So, let's talk about this year's Autism in Black Conference with my favorite special guest, Maria Davis-Pierre…

In last week’s episode (I suggest that you watch it if you haven’t), I gave my recap of the fourth annual Autism in Black Conference. From being an organizer, a speaker, and a community member, we talked about my experience, especially highlighting the emotionally enriching panel for fathers that we had this year.

It was such an awe-inspiring place to be in, but of course, the recap wouldn’t be complete without hearing from the CEO and Founder of Autism in Black Inc. That’s why in this week’s podcast, I brought with me that very person, my favorite special guest, Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC.

Here, we’ll talk about the conference from her experience, highlighting how without your support, all this wouldn’t even be in existence.

So, join us and don’t miss this week’s episode as we all look back to what transpired during the fourth annual conference of the Autism in Black.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Get to know the experience and thoughts of the Autism in Black Inc.’s Founder and President throughout the fourth run of the conference;
• Recognize the importance of providing support and focus to autistic adults; and
• Find out what’s in store for you on the fifth run of the Autism in Black Conference next year (2025)

“We appreciate all of the Autism in Black community, because without your support, [and] without our speakers’ support, we wouldn’t be able to do it. So, thank you, all, truly.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

Notable Quotes:

“Once the actual conference started, it was just like community and home, so all of the nerves went away and it was just, again, beautiful to be with our community for the weekend.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

“I think there’s not a lot of focus on us as autistic adults. It’s something that people have been asking for [and] it’s something that I needed as an autistic adult – having that community. I think there is so much focus sometimes when organizations focus on the children and don’t realize we turn into autistic adults and there’s no support out there for us. So, it was very intentional this year to make sure that we really had a lot of content for autistic adults.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

“I tell everybody every year: just as you all are learning, I’m learning too.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

“Having a community of people who want to support you and support what you do because they think that it’s important as well and they get something out of it just as much as you do is just a beautiful sight to see. I think a lot of people are thinking ‘competition, competition, competition’, but what we really focus on is collaboration and being there, supporting one another. Having that community and knowing that we are doing that for one another is a wonderful aspect.” – Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC

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In today's episode, we explore a profound and impactful story from the music world—the recent passing of hip-hop pioneer DJ Mister Cee. Known for his influential role in the industry, his death highlights a critical health issue that affects millions worldwide: diabetes. We'll delve into how diabetes contributed to his complications, focusing on its effects on the heart and kidneys, and discuss the signs and symptoms everyone should be aware of.

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Key Discussion Points:

• The Passing of DJ Mister Cee: Reflecting on his legacy and the circumstances of his recent passing due to complications related to diabetes.
• Diabetes and Its Effects on the Body: Understanding how diabetes impacts vital organs, particularly the heart and kidneys, and what that means for overall health.
• Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes: A crucial discussion on how to identify diabetes early to manage and potentially mitigate its severe complications.

This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of health awareness and regular check-ups, especially for conditions like diabetes that can quietly affect major organs and lead to serious health issues.

Links:

• People Magazine: DJ Mister Cee’s Cause of Death Revealed
• WHO: Facts About Diabetes

So, let's talk about the experience of being at this year's Autism in Black Conference…

When I first told my wife that we should do a conference on autism in Black, looking back, the first response that I got was “Why would we do a conference? Who would come to that?”

Believe it or not, about four years ago, that’s what our thoughts were like that we even doubted if people would come.

Then, fast forward to four years later, and we just realized that starting the annual conference had been the best decision of our lives.

Not only have we created a safe space for Black people to learn and empower each other; for us and the members, the conference has also become a source of love, appreciation, and emotional recharge.

It was such an awe-inspiring, moving, and really just an emotionally enriching environment to be at that I can’t help but do this episode to share a quick recap.

So, sit back and relax as we talk about the experience – as an organizer, a speaker, and a community member all in one.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Understand the importance of highlighting the fact that autism in Black really does happen;
• Get a quick recap of the events that transpired on this year’s Autism in Black Conference; and
• Learn about the experience from the organizers’, speakers’, and community members’ standpoint

“We’re making sure that everyone is aware that autism in Black needs to be seen through a different lens, and we are the glasses that’s going to help you see it.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

“The job that our speakers did this weekend, the love that they were able to pour out into the hearts of the community, whoo! If you’re an organization looking for phenomenal speakers, just check our speaker list from our agenda and start reaching out to them, because, I mean, beautiful.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“You guys may think I’m biased, and I understand that; I’ll take that on the chin, if you think I’m a little biased when I’m talking about the Autism in Black Conference. But if you’ll talk to the community members, they’ll tell you that it was the best conference they’ve ever been in in their life. So, not my words; [it’s] their words. I’m just regurgitating what the community members said.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“When we talk about Autism in Black, we are speaking from the Black perspective in autism journey. We want to make sure that does not get erased and we want to make sure that it’s highlighted that it is definitely different. Despite what they may say on the ads that I run, it’s definitely different to walk this journey as a Black family when you’re thinking about autism; regardless of the whole ‘there is no color in autism’, [because] that’s a lie.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“I want to make sure that the fathers are continued to be represented in the light that they need to be represented in. I think and I know that it’s so important because the reception that I get every time fathers are highlighted, it just continues to amaze me and let’s me know that we got some work to do.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

