Register For the Summit Today!!
Autism in Black® Presents....
The Couples & Co-Parenting Virtual Summit
Join Us for a Groundbreaking Summit Centered on the Unique Dynamics of Couples and Co-Parenting in the Black Autistic Community
Designed to Create a Safe, Inclusive, and Empowering Space Where Couples and Co-Parents of Autistic Children Are Heard, Celebrated, and Centered in the Conversation
Join Us Virtually
July 26th, 2025 at 8:30am EST
Join us for a powerful and uplifting virtual event designed to support, affirm, and empower couples and co-parents raising Black autistic children.
This one-of-a-kind summit brings together incredible voices from the Black autistic community to share real stories, practical tools, and heartfelt connection—all in a space created with you in mind.
✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to grow stronger together—as partners and as parents.
register NOW!
Celebrating and Supporting Black Autistic Families: Strengthening Couples and Co-Parents Through Advocacy, Empowerment, and Connection
This year’s theme, “Couples and Co-Parenting in the Black Autistic Community,” reflects our commitment to supporting the relationships and family dynamics that are often overlooked in broader autism conversations. We aim to create an inclusive platform where the experiences of Black couples and co-parents raising autistic children are not only heard but affirmed, celebrated, and strengthened.
Autism in Black® Presents....
The 2025 Couples & Co-Parenting Virtual Summit
Join Us for a Groundbreaking Summit Centered on the Unique Dynamics of Couples and Co-Parenting in the Black Autistic Community
Designed to Create a Safe, Inclusive, and Empowering Space Where Couples and Co-Parents of Autistic Children Are Heard, Celebrated, and Centered in the Conversation
Join Us Virtually July 26th, 2025 at 8:30am EST
Join us for a powerful and uplifting virtual event designed to support, affirm, and empower couples and co-parents raising Black autistic children.
This one-of-a-kind summit brings together incredible voices from the Black autistic community to share real stories, practical tools, and heartfelt connection—all in a space created with you in mind.
✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to grow stronger together—as partners and as parents.
register NOW!
Join us for a powerful and uplifting virtual event designed to support, affirm, and empower couples and co-parents raising Black autistic children.
This one-of-a-kind summit brings together incredible voices from the Black autistic community to share real stories, practical tools, and heartfelt connection—all in a space created with you in mind.
✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to grow stronger together—as partners and as parents.
register NOW!
About the Summit
About the Summit
The 2025 Autism in Black Couples & Co-Parenting Summit is a one-day virtual experience happening on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM EST. It’s designed for parents, caregivers, and partners navigating the everyday realities of raising a Black autistic child within relationships that may be united, blended, co-parented, or unconventional in form.
If you’ve joined us for our Women’s or Men’s Summits, you already know the impact. This next chapter builds on that legacy by turning the spotlight to the caregivers who lead with love, face unique challenges, and build powerful connections with their children and one another.
You’ll hear from therapists, educators, advocates, and parents who share your lived experience. Through real-time workshops, panels, and connection opportunities, we’ll explore:
• Communication – Building better conversations between partners and with your child
• Affirmation – Uplifting each other emotionally and validating each partner’s role
• Decision-Making & Discipline – Aligning on values and strategies to parent with purpose
• Unconventional Parenting & Co-Parenting Across Households – Navigating nontraditional family structures with clarity and respect
You’ll walk away with tools you can use, stories you’ll relate to, and a renewed sense of strength as a partner and parent.
Why is this Summit Series For You?
Why is this Summit Series For You?
The Autism in Black Summit Series was created in response to a critical and ongoing need. As we worked with Black families raising autistic children, we repeatedly heard the same things—parents, caregivers, and professionals feeling unheard, unseen, and unsupported in traditional autism spaces.
So, we built something different.
We started with our Women’s Summit, highlighting the voices of Black autistic women and the mothers, caregivers, and professionals who support them. Then came the Men’s Summit, a powerful platform focused on the journeys of Black autistic boys, men, and fathers.
