Beyond 6 Seconds

Carolyn Kiel

First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you’re neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading. That’s where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Down syndrome, leadership & advocacy – with David Egan
Yesterday
Down syndrome, leadership & advocacy – with David Egan
David Egan is a leader and advocate who promotes the causes of people with disabilities. He is the first person with Down Syndrome to serve as a Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Public Policy fellow on Capitol Hill and with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). As a Special Olympics athlete and International Global Messenger, David has traveled extensively and speaks to diverse audiences, including the U.S. Senate, United Nations, and various universities, nonprofit and for-profit companies.  David has also received many awards throughout his career. He was honored by NDSS for his legacy, presented with the American Association for Intellectual Disabilities Media Award, and received the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s highest honor: the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award. As the author of the book “More Alike Than Different: My Life with Down Syndrome,” he inspires his audiences to see our shared humanity and focus on abilities and possibilities rather than limitations.   During this episode, you will hear David talk about: Growing up with Down Syndrome, and his biggest dreams as a childHow he learned to accept his disabilityWhat he enjoyed about working at Booz Allen Hamilton, CBRE, and SourceAmerica His experience as a Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Public Policy fellowHow he became a disability advocateThe impact of Special Olympics on his life  To learn more about David and his work, visit his website at DavidEganAdvocacy.com and buy his book, “More Alike Than Different: My Life with Down Syndrome.” Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Neurodiversity affirming community – with Katie York
Mar 4 2024
Neurodiversity affirming community – with Katie York
Katie York (aka The Distracted Autistic) is a late-diagnosed Autistic who also has ADHD. They are currently program coordinator at the Community College of Baltimore County in Baltimore, Maryland. Katie is also an advocate and community organizer. In 2022, they founded Harford County Neurodivergents to build a network for neurodivergent adults & provide neurodiversity-affirming resources and education. Katie is a member of Harford County Public Schools Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee and a proud board member of Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride. During this episode, you will hear Katie talk about: How they discovered their neurodivergence later in life  Creating the Harford County Neurodivergents group, and the local peer support and community it providesWhat it means to be “neurodiversity-affirming,” and how that can be important for neurodivergent peopleThe impact that Harford County Neurodivergents has had on their members so farWhat inspired them to get into local politics and advocacy, and their advice for people who want to become more involved in their communities Learn more about Katie on their website at TheDistractedAutistic.com and on Facebook. If you want to join the Neurodivergent Podcasters Discord group, email beyond6seconds at gmail.com to receive an invite. Join the Autistic Corporate Professionals group on LinkedIn. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Supporting the Hispanic Tourette's community - with Claudia Scott
Feb 19 2024
Supporting the Hispanic Tourette's community - with Claudia Scott
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Claudia Scott was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in her early teens. Now she lives in the U.S., where she is the Capital Access Manager for Kiva Northwest Arkansas (NWA) at Startup Junkie and an advocate for Tourette's education and support. Claudia uses her experiences to support people with Tourette's, especially in Spanish-speaking communities. During this episode, Claudia talks about: How she discovered she had Tourette’s when she was growing up in Costa RicaHer experience of how Tourette’s is viewed by the general public in Costa Rica and the United StatesHow her Tourette’s has changed over the course of her life, and how she managed through those changesThe support she provides to the Hispanic Tourette’s community, including a Tourette’s support group for Spanish speakers Learn more about Claudia at her travel blog The Tourette Traveler and follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Ending epilepsy stigma through filmmaking – with Under the Lights director Miles Levin
Jan 22 2024
Ending epilepsy stigma through filmmaking – with Under the Lights director Miles Levin
Miles Levin is a filmmaker and public speaker living with epilepsy. His short film “Under the Lights” starring Pearce Joza and Alyssa Jirrels has become a beacon for epilepsy representation in movies. The film has inspired people to create daily fan art, learn more about epilepsy and open up about their disabilities. He is now making the full length film of Under the Lights, in an effort to create the single biggest epilepsy awareness campaign in history.  During this episode, you will hear Miles talk about: How his life experience with epilepsy inspired Under the LightsThe powerful impact that Under the Lights is having on audiencesHis fundraising campaign to make the full-length film of Under the Lights (and how you can support the campaign!) Watch the short film of Under the Lights. Support the fundraiser for the full-length Under the Lights movie (ends on January 30!) Follow Under the Lights on social media:  @underthelightsfilm on Instagram @underthelightsfilm on Facebook @underthelightsfilm1 on TikTok Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Swarit Gopalan – Nonspeaking autistic writer and poet
