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 Sign up at www.listentodrberry.com to join the mailing list. Remember to subscribe to the podcast and share the episode with a friend or family member. Listen on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, iHeartRadio, and Spotify