Spectrum Chats: Being Black/African American and Autistic

Spectrum Chats: Being Black/African American and Autistic

Join AutismTN for a Spectrum Chat: "Being Black/African American and Autistic." This panel discussion is part of the Exploring Autistic Life and Culture project, funded by HumanitiesTN.

When: Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. CT

The experiences of Black/African American Autistic people and their families remain underrepresented in discussions within the broader Autistic community. Research and data are still catching up to their lived experiences, highlighting the pervasive impacts of racial bias in autism research and support services, which have led to missed diagnoses and minimal access to resources.

Join us for Spectrum Chats: Being Black/African American and Autistic, an engaging and thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the intersection of race and neurodivergence. This event will feature Black/African American Autistic people and a parent/caregiver sharing their unique perspectives and insights.

The panel will delve into topics such as the exhaustion caused by masking and code-switching, building connections with peers, navigating employment experiences, and the existing barriers to care. Panelists will also discuss the transformative journey of receiving a diagnosis in adulthood, their advocacy work, the challenges of confronting ableism and internalized ableism, and self-love and appreciation. Additionally, the discussion will explore how intersecting identities—such as gender, sexuality, and class—shape the Black/African American Autistic experience.

This program is funded in part by a grant from Humanities Tennessee, an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Moderator:

Carl Frizell is an autistic certified physician associate (PA) from Holmes County, MS, who excels in both clinical practice and research. As a passionate neurodiversity advocate, Carl leverages his personal experiences to offer innovative solutions to critical equity and inclusion challenges. His dedication is evident in his experiences as a Physician Assistant Educator and medical oncology PA, where he committed to delivering high-quality patient care and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. Outside of his professional life, Carl enjoys spending time with family and friends, immersing himself in anime, playing video games, and nurturing his collection of plants.

Panelists:

Mandii Brown is a seasoned mental health professional and a survivor of both domestic violence and suicide. Her personal trials deeply influence her advocacy for mental health, driving her commitment to foster healing and provide substantial support within communities. Originally hailing from Chicago, IL and now residing in Nashville, TN, Mandii holds two bachelor’s degrees—one in African American Studies and another in Family Child Studies from Northern Illinois University. Additionally, she earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Alabama and a Master's in Restorative Justice from Liberty University.

Previously working with Milestone TN as a cognitive behavior intervention program consultant, Mandii collaborated with several maximum-security prisons in Tennessee, underscoring her impactful work. Currently, she serves as a Community Reintegration Specialist, closely collaborating with three nonprofits in Nashville focusing on justice-impacted youth and newly released incarcerated individuals. She dedicates her expertise to one nonprofit, Tennessee Higher Education Initiative, helping develop comprehensive housing assistance assessments and mental health plans that facilitate their successful societal reintegration. Additionally, Mandii Brown is a vital board member for the other two non-profit organizations. She serves as the Secretary for “Recycle & Reinvest”, which aims to bridge the gap between waste and crime by promoting sustainability and providing job opportunities. This initiative empowers individuals through education and engagement to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for all. Furthermore, she holds a mental health position at “Nashville Peacemakers,” whose mission is to equip youth in distressed neighborhoods with essential life skills and self-worth to choose peaceful alternatives to violence, and to support mothers whose children have been victimized.

Mandii brings her professional insight to various platforms as a keynote speaker, influencing many attendees at conferences, community panels, and universities, including Tennessee State University, Adelphi University, and Belmont University. She also practices part-time with a Nashville-based mental health organization, "Black Mental Health Village," recognized as a driven community therapist, speaker, and group facilitator.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Mandii finds profound joy and purpose as a devoted mother to her three neurodivergent children, navigating their unique needs and advocating for their right to thrive in inclusive environments. As a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., she passionately shares her journey and insights through her active social media presence and websites. Engage with her community of supporters and access her resources on Instagram (@the_relatable_counselor), Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/wellwhhw, and explore her websites at www.wellwhhw.com and www.therelatablecounselor.com

Alexandria Eddings is a vibrant creative with a passion for art, design, and accessibility. After receiving a late diagnosis of autism (and adhd), she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and learning around better navigating daily life with this new awareness. She hopes to help others navigate their own paths, offering support and guidance to those on a similar journey of understanding and acceptance.

Ashley Seay is the owner of Relief Printmaking Studio, which offers original art with a focus in woodblock printing, custom logo woodblocks, wood sculpture and design, pattern design, and fabric printing. The studio's motto is to produce "relief you can see and feel." She has over 10 years of experience in the printmaking medium. Woodblock printing is how the first newspapers, books and bibles were produced. The artwork is inspired by history, culture, nature, Ancestors, Universe, and family and friends. Recently she was an artist in residence with Metro Nashville Public Schools. She led a course at Cane Ridge High School and two classes at the Nashville School of the Arts. Ashley has also won third place at the Best of Tennessee Craft Exhibition, featured and taught at the Frist Art Museum, National Museum of African American Music, Tennessee State Museum, Belmont University, and Cheekwood Mansion. Ashley was professionally identified with Autism and ADHD at age 34 and has just now received accommodations. As a young child, she was given a misdiagnosis of a cognitive math and learning disability. As she got older, she dealt with depression and PTSD but used art to aid in her mental health journey. Finding and keeping a job, housing and managing everyday life has always been difficult, even now. After failing multiple college classes and running out of financial support, she had to stop going to school. She has never been on any medication for AUDHD but is now considering it. After years of being job to job, she decided in summer of 2023 to get formally test and go back to college at Tennessee State University to finish her Studio Art Degree. After graduation she will pursue her master's degree and become an art professor. As of now she is currently looking for autistic employment that works with a college schedule but is having issues. Ashley is very passionate about advocacy, helping others and being creative in every way possible. In her free time, she enjoys creating art, retro RPG gaming and console collecting, roller skating, watching anime and movies, and being active outdoors. Her favorite season is summer, and gold is her favorite color.

Brian Williams was born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee to Alma and the late Raimon E. Williams. He received an associate degree from Austin Peay State University after transferring back home from MTSU. While working on the student newspaper at MTSU, Brian was introduced to broadcasting and media by individuals involved in the MTSU television studios. Since 1991, Brian has been involved in the broadcasting field. He began his career at Cencom, which is now known as Spectrum, then went to Comcast, which is now known as Xfinity. He worked with Xfinity from 1996 to 2007. In 2005, Brian began working at Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he is currently still employed in their Media Ministry. In 2007, Brian was diagnosed with Autism (Asperger's Syndrome), yet, he has not been deterred. He continues to work hard, is devoted to his family, career and the ministry. Brian unapologetically seeks to continue being a "good man for God." Brian's dedicated interests include movies, dining out, and being a Servant Leader.