Mental Health, Advocacy, and Leading with Lived Experience

Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC—a licensed therapist, late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD mom, and special education advocate—whose work sits at the powerful intersection of mental health and education. With lived experience as a neurodivergent parent and professional expertise supporting families and schools, Dr. Huff offers critical insight into creating affirming spaces where neurodivergent children can truly thrive.

She unpacks how shame-based approaches harm students, why mental health must be a part of every IEP conversation, and how parents can show up empowered, informed, and unapologetic. Dr. Huff’s message is clear: when we center agency, empathy, and inclusion, we shift the entire system.

 

In This Episode:

Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, joins us for a powerful conversation on the deep connection between mental health and special education. As a neurodivergent therapist, late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD woman, and mother to two neurodivergent children, Dr. Huff brings a rare blend of lived experience and professional insight. She shares how parents can advocate with confidence in IEP spaces, why mental health must be prioritized in school systems, and what it means to raise and support neurodivergent children with empathy and agency. This is a must-listen for parents and professionals committed to shifting the system, not just surviving it.

 

Listeners will explore:

• How to integrate mental health and special education advocacy
• What neuroaffirming education really looks like
• The harm of shame-based discipline and the need to protect student agency

 

Connect with Destiny Huff: www.destinyhuffconsulting.com

Instagram: @destinyhuffiepadvocate

Facebook: Destiny Huff Consulting

 

About Destiny Huff:

Dr. Destiny Huff, LPC, is a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD military spouse, therapist, and mother of two neurodivergent children. As a licensed mental health professional and non-attorney special education advocate, she helps families navigate the IEP process and trains educators on building neuroaffirming environments.

 

Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black® Community!

Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Now’s your chance to experience the Autism in Black® Community FREE for 2 weeks!

This safe, affirming space offers real conversations, expert guidance, and culturally responsive tools to help you navigate parenting, advocacy, and healing.

Join us today: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/aibcommunitytrial?el=couplessummit

 

Support and Connect with Autism in Black:

Website: www.autisminblack.org

Social Media: Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter: @autisminblack

Facebook: @autisminblk

Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy: www.autisminblack.org/membership

 

Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast! Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media. Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive and supportive community.