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In today's episode, we delve into a topic that has recently sparked significant discussion in the community: the clarity surrounding autism diagnoses. Joining us is Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, a leading voice in the conversation about autism, especially within the Black community. We'll specifically address the recent controversy involving Amanda Seales and her statements regarding her autism diagnosis.

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Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding Autism Diagnosis: We explore the importance of a formal diagnosis and how it can impact individuals and their families.
• The Amanda Seales Controversy: A closer look at Amanda Seales' recent remarks about not being clinically diagnosed with autism by a doctor, which has stirred up widespread conversation about autism awareness and self-diagnosis.
• Expert Insights with Maria Davis-Pierre: Maria will provide her professional insights into the diagnosis process, challenges within the Black community regarding autism, and the implications of public discussions like these.

This episode aims to shed light on the complexities of autism diagnosis and the broader implications of how these diagnoses are discussed publicly.

Links:

• Baller Alert: Amanda Seales Clarifies Autism Diagnosis Statement
• YouTube: Amanda Seales Discusses Autism Diagnosis

So, let’s talk about our New Year’s resolutions and how we can keep them going throughout the year…

How many of you have told yourself in November or December, “I’m going to stop playing games and I’m going to do better for myself because I know there’s not as many years in front of me as there may be behind me”?

According to statistics, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February; they don’t even make it to the first quarter of the year.

And today, as your accountability partner, I want to ask you this: With the first quarter of the year coming gone, are your New Year’s resolutions coming gone with it?

I know it’s only April and that we have goals and aspirations – living healthier, losing weight, making a lot more money, etc. – that we’ll still have to work on in the remaining months of the year.

But when the clock strikes midnight for the year 2024, would you be able to say that you’ve kept your promise to yourself that you made right after Christmas last year – that this will be the year that you’ll change?

I want to help you get back on your path, so that when the year 2025 comes around, we can look back and say, “Man, I’m so glad I kept that promise to myself.”

Join me in this episode as we rehash these memories to ensure we get our happy selves back, especially when we’re on a road where we went off to detour a little bit.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Discover some of the most common New Year’s resolutions people have;
• Understand the different reasons why people’s New Year’s resolutions fail; and
• Find out the importance of accountability and self-reflection in your journey to change

“Let’s get back on the train today. Let’s remember our ‘why’ today. More importantly, let’s remember what caused us to trip; let’s remember what caused us to stumble, because we need to avoid the stumbling, because the stumbling is going to happen again and again and again. It keeps happening, that’s why you’re at the point you’re at now. So, I have to ask, do you really want to live healthier Do you really want to do these things? Do you really want to do the things you said you wanted to do in November and December? And remember, if you don’t have that support system, if you don’t have the accountability, I’m here to help you out.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

“We all have different stimuli. We all have different things that motivate us… We all have these reasons, and no initial stimulus is better than the other. I tell my patients all the time – you need to have some type of why to keep you going, but it doesn’t mean that my ‘why’ is so much better than your ‘why’; it doesn’t mean that my ‘why’ is so much stronger than your ‘why’. Everyone has their own personal ‘why’.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“The second we forget our why, it’s over.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“We don’t want tomorrow. We are not going to continue to put off things until tomorrow that we can do today.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“Any type of change has to start with you.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

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So, let’s talk about this year’s Autism Awareness Month…

Autism Awareness Month is not just a yearly celebration in April; it’s something that’s personally changed me and my family’s lives.

That’s why having an episode like this is special to me. It’s not just because it allows me to look back at the beginning of my journey of living with my spouse and raising two wonderful kids who have autism; it also allows us to celebrate the diversity of the human experience of dealing with autism or living with someone who has autism.

So join me in this episode as I share with you my personal experience of going through the hump of fear and unawareness of autism and how you can get to that next level of awareness as well with the help of Autism Awareness Month.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Find out what Autism Awareness Month is all about and why it is such a special month to me;
• Learn the importance of understanding that everyone has a different experience with autism; and
• Discover the crucial role of awareness, how to get to that “next level” of awareness, and what to do with it once you get there

“This is where I want alarms to ring for anyone who is watching or listening to this. When you have something that is occurring to you that is different, that is now affecting the way you typically or normally live your life, you need to be ringing some bells and seeking professional help, even if you have a couple of people tell you that it’s normal.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

