Black Girl Diagnosed

Send us Fan MailIn this special Autism Acceptance Month episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we welcome back returning guest Charlotte Bachelor for an honest and affirming conversation centered on Black autistic women and the importance of true acceptance beyond awareness.Charlotte shares her perspective on representation, self-acceptance, and why Black autistic voices must be centered in conversations about autism. Together, we discuss the misconceptions Black autistic women still face, the impact of late diagnosis, and what it means to create spaces where neurodivergent people feel seen, valued, and supported.This episode is a reminder that autism acceptance is about more than visibility  it’s about listening, understanding, community, and making room for Black autistic people to exist fully and authentically. 🩷✨

Send us Fan MailThis week and for the final episode of season 1 of Black Girl Diagnosed  we’re joined by Lyric Rivera, creator of the NeuroDivergent Rebel blog and author of the best-selling book Workplace Neurodiversity Rising, praised by Forbes as an essential guide grounded in lived experience and professional insight. Since launching NeuroDivergent Rebel in 2016, Lyric has helped reshape how people understand neurodiversity through writing and video, centering autistic voices, creative expression, and autonomy. Their work challenges outdated narratives and pushes for a world where neurological differences are respected and accepted.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we’re joined by children’s author and autism advocate Pastiche Graham, creator of Pia Pistachio Gets a Job! — a book inspired by her lived experience as an autistic woman.Pastiche shares how her appearance on Undercover Boss helped spark her publishing journey and why she felt called to create a main character autistic girls can see themselves in. We talk about the male-centered narrative around autism, the discrimination autistic people still face in workplaces, and the importance of public inclusion and representation. Pastiche opens up about reclaiming her voice, challenging stigma, and using storytelling as activism.This conversation is a powerful reminder that autistic girls and women deserve visibility, resources, and spaces where they belong. Tune in for an honest discussion about courage, advocacy, and rewriting the story around autism. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we’re joined by Janella (she/they), creator of Diversity in Neurodiversity and a Korean-Filipino American advocate using her voice to center intersectionality in the autism space.Janella shares what it means to navigate life as a BIPOC AuDHD adult while managing chronic fatigue, and why continuing to talk openly about race, ableism, and identity is essential for real change. We also talk about the importance of creating safe, honest spaces for marginalized voices, balancing advocacy with rest, and finding joy through hobbies like reading, knitting, and traveling.This conversation is a reminder that advocacy can coexist with softness, creativity, and care and that intersectionality must always be at the center of neurodivergent conversations.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we’re joined by Ky Kennedy  a neurodivergent and physically disabled mother, lactation consultant, published author, nonprofit founder, public speaker, and disability activist.Ky shares how their advocacy is rooted in lived experience and a deep commitment to true access and inclusion. As a proud service dog and ambulatory wheelchair user, they speak candidly about challenging ableism and pushing conversations about accessibility beyond minimum compliance.We also explore how Ky’s creativity, poetry, and love for growth  from gardens to communities  shape their approach to advocacy and care. Through a neurodivergent lens, Ky invites us to reimagine what meaningful inclusion can look like when it’s grounded in dignity, imagination, and collective responsibility.This episode is honest, empowering, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating disability, parenting, and advocacy.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we’re joined by Destiny Huff, a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mental health professional, licensed therapist, and non-attorney special education advocate.With over 15 years of experience working across early childhood, K–12 schools, foster care systems, and mental health services, Destiny brings a powerful blend of professional expertise and lived experience. She is also the mother of two neurodivergent learners with IEPs, giving her firsthand insight into how overwhelming and isolating the special education system can feel for families.Destiny shares why strong collaboration between schools and families is essential, what parents should know about advocating at the IEP table, and how Black families can feel more confident and informed when supporting their neurodivergent children. She also reflects on her own late diagnosis and how it shaped her parenting, advocacy, and commitment to neuroaffirming care.This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating special education and disability advocacy. 🎧

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we sit down with educator, writer, and creative Kathleen “Kat” Lee, founder of Mindful Bloom Studio and the whimsical mind behind @kathleezzzy.Kat opens up about navigating burnout, unmasking, and intentionally rebuilding her life with clarity, compassion, and softness. We talk about her journey as an autistic educator and her commitment to creating inclusive, accessible spaces for both neurodivergent and neurotypical learners.She shares how theatre, storytelling, and yoga influence her approach to teaching and community-building, and how her Instagram became a space for inner child healing, creativity, and joyful, fairy-inspired self-expression.We also dive into her long-term dreams—traveling the world, hosting retreats, writing children’s literature, and building communities rooted in imagination, belonging, and emotional wellness.This is a grounding, magical, deeply human conversation you don’t want to miss.

