the IEP process and trains educators on building neuroaffirming environments.

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!

This safe, affirming space offers real conversations, expert guidance, and culturally responsive tools to help you navigate parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Join us today: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/aibcommunitytrial?el=couplessummit

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 honored to have Dion Chavis, a certified parenting coach and founder of The Glad Dad, a national initiative focused on helping schools build stronger, more intentional relationships with fathers. As the father of a autistic child, Dion brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to his work. For over a decade, he has partnered with schools and organizations across the country to improve family engagement, reduce absenteeism, and uplift the role of Black fathers in education and advocacy.

In This Episode:

In this heartfelt conversation, Dion Chavis—certified parenting coach and founder of The Glad Dad—joins us to talk about the critical role of Black fathers in the lives of their children, especially those on the autism spectrum. Drawing from his own experience as a dad and advocate, Dion speaks on the power of parental advocacy, the importance of being present, and how we can work together to erase the stigma surrounding autism in Black communities. This episode is an encouraging, eye-opening look at how engaged fatherhood can reshape outcomes for our children.

Listeners will explore:

• The importance of dad's being engaged in the lives of their kids
• Why it's important for parents to advocate for their children
• Erasing the stigma of autism in the Black community

Connect with Dion Chavis: dionchavis.com

About Dion Chavis:

Dion Chavis is a certified parenting coach and the founder of The Glad Dad, a national initiative helping schools strengthen relationships with fathers. As the father of a autistic child, Dion merges personal experience with professional expertise to uplift Black fathers and families. For over a decade, he's worked with schools across the U.S. to reduce absenteeism, improve behavior, and bridge family engagement gaps through father-focused programming. A nationally recognized speaker, Dion is known for his warm, relatable style and commitment to making fatherhood visible, valued, and powerful.

Join us for the FREE Couples & Co-Parenting Virtual Summit on July 26!

This one-day virtual event is designed to empower, support, and uplift Black couples and co-parents raising neurodivergent children—don't miss these powerful conversations and practical tools. Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/2025couplessummit

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 honored to have Ivory Duncan, an educator, consultant, and founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity™, LLC, a company committed to transforming how families and schools support neurodiverse children. With over 15 years of experience in education leadership, including roles as Assistant Principal and Senior Director of Postsecondary Leadership Design, Ivory blends professional expertise with personal passion as a mother of a brilliant child on the autism spectrum.

In This Episode:

In this episode, educator and advocate Ivory Duncan shares the transformative power of conscious parenting through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. She reflects on her personal and professional journey, from her child's diagnosis to building a mission rooted in empowerment and representation. Ivory discusses why identity-affirming education matters for Black neurodiverse children and how parents and educators can create environments that celebrate, rather than suppress, their brilliance. This conversation is a must for families and supporters committed to raising confident, self-aware kids in a world that often misunderstands them.

Listeners will explore:

1. The Power of Conscious Parenting Through a Neurodiversity Lens
2. Why Representation and Identity-Affirming Education Matters
3. Ivorys Personal and Professional Journey from diagnosis to empowerment.

Connect with Ivory Duncan:

Website: https://www.embrace-neuro-diversity.com/

Instagram: @embracingneuro_diversity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbracingNeuroDiversityllc

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@embracingneuro-diversity

Freebie: Podcast listeners—enjoy a FREE copy of one of our children's books! Use code AIB2025 at checkout to claim your gift and celebrate neurodiverse brilliance.

About Ivory Duncan:

Ivory Duncan is an educator, consultant, and founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity™, LLC. With over 15 years of experience in education leadership, she blends professional insight with lived experience as a mother to a brilliant autistic child. Ivory is the host of the Embracing Neuro-Diversity podcast and author of the Caleel's Journey children's book series. She champions conscious parenting and culturally responsive practices that affirm neurodiverse identities, offering training, coaching, and curriculum to empower families and schools alike.

Join us for the FREE Couples & Co-Parenting Virtual Summit on July 26!

This one-day virtual event is designed to empower, support, and uplift Black couples and co-parents raising neurodivergent children—don't miss these powerful conversations and practical tools. Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/2025couplessummit

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 honored to have Dr. Samara Toussaint, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent children and their families, dedicating her career to empowering them through education, advocacy, and culturally sensitive care. Her journey as a Haitian-American woman navigating mental health stigma in her community deeply informs her work as a clinical school psychologist, driven by her commitment to breaking barriers and increasing awareness about mental health & neurodiversity within diverse immigrant communities.

In This Episode:

In this insightful episode, Dr. Samara Toussaint explores the often-overlooked experience of masking among Black girls and women and how societal expectations and cultural stigma can pressure us to hide our neurodivergence. She shares her efforts to improve the evaluation process for Black children and families, making it more supportive and culturally attuned. Dr. Toussaint also gives us a glimpse into her current work, including executive function coaching and her upcoming book project. This episode is a valuable resource for parents and professionals committed to affirming and empowering neurodivergent Black youth.

