Description

Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC.

In this episode, we're joined by Tiana "Tee" Townsend, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Amazon bestselling author, and founder of Wiselign Consulting, LLC.

As a single mother to her nonverbal autistic son, True, who communicates using AAC, Tiana brings both clinical insight and lived experience to the conversation. Her work explores how cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and systemic barriers shape the experiences of Black families navigating autism.

In this conversation, Tiana shares what it means to build community, redefine motherhood, and hold onto hope even when the odds feel stacked.

In This Episode

Tiana offers a deeply grounded and honest perspective on parenting, advocacy, and healing. She reflects on how her journey has reshaped her understanding of support, strength, and what it truly means to show up for her child and herself.

Listeners will explore:

1. The Value of Community: Why raising a Black autistic child was never meant to be done alone. Tiana shares what the village model can look like today and how families can intentionally build supportive, connected communities.
2. Reframing Single Motherhood Through Level 3 Autism: Tiana reflects on how her son's diagnosis transformed her perspective on motherhood, advocacy, and resilience. What once felt like loss became a powerful teacher that reshaped how she shows up in her life and parenting.
3. Reclaiming Hope When the Odds Feel Stacked: Tiana speaks to the realities of systemic, racial, and personal barriers while reminding us that hope is an intentional and powerful act. She shares how families can hold onto hope even in the midst of challenges.

About Tiana "Tee" Townsend, LMFT

Tiana "Tee" Townsend is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Amazon bestselling author, and founder of Wiselign Consulting, LLC, a trauma informed consulting firm serving nonprofits, ministries, schools, and corporations.

As a single, non co-parenting mother to her son True, Tiana brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Her voice centers the realities of Black families navigating autism while addressing the impact of culture, gender expectations, and systemic barriers.

She is also a featured presenter at the 2026 Autism in Black Boys, Men, and Fathers Summit, where she leads the session "Your Presence at the Table: Black Men's Voices in the Village," speaking directly to Black men and calling them back into community and connection.

Connect with Tiana "Tee" Townsend

🌐 Website: https://iamtianatee.com

📘 Book Discount

Listeners can receive 10 percent off her newest book, What?! A 90 Day Devotional for When Life Changes Everything, by using the code AUTISMINBLACK at checkout:

https://www.iamtianatee.com/product-page/what-a-90-day-devotional-for-when-life-changes-everything

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Join Us at the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026

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Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conference2026

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Together, we continue building a more inclusive, affirming, and supportive community.