Jan 8 2024
Swarit Gopalan – Nonspeaking autistic writer and poet
Swarit Gopalan is a 12-year old autistic nonspeaker who uses a letterboard to spell and a keyboard to type to communicate. He lives with his family in Florida and goes to Invictus Academy for school. Swarit is a talented writer and poet who shares his writing on Facebook and Instagram. He is also a passionate advocate for other nonspeaking people.  During this episode, Swarit talks about: Learning to communicate using a letterboard and keyboard What inspired him to start writing about his life experiences on social mediaHow he defines dysregulation and how it affects his lifeGoing to school as a nonspeaking studentThe joy of meeting other nonspeaking people and their familiesHow people can be good friends and allies to nonspeaking people Follow Swarit on social media to read his writing: Facebook: Swarit Gopalan - My truisms unfilteredInstagram: @swarit_my_truisms_unfiltered Learn more about resources for nonspeakers mentioned in this episode: Motormorphosis Conference for NonspeakersDirectory of Nonspeaker Blogs and Pages (from Neuroclastic) Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Celebrating 200 episodes and looking ahead to 2024
Dec 11 2023
Celebrating 200 episodes and looking ahead to 2024
In this year-end episode for 2023, host Carolyn Kiel reflects on the big milestones that Beyond 6 Seconds achieved in 2023 and some of her goals for the show in 2024. Below are links to the resources mentioned in this episode. How you can support Beyond 6 Seconds! Follow and share the podcast Visit my website at beyond6seconds.netPlay episodes in your favorite podcast appWatch episodes on YouTubeSocial media: InstagramFacebookLinkedIn Subscribe to my email newsletter to get new episodes delivered to your inboxSupport this podcast with a donation or advertisementLet me know by email what this podcast means to you: beyond6seconds(at)gmail.com Some of the advocacy & publicity I’ve done in 2023: Disability Pride Month (July 2023):  Curated a list of podcast episodes about disability pride and history for the Sounds Like Impact newsletter (also shared on LinkedIn)Wrote an article for Women Who Podcast Magazine about how to make your podcast more accessibleStarted a LinkedIn group for autistic corporate professionals to connect and share resources My guest appearances on other neurodiversity and mental health podcasts: Think InclusiveIgnorance Was BlissBe A Better AllyThe Neurodiversity Podcast Podcast promo swaps: PsychocinematicThe Other Autism Differently Brained Signal Awards (and other recognition) for Beyond 6 Seconds Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Neurodivergent stories from India - with Aditi Gangrade
Nov 27 2023
Neurodivergent stories from India - with Aditi Gangrade
Aditi Gangrade is a film director and writer based in India. She is autistic and has ADHD and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). She is the co-founder of Much Much Spectrum, an inclusive storytelling content and insights wing of Much Much Media, a Mumbai-based boutique studio that has worked with brands like Netflix, Instagram, Google and Coca-Cola Foundation. Through Much Much Spectrum, Aditi is working to mainstream stories and representation of mental health, neurodiversity, and disability. During this episode, Aditi talks about: How she discovered that she is neurodivergentWhat her life was like growing up as an autistic girl with ADHD in IndiaHow she got involved with Much Much Media and Much Much SpectrumThe importance and impact of sharing intersectional neurodivergent experiences in an Indian contextHow Much Much Spectrum fosters community among neurodivergent people from all around the world Learn more about Aditi and her work at MuchMuchMedia.com, by emailing partnerships (at) muchmuchmedia.com, or on YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Neurodivergent personal trainer & weightlifting champion Bayley Garnham
Nov 13 2023
Neurodivergent personal trainer & weightlifting champion Bayley Garnham
Bayley Garnham is a personal trainer from Auckland, New Zealand. As a teenager, Bayley spent 7 years competing in Olympic Weightlifting at a national level. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Recreation, with a major in Sport and Exercise Science. Bayley was diagnosed with dyspraxia and dysgraphia at the age of 12, and he’s passionate about promoting the benefits that physical activity brings for neurodivergent people. During this episode, you will hear Bayley talk about: Discovering that he had dyspraxia and dysgraphia at the age of 12How he developed his passion for personal training and weightlifting, after struggling with team sports as a childHis approach to successfully training his clients – especially teenagers (and neurodivergent teenagers)The life benefits he has seen from going to the gymHis experience competing in Olympic Weightlifting To hear more about Bayley and his work, you can read his feature article in Dystinct Magazine or email him at bayleygarnham at gmail.com. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Neurodivergence and gender identity – with Charlie Ocean
Oct 30 2023
Neurodivergence and gender identity – with Charlie Ocean
