The Black Hues Society:Voices Across the Spectrum Podcast

Episode 6: Wills and Special Needs Trusts: Protecting the Future of Your Adult Child with Autism

In Episode 6, titled “Wills and Special Needs Trusts: Protecting the Future of Your Adult Child with Autism,” I sit down with Rick Knight, Founder of Servant Financial Group, to discuss the importance of having both a will and a special needs trust (SNT) to secure your adult child’s future. Many parents of adults with autism aren’t aware of the critical role an SNT plays. With responsibilities like managing daily care and planning for the future, the thought of what will happen if we’re no longer here can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, too many families don’t have a plan in place. A study shows that 77% of Black, non-Hispanic Americans don’t have a will, often due to lack of financial literacy or cost concerns. Rick explains how a will and an SNT can provide peace of mind and protect your adult child. This episode is for you if you need help navigating these tough, emotional decisions, or exploring how both a will and an SNT can help safeguard the future of your adult child with ASD, or if you've been considering these steps but don't know where to start.  Plus, check out another volume of "The Really Dumb Things People Say About Autism!"

Episode 5: Mindfulness: Giving Yourself the Gift of Being Present

In this episode, “Mindfulness: Giving Yourself the Gift of Being Present,” I’m joined by Geena Williams, Leader of the Black Self Care Sanctuary and Founder of Black Self-Care Talk. Together, we explore how adding mindfulness to your daily routine can restore peace and balance, especially for Black parents of adult children with autism. Research shows that these parents often face heightened stress, anxiety, and isolation. We often move through life on autopilot, overwhelmed and disconnected. Sound familiar? Join us as we discuss simple mindfulness exercises, including a powerful breathing technique, to help you manage stress, be more present, and find calm amid life’s demands. Tune in to discover how mindfulness can make a meaningful difference in your everyday life. Download the episode now to learn about a simple breathing technique to help you relieve stress and increase mindfulness. Need a good laugh? Check out comedian, Aaron ‘Weightball” Young!

Episode 4: Reviving Your Finances

In this episode, “Reviving Your Finances,” I’m joined by Theresa Grant, Founder and CEO of TG Financial Coaching. Theresa shares practical strategies to help Black parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manage financial stress and rebuild their budgets. With unique challenges like healthcare costs and income loss, many parents feel financially stretched. According to Autism Speaks, the lifetime cost of supporting an individual with ASD ranges from $1.4 to $2.4 million. On top of that, while 58% of Americans have a rainy-day fund, only 40% of Black Americans do. With these staggering statistics in mind, Theresa discusses essential budgeting techniques, rebuilding emergency savings, and even budgeting for self-care, offering actionable tips to strengthen your financial foundation. Download the episode now to hear Theresa's no-nonsense budgeting tips and get the scoop on how to access her free, downloadable budgeting tool! Pro ASD advocacy? You won't want to miss another installment of the "Dumb Things People Say About Autism" and learn how you can advocate for individuals with ASD!

Episode 3: “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s a Necessity: Incorporating Self-Care Into Your Daily Life as a Black Parent of an Adult Child with Autism”

In this episode, “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s a Necessity: Incorporating Self-Care Into Your Daily Life as a Black Parent of an Adult Child with Autism,” I sit down with Krystal Reddick, self-care coach and founder of Total Life Care Coaching, to discuss the importance of self-care for Black parents of adult children with autism. With the constant demands of caring for our children, self-care often feels impossible, leaving us exhausted and burned out. Krystal shares practical strategies for integrating self-care into even the busiest routines, along with budget-friendly ideas to make it accessible. Discover simple ways to reclaim your energy and prioritize your well-being. We’ll also discuss how chronic stress can lead to serious health issues if self-care is neglected. Also, don’t miss our "Driving us up the Wall" segment, where a parent shares a humorous, relatable autism moment, proving that we’re all in this together!

Episode 2: Legal Guardianship, Conservatorship, or Power of Attorney: Safeguarding Your Adult Child with Autism

In this episode, “Legal Guardianship, Conservatorship, or Power of Attorney: Safeguarding Your Adult Child with Autism,” I’m joined by Barbara Glover, a special needs advocate and founder of Exceptional Young Adults and More, LLC. We explore essential legal protections for Black parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many parents may not realize the importance of guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney until it's too late—or may not know these options exist. Barbara explains each option, guiding parents on which might best safeguard their adult child’s future and provide family peace of mind. We also discuss the potential consequences of lacking these protections, including a moving personal story of a family caught unprepared. Plus, check out the “Really Dumb Things People Say About Autism” segment, highlighting some amusing but clueless comments people make about autism.