Now, we’re expanding the conversation again—this time to include the partnerships and parenting dynamics that directly shape the lives of our children. The 2025 Couples & Co-Parenting Summit centers couples and co-parents raising Black autistic children, because we know that when caregivers thrive, families thrive.
Each summit is more than just a virtual event—it’s a declaration that Black autistic lives matter, that our families deserve culturally competent care, and that our stories are worthy of being heard, supported, and celebrated.
The Autism in Black Summit Series was created in response to a critical and ongoing need. As we worked with Black families raising autistic children, we repeatedly heard the same things—parents, caregivers, and professionals feeling unheard, unseen, and unsupported in traditional autism spaces.
So, we built something different.
We started with our Women’s Summit, highlighting the voices of Black autistic women and the mothers, caregivers, and professionals who support them. Then came the Men’s Summit, a powerful platform focused on the journeys of Black autistic boys, men, and fathers.
Now, we’re expanding the conversation again—this time to include the partnerships and parenting dynamics that directly shape the lives of our children. The 2025 Couples & Co-Parenting Summit centers couples and co-parents raising Black autistic children, because we know that when caregivers thrive, families thrive.
Each summit is more than just a virtual event—it’s a declaration that Black autistic lives matter, that our families deserve culturally competent care, and that our stories are worthy of being heard, supported, and celebrated.
What You’ll Learn
What You’ll Learn
Communication
Healthy parenting starts with strong communication. You’ll learn how to communicate more clearly and compassionately—with your partner, your co-parent, and your child. Whether it’s navigating hard conversations, staying aligned, or building trust, we’ve got you covered.
Affirmation
Every caregiver deserves to feel appreciated. This summit will highlight ways to affirm each other emotionally and show up with empathy, encouragement, and support—especially in high-stress environments.
Decision-Making & Discipline
From bedtime routines to long-term education goals, parenting is filled with decisions. Learn how to create consistent and culturally grounded approaches to discipline and household expectations—even across multiple homes.
Unconventional Parenting & Co-Parenting Across Households
Not all families look the same—and that’s okay. Whether you’re co-parenting after separation, raising children in blended households, or defining new roles, this summit honors your experience and equips you with tools to build stability and connection.
Meet Your Hosts
Husband and wife team Dr. Berry Pierre and Maria Davis-Pierre are the dynamic duo behind Autism in Black®, an organization committed to supporting Black families raising autistic children through education, advocacy, and culturally responsive care.
Together, they bring a powerful blend of medical knowledge, mental health expertise, and deeply personal lived experience to their work. As the parents of two autistic children—and with Maria being autistic herself—the Pierres understand firsthand the complexities of navigating parenting, partnership, and identity within the Black autistic community.
Dr. Berry Pierre is a board-certified physician and health advocate with a passion for health equity and preventive care in underserved communities. Through his work as a physician and content creator, he empowers individuals and families with vital tools to improve their wellness, advocate for themselves, and navigate healthcare systems that weren’t built with them in mind.
Maria Davis-Pierre, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is one of the most recognized autism awareness advocates in the community. As CEO of Autism in Black, she provides transformative resources to families, while also training organizations to serve the Black disability community with cultural sensitivity and care.
As co-hosts of the 2025 Couples and Co-Parenting Summit, Dr. Berry and Maria are committed to creating a safe, empowering space where couples and co-parents can feel seen, supported, and strengthened in their journey. Their goal: to help families not just survive—but thrive.
Meet Your Hosts
Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC
Dr. Berry Pierre
Husband and wife team Dr. Berry Pierre and Maria Davis-Pierre are the dynamic duo behind Autism in Black®, an organization committed to supporting Black families raising autistic children through education, advocacy, and culturally responsive care.
Together, they bring a powerful blend of medical knowledge, mental health expertise, and deeply personal lived experience to their work. As the parents of two autistic children—and with Maria being autistic herself—the Pierres understand firsthand the complexities of navigating parenting, partnership, and identity within the Black autistic community.