Listeners will explore:

1. Masking for Black girls and women
2. Supporting Black children and their families during evaluations
3. Dr. Toussaints' current projects including her executive function coaching and her current book project coming soon

Connect with Dr. Samara Toussaint:

www.path2growthcounseling.com

Social Media: @schoolpsychdrt (IG/Tiktok) and @path2growthcounseling (IG)

About Samara Toussaint:

Dr. Samara Toussaint is a clinical school psychologist and passionate advocate for neurodivergent children and their families. As a Haitian-American woman, her personal experiences navigating mental health stigma inform her commitment to culturally sensitive care, education, and advocacy. She works to break barriers and raise awareness about mental health and neurodiversity within Black and immigrant communities.

Join us for the FREE Couples & Co-Parenting Virtual Summit on July 26!

This one-day virtual event is designed to empower, support, and uplift Black couples and co-parents raising neurodivergent children—don't miss these powerful conversations and practical tools. Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/2025couplessummit

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 honored to have Cori Fonville Foster, a homeschooling mom, educator, and advocate with over six years of experience in personalized education. After transitioning her own neurodivergent child from traditional schooling to homeschooling, she has helped numerous neurodivergent students thrive in individualized learning environments.

In This Episode:

In this inspiring episode, educator and advocate Cori Fonville Foster shares why homeschooling can be a transformative option for Black Autistic children. She explores how individualized, culturally affirming education can help neurodivergent kids thrive outside of systems that often misunderstand and marginalize them. Cori introduces her CHOICE framework, centered on Customization, Holistic growth, Opportunity, Individualized support, Community, and Empowerment, as a guide for families navigating homeschooling. She also offers practical advice, encouragement, and real talk to help parents feel confident in creating educational paths that honor their child's unique strengths and needs.

Listeners will explore:

• Why Homeschooling is a Game-Changer for Black Autistic Students
• The CHOICE Framework for Empowered Education
• Real Talk for Parents: How to Start, What to Expect, and Why You're Qualified

Connect with Cori Fonville Foster:

Homeschool consultation call: https://calendly.com/irocmbs/homeschool-consultation

Homeschool Transition Guide: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGfvyh9u0k/92lKUeFfXyua9aCLn3PhAw/view?utmcontent=DAGfvyh9u0k&utmcampaign=designshare&utmmedium=link2&utmsource=uniquelinks&utlId=h1ae87fd47f

About Cori Fonville Foster:

Cori Fonville Foster is a homeschooling mom, educator, and advocate with over six years of experience in personalized education. After transitioning her own neurodivergent child from traditional school to homeschooling, she has supported numerous families in creating structured, flexible learning environments where neurodivergent students can thrive. Cori has taught in various homeschool co-ops and played a vital role in supporting public-schooled children during the COVID-19 pandemic. She specializes in individualized, strengths-based education that meets each child's unique needs.

Join us for the FREE Couples & Co-Parenting Virtual Summit on July 26!

This one-day virtual event is designed to empower, support, and uplift Black couples and co-parents raising neurodivergent children—don't miss these powerful conversations and practical tools. Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/2025couplessummit

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 honored to have Cheryl Poe, the founder and Executive Director of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc., a special education advocacy organization dedicated to empowering parents and professionals, especially those supporting Black and Brown children with disabilities, through resources, information, and workshops.

In This Episode:

In this powerful episode, advocate Cheryl Poe joins us to unpack the "double burden" Black Autistic individuals and their families face—navigating both racism and ableism across medical, educational, and social systems. Cheryl breaks down how misdiagnosis, exclusionary school practices, and cultural bias create lasting harm. She calls for advocacy spaces that truly center Black Autistic voices, not just include them, and highlights the need for culturally responsive services and support for Black-led organizations. Cheryl also shares how healing—rooted in Black culture, community, and joy—can be a powerful form of resistance. This episode is a must-listen for Black parents of autistic children and those dedicated to real, transformative change.

Listeners will explore:

• The Double Burden: Navigating Racism and Ableism

Discuss how Black Autistic individuals and families face compounded discrimination—from misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and cultural bias in clinical settings to exclusionary discipline in schools. Highlight how systems often pathologize Black children's behaviors instead of offering support, leading to over-policing, seclusion, and school pushout.

• Reclaiming Advocacy: Centering Black Autistic Voices

Emphasize the importance of creating advocacy spaces that center Black Autistic perspectives, not just include them. Call out performative inclusion in disability spaces and discuss the need for culturally responsive services, leadership opportunities, and funding directly for Black-led organizations.

• Healing as Resistance: Building Intergenerational Strength

Explore the emotional and generational toll of navigating hostile systems—and how healing practices rooted in Black culture, community, and joy are vital.Talk about redefining advocacy through storytelling, connection, and radical self-love as tools for collective healing and liberation.

Connect with Cheryl Poe:

Websites: https://adv4kidsinc.org/

About Cheryl Poe:

With a Master's Degree in Urban Education and Counseling and extensive postgraduate studies in psychology, Mrs. Poe brings a wealth of expertise. With a deep passion for advocacy, education, and equity, Mrs. Poe continues to lead the charge in ensuring every child receives the support and services they deserve.

Missed the 5th Annual Autism in Black Conference?

Didn't catch Cheryl's workshop or other insightful sessions from the recent Autism in Black Conference? You can still access all the knowledge and insights. Purchase the replay to watch at your convenience here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/2025-autism-in-black-conference-replay

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.