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This week and for the final episode of season 1 of Black Girl Diagnosed we’re joined by Lyric Rivera, creator of the NeuroDivergent Rebel blog and author of the best-selling book Workplace Neurodiversity Rising, praised by Forbes as an essential guide grounded in lived experience and professional insight. Since launching NeuroDivergent Rebel in 2016, Lyric has helped reshape how people understand neurodiversity through writing and video, centering autistic voices, creative expression, and autonomy. Their work challenges outdated narratives and pushes for a world where neurological differences are respected and accepted.

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In this episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we’re joined by children’s author and autism advocate Pastiche Graham, creator of Pia Pistachio Gets a Job! — a book inspired by her lived experience as an autistic woman.

Pastiche shares how her appearance on Undercover Boss helped spark her publishing journey and why she felt called to create a main character autistic girls can see themselves in. We talk about the male-centered narrative around autism, the discrimination autistic people still face in workplaces, and the importance of public inclusion and representation. Pastiche opens up about reclaiming her voice, challenging stigma, and using storytelling as activism.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that autistic girls and women deserve visibility, resources, and spaces where they belong. Tune in for an honest discussion about courage, advocacy, and rewriting the story around autism.

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In this episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we’re joined by Janella (she/they), creator of Diversity in Neurodiversity and a Korean-Filipino American advocate using her voice to center intersectionality in the autism space.

Janella shares what it means to navigate life as a BIPOC AuDHD adult while managing chronic fatigue, and why continuing to talk openly about race, ableism, and identity is essential for real change. We also talk about the importance of creating safe, honest spaces for marginalized voices, balancing advocacy with rest, and finding joy through hobbies like reading, knitting, and traveling.

This conversation is a reminder that advocacy can coexist with softness, creativity, and care and that intersectionality must always be at the center of neurodivergent conversations.

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In this episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we’re joined by Ky Kennedy a neurodivergent and physically disabled mother, lactation consultant, published author, nonprofit founder, public speaker, and disability activist.

Ky shares how their advocacy is rooted in lived experience and a deep commitment to true access and inclusion. As a proud service dog and ambulatory wheelchair user, they speak candidly about challenging ableism and pushing conversations about accessibility beyond minimum compliance.

We also explore how Ky’s creativity, poetry, and love for growth from gardens to communities shape their approach to advocacy and care. Through a neurodivergent lens, Ky invites us to reimagine what meaningful inclusion can look like when it’s grounded in dignity, imagination, and collective responsibility.

This episode is honest, empowering, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating disability, parenting, and advocacy.

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In this episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we’re joined by Destiny Huff, a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mental health professional, licensed therapist, and non-attorney special education advocate.

With over 15 years of experience working across early childhood, K–12 schools, foster care systems, and mental health services, Destiny brings a powerful blend of professional expertise and lived experience. She is also the mother of two neurodivergent learners with IEPs, giving her firsthand insight into how overwhelming and isolating the special education system can feel for families.

Destiny shares why strong collaboration between schools and families is essential, what parents should know about advocating at the IEP table, and how Black families can feel more confident and informed when supporting their neurodivergent children. She also reflects on her own late diagnosis and how it shaped her parenting, advocacy, and commitment to neuroaffirming care.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating special education and disability advocacy. 🎧

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In this week’s episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, we sit down with educator, writer, and creative Kathleen “Kat” Lee, founder of Mindful Bloom Studio and the whimsical mind behind @kathleezzzy.

Kat opens up about navigating burnout, unmasking, and intentionally rebuilding her life with clarity, compassion, and softness. We talk about her journey as an autistic educator and her commitment to creating inclusive, accessible spaces for both neurodivergent and neurotypical learners.

She shares how theatre, storytelling, and yoga influence her approach to teaching and community-building, and how her Instagram became a space for inner child healing, creativity, and joyful, fairy-inspired self-expression.

We also dive into her long-term dreams—traveling the world, hosting retreats, writing children’s literature, and building communities rooted in imagination, belonging, and emotional wellness.

This is a grounding, magical, deeply human conversation you don’t want to miss.

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In this powerful solo episode of Black Girl Diagnosed, our host Ayanna Sanaa Davis opens up and shares her own diagnosis story in detail the challenges, realizations, and moments of clarity that shaped her journey as a Black autistic woman.

Ayanna is a passionate advocate, educator, and storyteller dedicated to uplifting the voices of Black neurodivergent women and girls. Through her work, she continues to build community, raise awareness, and push for representation in spaces where our stories are often overlooked.

This episode is raw, real, and deeply personal a look into what it means to seek understanding, fight for validation, and embrace identity in a world that rarely sees the full picture.

🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts.

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Charlotte Bachelor is a late-diagnosed Autistic/ADHD writer and speaker from Detroit, MI. She began documenting her diagnostic journey as a student at Michigan State University, where she earned a B.A. in Professional and Public Writing and a minor in African American and African Studies. Her work focuses on uplifting the experiences of Black Disabled Women and Girls. Additionally, she completed the Disability EmpowHer Expressions Program and is a current long-term Trainee with the MI-LEND Program. Through her powerful storytelling, Charlotte shares her unique perspective to illuminate underrepresented stories and experiences.

She has shared her story through the Autism in Black Conference, the Autism Stories Podcast, and the Spectrum Talk Podcast. You can find her written work on the Pure Michigan and Visit Detroit Websites.

Charlotte believes that a good story can change hearts and minds and inspire action. Using a blend of quick wit and meaningful storytelling, she hopes to leave her audiences hungry to learn more.

Outside of speaking and advocacy work, Charlotte is a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Metro Detroit, taking care of her neighborhood cats, and having a good cup of coffee.