Charlie Ocean is an award-winning LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, and consultant who is neuroqueer and nonbinary. They have a background in social work and over 15 years of experience with LGBTQ+ community organizing. To date, they've trained thousands of youth and adults on various LGBTQ+ topics in various settings. Charlie is also the host of Allyship is a Verb, a Sonic Bloom Awards and Ambie-nominated podcast. During this episode, Charlie talks about: What led them to start their LGBTQ+ advocacy in high schoolHow they realized that they were nonbinary and neurodivergent – and what being neuroqueer means to themHow their personal experiences in the workplace led them to start their consulting practiceAddressing allies' common fears and making space for messy (but necessary) conversations about allyship You can find Charlie’s work at the following links: Instagram LinkedIn Website Allyship is a Verb podcast Listener shout-out! A big THANK YOU to Will, a Beyond 6 Seconds listener, for supporting this podcast on Buy Me A Coffee! Check out BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds if you’d like to help support or sponsor a future episode! Beyond 6 Seconds is a winner at the 2023 Signal Awards! My September episode about Dissociative Identity Disorder with Amber Louise Ainsworth won a Gold Award from the judging panel and a Listener’s Choice Award in the Best Conversation Starter award category. See the official listing on the Signal Awards website.  Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Creating an inclusive world through dance – with Marisa Hamamoto
Oct 16 2023
Creating an inclusive world through dance – with Marisa Hamamoto
Content note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault, describes a stroke and recovery, and has occasional swearing. Marisa Hamamoto is the first professional dancer to be named as one of People Magazine’s "Women Changing the World." Her award-winning nonprofit and professional dance company, Infinite Flow, employs disabled and nondisabled artists with a mission to foster inclusion. Marisa is also a stroke survivor who is autistic and has PTSD. During this episode, you will hear Marisa talk about: Her lifelong passion for dancing, despite facing bias and exclusion within the dance worldHow a heartbreaking rejection by her dance school classmates inspired her to make a boldly inclusive decision, and showed her how small actions can lead to big changeThe life-changing stroke that paralyzed her for months, and the long process of healing from the physical and mental trauma that followedHow a salsa dance performance in Japan rekindled her passion and confidence as a dancerHer dancing partnership with a disabled athlete that inspired her to found Infinite FlowHow she was diagnosed with PTSD and autism as an adult – and reflecting on her life, now knowing that she’s autistic You can also find out more about Marisa on her website MarisaHamamoto.com and connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram. Watch Infinite Flow Dance performances at InfiniteFlowDance.org/portfolio. Sign up for Marisa's newsletter and the Infinite Flow newsletter. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at  BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Tourette Syndrome advocacy – with Jhonelle Bean
Oct 2 2023
Tourette Syndrome advocacy – with Jhonelle Bean
Jhonelle Bean is a 28-year-old disability advocate living with Tourette Syndrome and PTSD. Jhonelle shares her experience with Tourette Syndrome through social media to educate others and help destigmatize the condition, especially within communities of color. She has also created a community called "For The Advocates," where other disability advocates can find a place to relate and get support and resources from each other. During this episode, you will hear Jhonelle talk about: Her first tics in childhood and adolescence, and the reactions of the people around her Why it took so long for her to get a Tourette’s diagnosisHow she decided to become a Tourette’s advocate online Some common misconceptions about Tourette’s  Her advocacy about Tourette's and communities of colorWhy she created the "For The Advocates” community Follow Jhonelle on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter. Follow For The Advocates on Instagram. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at  BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Autistic and dyspraxic actor Ross K. Foad
Sep 18 2023
Autistic and dyspraxic actor Ross K. Foad
Ross K. Foad is a professional actor and voice artist in the United Kingdom. A second generation actor, he was just 18 months old when he made his acting debut, but would get his proper start in acting on the London comedy circuit as a stand up comic and sketch comic actor. He is autistic and dyspraxic, and in 2017 was one of only 30 disabled actors chosen by the BBC for their Class Act Training Scheme, an initiative designed to help increase disabled representation on screen.   During this episode, you will hear Ross talk about: What life was like for him growing up autistic and dyspraxic The biggest challenges he faces as a neurodivergent actorHis love of voice actingHis experience in the BBC Class Act Training Scheme working with mentors and other disabled actors To find out more about Ross and his work, you can find him on Twitter and YouTube. This episode of Beyond 6 Seconds is sponsored by Dystinct Magazine. Dystinct Magazine publishes evidence-based content from specialists in an easy-to-understand format and inspirational stories of everyday role models highlighting how they cope with the struggles and hardships that learning disabilities bring. Dystinct Magazine also offers various opportunities for children to participate in its publication. They have opportunities for young journalists, designers, and illustrators. Check out their website at dystinct.org or contact Zahra (the founder) at zahra@dystinct.org to see how your children or students with learning disabilities can get involved. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at  BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Dissociative Identity Disorder - Amber Louise Ainsworth
Sep 4 2023
Dissociative Identity Disorder - Amber Louise Ainsworth
