The Black Autistic Girls and Women Virtual Summit is a pioneering event dedicated to addressing the unique experiences and needs of Black autistic girls and women. Scheduled for October 19, 2024 from 9am-5pm EST, this one-day virtual summit aims to create a supportive and empowering space for individuals aged 11 and up, as well as their mothers and caregivers.
This summit is a first-of-its-kind event that brings together a diverse group of speakers and participants to share insights, strategies, and resources. By focusing on the specific challenges and strengths of Black autistic girls and women, we aim to drive meaningful conversations and foster a deeper understanding within our community.
Our goal is to highlight the often-overlooked voices of Black autistic girls and women, providing them with a platform to share their stories and connect with others who share similar experiences. We believe that by creating an inclusive and affirming environment, we can help bridge the gap in support and understanding, promoting better outcomes for these individuals and their families.
This summit will cover a wide range of topics, including puberty, menstrual health, mental well-being, self-advocacy, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to provide practical strategies and tools for navigating the unique challenges they face.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Voices, Celebrating Strengths,” reflects our commitment to highlighting the unique experiences of Black autistic girls and women. We aim to create an inclusive platform where their voices are heard, their strengths are celebrated, and their needs are addressed.
Empowering Voices: At Autism in Black®, we recognize the importance of amplifying the voices of Black autistic girls and women. This summit is designed to provide a safe and supportive space where they can share their stories, challenges, and triumphs. By giving them a platform to speak, we aim to foster a sense of empowerment and self-advocacy.
Celebrating Strengths: The summit is also about recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths and talents of Black autistic girls and women. We believe that every individual has something valuable to contribute, and our sessions will highlight these strengths, encouraging participants to embrace their identities and abilities. By focusing on their capabilities, we aim to shift the narrative from deficits to strengths, promoting a positive and affirming view of autism.
Focused Support: Black autistic girls and women face unique challenges that are often overlooked in mainstream discussions about autism. Our summit is dedicated to addressing these specific needs, providing tailored support and resources. From discussions on puberty and menstrual health to mental well-being and self-advocacy, our sessions are designed to offer practical advice and strategies that can make a real difference in their lives.
The Black Autistic Girls and Women Virtual Summit is a pioneering event dedicated to addressing the unique experiences and needs of Black autistic girls and women. Scheduled for October 19, 2024 from 9am-5pm EST, this one-day virtual summit aims to create a supportive and empowering space for individuals aged 11 and up, as well as their mothers and caregivers.
This summit is a first-of-its-kind event that brings together a diverse group of speakers and participants to share insights, strategies, and resources. By focusing on the specific challenges and strengths of Black autistic girls and women, we aim to drive meaningful conversations and foster a deeper understanding within our community.
Our goal is to highlight the often-overlooked voices of Black autistic girls and women, providing them with a platform to share their stories and connect with others who share similar experiences. We believe that by creating an inclusive and affirming environment, we can help bridge the gap in support and understanding, promoting better outcomes for these individuals and their families.
This summit will cover a wide range of topics, including puberty, menstrual health, mental well-being, self-advocacy, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to provide practical strategies and tools for navigating the unique challenges they face.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Voices, Celebrating Strengths,” reflects our commitment to highlighting the unique experiences of Black autistic girls and women. We aim to create an inclusive platform where their voices are heard, their strengths are celebrated, and their needs are addressed.
Empowering Voices: At Autism in Black®, we recognize the importance of amplifying the voices of Black autistic girls and women. This summit is designed to provide a safe and supportive space where they can share their stories, challenges, and triumphs. By giving them a platform to speak, we aim to foster a sense of empowerment and self-advocacy.
Celebrating Strengths: The summit is also about recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths and talents of Black autistic girls and women. We believe that every individual has something valuable to contribute, and our sessions will highlight these strengths, encouraging participants to embrace their identities and abilities. By focusing on their capabilities, we aim to shift the narrative from deficits to strengths, promoting a positive and affirming view of autism.
