Join us for AutismTN's Parent Perspective
From Allyship to Advocacy:
How Parents can Champion Autistic Inclusion
AutismTN invites parents, caregivers, and other allies to the Autistic community to our Parent Perspectives series.
These panels create an affirming space for parents (+ others) to share their unique experience as caregivers to Autistic people. We believe bringing these supportive networks together is an act of community care as we all journey through a world designed without neurodivergent families in mind.
This panel will focus on the role of parents and families as allies and advocates for Autistic people, both within the family and in broader society. It will explore how parents can model acceptance and inclusion, advocate for better services and accommodations, and challenge ableism in their communities.
The discussion will include practical steps for moving from understanding autism to actively promoting policies and practices that respect Autistic voices and experiences.
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About Our Panelists
Babs Tierno works for the Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging. In her role, she focuses on TN Strong Families which is a collaboration between DDA and DCS. Ms. Tierno has Bachelor degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Interdisciplinary Legal Studies from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and her Master's degree in Education from Middle Tennessee State University. Ms. Tierno serves on the Board of Directors. Ms. Tierno has two sons, ages 15 and 20, (both boys are on the autism spectrum).
Dana Commandatore is a seasoned marketing executive, brand strategist, and talent manager with over 25 years of experience working with top-tier brands and personalities. Beyond her professional expertise, Dana is a dedicated advocate for autism awareness and self-advocacy. As the mother of an autistic son, she is committed to supporting neurodivergent voices, fostering inclusivity, and being an ally to the autistic community. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the importance of authentic representation in media and branding.
Mark Rembert is a co-facilitator for AutismTN's Spectrum Dads group. He shares that he came to the world of Autism quite unintentionally. Diagnosed at 29 months, his son Eric has given him experiences that are familiar to all parents, yet utterly unique. Above all, he has learned that whatever happens, he must simply keep trying. Despite the roadblocks, despite the failures, despite the mistakes, he's learned that a parent's charge is to never quit trying to help our kids become the best version of themselves.
Tonya Bowman is the Statewide Family Resource Specialist for Family Voices of Tennessee. She has served in this role since 2007. Tonya is the mother of three, two young adults and one in high school, which provides her with the lived experience of special healthcare needs and disabilities. Tonya loves working alongside other people who are passionate about serving children and families. She utilizes her voice to share the parent perspective across various councils, committees and boards. Tonya and family live in Nashville TN.
This program is funded in part by a grant from Humanities Tennessee, an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
If you have specific questions or topics you would like our panelist to address, email outreach@autismtn.org