Dr. Berry Pierre is a board-certified physician and health advocate with a passion for health equity and preventive care in underserved communities. Through his work as a physician and content creator, he empowers individuals and families with vital tools to improve their wellness, advocate for themselves, and navigate healthcare systems that weren’t built with them in mind.
Maria Davis-Pierre, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, is one of the most recognized autism awareness advocates in the community. As CEO of Autism in Black, she provides transformative resources to families, while also training organizations to serve the Black disability community with cultural sensitivity and care.
As co-hosts of the 2025 Couples and Co-Parenting Summit, Dr. Berry and Maria are committed to creating a safe, empowering space where couples and co-parents can feel seen, supported, and strengthened in their journey. Their goal: to help families not just survive—but thrive.
Meet The Speakers
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Dr. Lexx Brown-James
Cassandre Hudson
Mary Bonner-Fisher
Live Event Schedule
Welcome & Opening Remarks Hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre
Maria & Dr. Berry + Q&A
Dion & Aisha Chavis + Q&A
Adrian & Colleta Daniels + Q&A
Lunch Break / Optional Networking Space
Dr. Destiny Huff & Nathaniel L. Huff, Jr.+ Q&A
Tamisha Grant + Q&A
Maria & Dr. Berry + Q&A
Closing Remarks with Dr. Pierre & Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks Hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Maria & Dr. Berry + Q&A
10:15 AM - 10:25 AM
Break
10:00 AM - 11:40 AM
Dion & Aisha Chavis + Q&A
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM
Break
11:50 AM - 1:05 PM
Adrian & Colleta Daniels + Q&A
1:05 PM - 1:35 PM
Lunch Break / Optional Networking Space
1:35 PM - 2:50 PM
Dr. Destiny Huff & Nathaniel L. Huff, Jr.+ Q&A
2:50 PM - 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM -4:15 PM
Tamisha Grant + Q&A
4:15 PM - 4:25 PM
Break
4:25 PM - 5:40 PM
Maria & Dr. Berry + Q&A
5:40 PM - 5:55 PM: Closing Session
Closing Remarks & Reflections With Maria & Dr. Berry Pierre
Pre-Recorded Sessions
Kwentin Shelton - Transition and Integration in an Neurotypical World
Leroy Smith - Unveiling The Hidden Potential Understanding Black Boys With Learning Differences
Kendall Lyons - Cartoons, Comics, and Representation
CJ Faulks - Boyz to Men
Kwame J. Stringfield - Deception, Disappointment, Dysfunction, and Discipline As Dads and Dudes
Anna Linde - Real Liberation: Finding New Ways to Heal – At the Intersection of Mental Health and Sexual Health
Pre-Recorded Sessions
- Session 1 - Andre & Dietra Smith - Cultivating Unbreakable Bonds in Faith while Parenting a Black Autistic Son
- Session 2 - Cori Fonville Foster - It Takes a Village - Co-Parenting and Community Through the Seasons of Parenting a Black Neurodivergent Child
- Session 3 - Precious and Chaun Ares - Empowered to Live Strong: Physical and Mental Wellness For Autism Parents
Scrolled to the end and still wondering if you should attend the 2025 Couples and Co-Parenting Summit?
This summit goes far beyond information—it’s a space for healing, affirmation, and real-world strategies designed specifically for couples and co-parents raising Black autistic children.
Whether you’re parenting under one roof or co-parenting across households, you’ll hear from therapists, advocates, and parents who understand your journey. Their lived experiences and insights will help you navigate the complex dynamics of communication, connection, and discipline within the Black autistic community.
Throughout the day, you’ll engage in transformative workshops and authentic conversations that dive into everything from affirming your partner’s role to redefining what parenting looks like in nontraditional family structures. You’ll leave with practical tools you can apply immediately—and a renewed sense of confidence and clarity.
This is your chance to feel seen, validated, and equipped with the resources you need to grow stronger together—as partners and as parents.
🎥 Don’t miss this powerful and timely experience—your next step starts here.