The Films

The Panelists

5/5/22
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A conversation about the joys and challenges of parenting and connecting with loved ones on the Autism spectrum.

Nearly 1 in 56 people in the US have a diagnosis of Autism. Many black and brown children with Autism are never diagnosed and often miss out on the early intervention needed to support their unique needs. Join us for a conversation after viewing the films about Autism in black and brown communities. Learn about the joys and challenges of parenting and connecting with loved ones on the Autism spectrum.

​Black Boy Joy
Director, Martina Mossell Lee. (2019) An introspective slice-of-life story about two generations of black men, living within the same household, juggling the demands of raising a young son with autism. (narrative short)

In A Beat
Director, Natasha Mynhier. (2019) Darrel, a young Black autistic boy convinces his mom to let him stay home alone so she can pursue a once in a lifetime opportunity. But when unexpected circumstances surface, he must find a unique way to cope with his meltdown alone. (narrative short)

​Moderator
Jeanette Callahan, MD

Speakers
Kai Long – Speech Pathologist
Kai Long received her Master’s in Communication Disorders from Boston University. In 2003 she established Long on Language, a private integrative speech pathology practice, that serves professionals and children with a range of speech and language challenges. Long on Language supports children and adults with high functioning autism, ADHD and/or language based learning disorders, prepare and transition from elementary to institutions of higher learning. In addition, she coaches professionals with language, voice and speech disorders and teaches adults and children to mitigate the lifelong effects of speech and language challenges. In her spare time. Kai enjoys camping, traveling and biking.

Nyell Jeudy – SEL school specialist; yoga wellness
Nyell Jeudy is a native of Boston MA, she is a Mindfulness and Wellness Coach and a youth advocate and education enthusiast. Nyell’s primary teaching tools are Guided Meditation, Yogiac practice, and Sound frequency healing.

Deborah Smith Pressley – Parent/Autism Specialist
Deborah Smith-Pressley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Northeastern University and a Master’s degree in Education & Management from Cambridge College. She has additional licenses in Early Childhood, Mental Health Care Advocacy and is certified as an Autism Specialist in the City of Boston. Deborah is also an independent consultant and has written and developed policy on inclusion for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.