“There’s a lot of people who, when that diagnosis first comes around, they don’t want to hear it. A lot of times, it’s out of fear; just like when I first heard the diagnosis… Thankfully, when you have help and a great support system, you grow out of that fear.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“Once I was surrounded with a family who is autistic and recognized that, ‘Wow, that is what they experience when they go through that’, it allowed me to be able to open my eyes up to the experience that my patients were having.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“Recognizing the signs and symptoms the earlier is always the better.” – Dr. Berry Pierrre

“Being Black, even when you’re autistic, there’s a different experience. Even in the world of autism, being black is a subset that causes a different level of experience that others who are autistic and not black don’t have to experience.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“Diagnosis is just the first step, being aware of it is really just the first step; It’s now taking what you’re aware of, and applying it. Taking what you’re aware of, and recognizing, ‘Hey, you know what? I may need to do something about it.” – Dr. Berry Pierre

“The beauty of a month like this is that everyone is going to be at a different stage of their awareness, and it’s most important to get them to where they need to get to, to get them to that next step, and also to help them recognize that a community is there.”– Dr. Berry Pierre

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In today's episode, we delve into a poignant story that has captured the nation's attention: O.J. Simpson's final battle with prostate cancer. The news of his passing at the age of 76 not only marks the end of a complex and controversial figure but also brings a critical health issue to the forefront.

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Key Discussion Points:

• O.J. Simpson's Passing: We reflect on the life and legacy of O.J. Simpson, acknowledging the circumstances of his passing due to prostate cancer.
• The Reality of Prostate Cancer: An exploration of prostate cancer, its impact, and the importance of early detection and screening, particularly for Black men who are disproportionately affected by this disease.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Discussing the significance of PSA tests and other screening methods in the early detection and management of prostate cancer, highlighting the need for awareness and proactive health measures.

This episode serves as a reminder of the human aspect behind public figures and the critical importance of health awareness and regular screenings in the fight against prostate cancer.

Links:

• ABC News: O.J. Simpson Dies After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
• ZERO Cancer: Prostate Cancer Statistics in Black Men
• MSKCC: Things Black Men Should Know About Prostate Cancer

So, let’s talk about the marriage between nanotechnology and medicine, and how this can help revolutionize cancer treatment…

Have you ever wondered what the field of bioengineering entails?

At its core, bioengineering is a discipline that harnesses the principles of biology and engineering to develop innovative solutions for a variety of problems. It is a world filled with extraordinary, cutting-edge, and most importantly, profoundly impactful innovations. And with its revolutionary advancements in medicine, agriculture, and more, it is truly shaping our world in ways we could never have imagined before.

Unfortunately, this is a science that I know little to nothing about.

But worry no more, for in this week’s episode, I’ll be joined by a trailblazer in this field – Dr. Craig Richard, a Black doctor who not only pushes the limits of what nanotechnology and medicine can do but is also a staunch proponent for representation and mentorship of Black students in STEM fields.

If you feel like me, whose knowledge about this field is so limited but has been pondering upon the incredible possibilities that lie within this field, then get yourselves ready. Here, we’ll discover how the tiniest particles invisible to the naked eye might hold the key to medical advances for better health and life.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Find out how nanotechnology and medicine go together;
• Understand the importance of representation and mentorship in STEM fields; and
• Learn about the advances of nanotechnology especially in the fight against cancer

“That’s the goal; it’s to develop treatments for these diseases that otherwise would have very few treatment options or would result in such drastic symptoms from the treatment that people don’t want to do them. We can make this process a lot easier or more targeted so there’s less off-target effects. It’s the best of both worlds.” – Dr. Craig Richard

Notable Quotes:

“Fundamental properties start to change when you start to nanostructure things.” – Dr. Craig Richard

“It’s really exciting because now, you could have systemic delivery. It doesn’t matter how you deliver it, but if you only deliver the on signal – the kill switch – to the site with the tumor, then you’re getting all the buildup that’s happening in that tumor and you’re only having the effect in that tumor; you can minimize the off-target effects of some of those really toxic chemotherapy drugs because they’re only being released inside the tumor or around the tumor.” – Dr. Craig Richard

“Obviously, there’s going to be pros and cons; there’s going to have to be some sacrifices, especially if you’re treating cancer. Like, the chemotherapy drugs you are using – they’re poison. There are no uncertain terms; it’s poison. But it’s a poison that affects the cancer cells more than it does the normal cells and you’re just taking advantage of cancer’s biology. So, if you can take it and put it in some type of delivery vehicle and have it specifically target that, the benefits kind of outweigh some of the risks.” – Dr. Craig Richard

“I don’t want people to have the same experiences that I’ve had, like going through college and high school where I’m the only person that looks like me in the room. I can count on one hand the number of people in my field, in my department, that looks like me, and that’s a problem. I don’t want that to be everyone’s experience, so I’m trying to do what I can to help with that and remedy that problem.” – Dr. Craig Richard

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