Talking Off The Couch podcast focuses on mental health and mental wellness within the community of color. Tatiana Smith who is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas, Texas decided that it is time to shed light and break stigmas about mental health/wellness in the communities of color. This podcast is a voice for the mental health community as well as the average person. Talking Off The Couch will make you feel Ok about not being Ok.       This week's episode I speak with my guest therapist Maria Davis-Pierre about Autism In Black. Maria informed us on what autism is, how involving culture within treatment is important, who are the 3 doctors you should seek when looking for a diagnoses, the importance of support, and how to ensure your child is treated fairly in the school system.       Maria Davis-Pierre is the founder of Autism in Black Inc. She is a therapist, coach, speaker, and advocate. After going through the process of getting her daughter diagnosed at 18 months, Maria changed her specialty and began working heavily in the Autism community. In January of 2018 Maria launched her 2nd private practice Autism in Black Inc., which aims to provide support to black parents who have a child on the spectrum, through educational and advocacy services. Autism in Black Inc. is dedicated to bringing awareness and acceptance to Autism Spectrum Disorder and reducing the stigma associated with ASD in the black community.   Maria is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and went on to obtain a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Maria is currently working on her Ph.D. in Family Therapy from Nova as well.   Maria’s passion is being an autism advocate with her mission being to bring awareness to the impact culture can have regarding an ASD diagnosis.      You can go to www.autisminblack.org to subscribe to the monthly newsletter and check out all the other great resources on the site.       Where you can find Maria Davis-Pierre:   Email: [email protected]   Web: http://www.autisminblack.org/     Facebook: @autisminblk   Instagram: @autisminblack   Twitter: @autisminblack     Resources and Books Mentioned:

1. https://m-chat.org/
2. https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide
3. http://autisticadvocacy.org/resources/
4. http://www.wrightslaw.com/

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