Focused Support: Black autistic girls and women face unique challenges that are often overlooked in mainstream discussions about autism. Our summit is dedicated to addressing these specific needs, providing tailored support and resources. From discussions on puberty and menstrual health to mental well-being and self-advocacy, our sessions are designed to offer practical advice and strategies that can make a real difference in their lives.
Maria Davis-Pierre, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Autism in Black who is one of the biggest autism awareness advocates in the community.
With a keen ability to educate and guide communities in desperate need of resources and support, Maria has transformed the lives of countless Black families parenting autistic children.
As the parent of two autistic children, and being autistic herself, Maria understands firsthand the isolation, shame and stigma that often accompanies an autism diagnosis. Armed with that knowledge, she uses her professional expertise to connect with and empower Black parents of autistic children. Through Autism in Black, she also provides essential training to organizations so they can more effectively serve the Black disability community.
Maria Davis-Pierre, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Autism in Black who is one of the biggest autism awareness advocates in the community.
With a keen ability to educate and guide communities in desperate need of resources and support, Maria has transformed the lives of countless Black families parenting autistic children.
As the parent of two autistic children, and being autistic herself, Maria understands firsthand the isolation, shame and stigma that often accompanies an autism diagnosis. Armed with that knowledge, she uses her professional expertise to connect with and empower Black parents of autistic children. Through Autism in Black, she also provides essential training to organizations so they can more effectively serve the Black disability community.
Welcome and Keynote Address Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC CE Session
Dr. Diamond Rashad “Supporting Your Sensory Systems & Emotional Well-being During Major Transitions” CE session
Aishah-Nyeta Brown “What You Can Do May Surprise You“
Dr. Lexx Brown- James “Sex Education and Autism” CE Session
Charlotte Bachelor “What's Next? Navigating College, Post Grad Life and Beyond from an Autistic Woman's Perspective”
Meghan Ashley, LPC “Guidance and Grace: Parenting Black Autistic GIrls” CE Session
Katrina Wilson, MS “Wellness on the Spectrum: Self-advocating with Well-being” CE Session
Janelle Johnson, LMFT “Home Training 101: Forming Bonds that Last in Neurodivergent Families” CE Session
Closing Address Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC
CE Session
Welcome and Keynote Address Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC CE Session
Dr. Diamond Rashad “Supporting Your Sensory Systems & Emotional Well-being During Major Transitions” CE session
Aishah-Nyeta Brown “What You Can Do May Surprise You“
Dr. Lexx Brown- James “Sex Education and Autism” CE Session
Charlotte Bachelor “What's Next? Navigating College, Post Grad Life and Beyond from an Autistic Woman's Perspective”
Meghan Ashley, LPC “Guidance and Grace: Parenting Black Autistic GIrls”
CE Session
Katrina Wilson, MS “Wellness on the Spectrum: Self-advocating with Well-being”
CE Session
Janelle Johnson, LMFT “Home Training 101: Forming Bonds that Last in Neurodivergent Families” CE Session
Closing Keynote Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC
Ariyanna White, LCSW - “Navigating Love and Connection: Autistic Perspective”
Christina Schmidt “Making the Connection: Understanding and Embracing Your Autistic Daughter’s Unique Special Interests”
Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC “The role of Intersectionality, Social Skills & Friendships for Black Autistic Women and Girls”
Linda Tatum, LMSW “Navigating Puberty with Confidence”
Cassandre Hudson, LCSW “Nurturing Hearts and Minds: Cultivating Well-Being in Black Autistic Girls with a Relationship-Based Approach”
Cheryl Poe, M.S. “Advocating for Black Autistic Girls in School”
Mary Bonner-Fisher “Authentic Connections: Dating Strategies for Autistic Girls and Young Adults”
If you're still deciding whether this summit is for you understand that being part of this event doesn't just offer information but much more. You'll gain valuable insights from experts on topics specifically relevant to Black autistic girls and women, helping you navigate the unique experiences within our community.
This summit is also a chance to connect with a supportive network of peers, mothers, and caregivers who truly understand the journey you're on. Beyond connection, you'll access practical strategies and tools designed to support Black autistic girls and women in their everyday lives.
Plus, you'll have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops and discussions that not only address the challenges we face but also celebrate our strengths.
Don't miss out on this enriching experience!.