In this episode of The Curiosity Exchange, host Ish Barri sits down with close friend and "overall goofball" Twanna Davis for a raw, honest, and often hilarious conversation about raising a son with autism. Twanna opens up about her journey—from noticing the early signs like repetitive behaviors and sensory sensitivities to navigating the complexities of the diagnosis process. She shares her unique parenting philosophy, explaining how she learned to communicate effectively with her son by understanding his literal way of thinking rather than reacting with frustration. The discussion also dives deep into the challenges of the school system. Twanna discusses her fierce advocacy for her son, the lack of teacher training she has encountered, and why she refuses to let her child be labeled or limited by others' misunderstandings. Whether you are a parent, educator, or just looking to understand neurodivergence better, this episode offers a heartwarming and eye-opening perspective on the "superpower" that is autism. In this episode, we cover: Early signs of autism and the diagnosis journey. How literal thinking affects communication. The difference between "bad behavior" and sensory processing issues. Advocating for special needs students in the school system. The unique strengths and intelligence of children on the spectrum.

Chapters (Timestamps)

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Curiosity Exchange

01:46 – Meet the Guest: Twanna's Family Dynamic

02:17 – What is Autism? (In Her Own Words)

03:51 – Sensory Sensitivities & Routine: Food and Textures

04:52 – Early Signs: The "Hot Water" Incident & Repetitive Behaviors

06:04 – Social Interactions: The "Introverted Extrovert"

07:06 – The "Einstein" Mind: Coding vs. Tying Shoes

09:28 – Explaining ADHD & Autism: "100 TVs in a Dark Room"

11:35 – The Medical Diagnosis Process & School Paper Trails13:14 – Emotional Reaction to the Diagnosis

13:50 – Parenting Strategies: "Self-Governing" & Tone Checks

16:29 – The Joys: High Intelligence & Brutal Honesty

19:21 – Shared Interests: Anime, Cosplay, and Comicpalooza

21:54 – How Understanding Changed the Parenting Approach

27:43 – Support Systems & Researching "Real Time" Solutions

29:04 – Advocacy in Schools: Dealing with Teachers & Labels

31:40 – The Problem with Special Ed Classes ("Just Coloring All Day")

33:51 – Advice for New Parents: Patience & Advocacy

35:08 – A Real-World Example: Handling a Parent-Teacher Conference

37:08 – Hopes for the Future & Closing Message on Awareness

The Curiosity Exchange Links:

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Twanna Davis Links:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ms.pink.the.enigma

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Ms.Pink.The.Enigma/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwannaJazzlynandKalebDavis

X: https://www.x.com/MsPinkTheEnigma