The Autism in Black Podcast

About The Autism in Black Podcast

The Autism in Black Podcast is hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC and 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.

Publisher

Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

Category

education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Nov 2019

Latest episode

3 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

7 of 85 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   3 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   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 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: 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. 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. 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 (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 (http://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 (http://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.

2. 

   27 Mar 2026TRANSCRIPT

   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 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 (http://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 (http://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 (http://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.

3. 

   20 Mar 2026

   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 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: 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. 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. 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/ (https://togetherwethrivemd.org/) 📘 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3VD2qa7 (https://bit.ly/3VD2qa7) 📸 Instagram: https://bit.ly/3W61qvh (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 (http://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 (http://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.

Inside a recent episode

Calling the Village Back to the Table

Published 3 Apr 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Honestly, In those moments, I'm just like, this is what community is all about. When someone just slows down or just stops to interact with him and takes that moment to be like, hey, I see that you're showing up differently than most people here, but I'm going to stop on my busy day because I'm in the Bay Area. So, you know, we're hustling and bustling over here, kind of similar to New York. But I'm going to take this time out of my day to pick the flower with you because this kid is just grabbing my hand and bringing me over here for some reason who I don't know. It's truly given me an opportunity to rewire everything that I've been taught and shown. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

38 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

85

Contact The Autism in Black Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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