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful solo episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, our host Ayanna Sanaa Davis opens up and shares her own diagnosis story in detail  the challenges, realizations, and moments of clarity that shaped her journey as a Black autistic woman.Ayanna is a passionate advocate, educator, and storyteller dedicated to uplifting the voices of Black neurodivergent women and girls. Through her work, she continues to build community, raise awareness, and push for representation in spaces where our stories are often overlooked.This episode is raw, real, and deeply personal  a look into what it means to seek understanding, fight for validation, and embrace identity in a world that rarely sees the full picture.🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts.

Send us Fan MailCharlotte Bachelor is a late-diagnosed Autistic/ADHD writer and speaker from Detroit, MI. She began documenting her diagnostic journey as a student at Michigan State University, where she earned a B.A. in Professional and Public Writing and a minor in African American and African Studies. Her work focuses on uplifting the experiences of Black Disabled Women and Girls. Additionally, she completed the Disability EmpowHer Expressions Program and is a current long-term Trainee with the MI-LEND Program. Through her powerful storytelling, Charlotte shares her unique perspective to illuminate underrepresented stories and experiences. She has shared her story through the Autism in Black Conference, the Autism Stories Podcast, and the Spectrum Talk Podcast. You can find her written work on the Pure Michigan and Visit Detroit Websites.Charlotte believes that a good story can change hearts and minds and inspire action. Using a blend of quick wit and meaningful storytelling, she hopes to leave her audiences hungry to learn more. Outside of speaking and advocacy work, Charlotte is a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Metro Detroit, taking care of her neighborhood cats, and having a good cup of coffee. 

Send us Fan MailThis week on Black Girl Diagnosed we are beyond honored to welcome Cheryl A. Poe — Founder & Executive Director of Advocating 4 Kids, Inc. and the visionary behind the “Advocating While Black™” movement.Cheryl is a nationally recognized special education advocate who has dedicated her life to empowering Black families and parents of children with disabilities. Through her work, she helps families navigate schools, understand their rights under IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA, and demand equity in education systems that too often marginalize our children.She is not only leading cases and challenging unjust practices—she’s building a movement that ensures Black families are seen, heard, and respected in every classroom.We cannot wait for you to hear this powerful conversation with a true changemaker and fearless advocate for our children. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Cheryl Poe!

Send us Fan MailBlack Girl Diagnosed is a bold and necessary podcast that amplifies the voices of Black women navigating the intersections of neurodivergence, disability, & mental health. Through raw conversations, personal storytelling, and expert insights, this show creates space for Black women from all walks of life in every industry to be fully seen—beyond stereotypes, stigma, and silence.Hosted by a Black Autistic Autism & Disability advocate, each episode delves into the real-life experiences of women living with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, invisible, physical disabilities and more—while unpacking the cultural, medical, and societal systems that often overlook or misdiagnose them.From the challenges of masking and misdiagnosis to the healing power of community and self-discovery, Black Girl Diagnosed is where truth-telling meets liberation. This is not just a podcast—it's a reclamation of identity, joy, and power!Whether you're neurodivergent, disabled, or an ally, or just starting to explore the conversation, this podcast offers solidarity, education, and a reminder: Black women deserve to be heard, healed, celebrated, Lifted & seen whole.Topics discussed will consist of but not limited to :Navigating life as a Black disabled/neurodivergent womanThe intersections of race, gender, disability, and neurodivergenceUnmasking, code-switching, and self-advocacy“Coming out” as neurodivergent or disabled in Black communitiesInternalized ableism and reclaiming identity