CW: Mentions of drinking, drug use, suicidal thoughts, depression, trauma, and occasional swearing Amber Louise Ainsworth is a dissociative identity disorder (DID) system from the UK. Since realizing they are a DID system at age 38, they’ve been working through their healing: processing and sharing all their collective trauma. They have written several books, including “The revelation,” which details their first year of healing.  During this interview, you’ll hear from three of the alters in my guest’s DID system: Amber (who is the system host), Mia, and Berlou. They talk about: What life was like before they realized they are a DID system with several altersHow they discovered their first alter How their alters communicate with each other (or in many cases, how amnesia prevents them from communicating), and how they write books and poetry about their experiences What it feels like when alters fuse with each other and separate from each other, and how that helps them process and heal from past trauma Follow Amber Louise Ainsworth on Instagram and Twitter, and read their writing at DIDWeWrite.co.uk. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Trans and autistic inclusion at work – with Nate Shalev
Aug 21 2023
Trans and autistic inclusion at work – with Nate Shalev
Nate Shalev is a leading expert and advisor on inclusivity helping to create workplace cultures where both businesses and people thrive. They were named a LinkedIn Top Voice and have been highlighted in the Harvard Business Review, the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Nate earned a BA from Barnard College of Columbia University and an MA from New York University. They are the founder of Revel Impact, a consultancy that specializes in social impact and diversity, equity & inclusion. During this episode, you will hear Nate talk about: How they realized that they are autisticThe intersections between their transgender and autistic identitiesSome of the negative experiences they had at work, which led them to start their own businessThe training and advising they do at companies to help build inclusive practices and open up communications between managers and teamsHow to be a good ally to your trans and autistic coworkersCreating work systems that can benefit everyone Learn more about Nate’s work at RevelImpact.com and on LinkedIn. This episode is sponsored by Misfit Media: a podcast about queerness, disability, fatness and more with a focus on personal experience, knowledge and intracommunity topics. Tune in every Sunday for bite-sized episodes, in which the host Delta talks about all sorts of things ranging from being non-binary, neurodivergence or living in a fat body. Misfit Media is available at anchor.fm/misfitmedia and wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at  BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Autistic music therapist and singer Swara Swami
Aug 7 2023
Autistic music therapist and singer Swara Swami
As a young autistic girl, Swara Swami could sing before she could speak. Now Swara is a music therapist and singer who advocates for mental health and autism awareness on her social media. Swara has her Bachelors in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music and is currently doing her Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University. She has worked with several well-known Indian musical artists as part of the Berklee Indian Ensemble, where she also performed on a Grammy-nominated album.   During this episode, you will hear Swara talk about: What it was like growing up as an autistic girl in India  How neurodivergence is viewed in IndiaWhat inspired her to become a music therapist, and the challenges she has faced working in the music therapy fieldHer experience as a student who has studied and lived in several different countriesHer singing experience, including her performance on a Grammy-nominated albumWhy she advocates for autism and mental health awareness Follow Swara on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Support this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
The Autism-Friendly Cookbook - with Lydia Wilkins
Jul 24 2023
The Autism-Friendly Cookbook - with Lydia Wilkins
Lydia Wilkins is a freelance journalist and author based in the UK who covers disability and social issues. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Metro, The Independent, Refinery 29, The Daily Mail and PosAbility Magazine. She writes a newsletter on Substack discussing the intersection between feminism and disability culture. Her debut book, “The Autism-Friendly Cookbook,” was published in November 2022. She is also an ambassador for AccessAble, an organization providing access guides across the UK. During this episode, you will hear Lydia talk about: Her experience working as an autistic journalistWhat inspired her to write “The Autism-Friendly Cookbook," and how her book makes cooking more accessible for autistic peopleHow clear communication skills are both critical and underrated The difference between asking informed questions and expecting emotional labor from people with disabilities  Content warning: occasional swearing, a reference to suicide Limited-time giveaway! Beyond 6 Seconds is also giving away a copy of "The Autism-Friendly Cookbook" to two of our listeners in the United States! Check out my post on Twitter (pinned post) or Threads on Monday, July 24th, 2023 for more information. Up to two winners will be chosen at random. Valid for US addresses only. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EDT on Friday, August 4, 2023. “The Autism-Friendly Cookbook” is also available for purchase on the Jessica Kingsley Publishers US and UK websites, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and Waterstones. Find out more about Lydia and her work at LydiaWilkins.co.uk, subscribe to her Substack newsletter The Disabled Feminist, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Support this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Dyscalculia education and advocacy – with Elena Chambers
Jul 10 2023
Dyscalculia education and advocacy – with Elena Chambers
Elena Chambers is a disability advocate, writer, poet and photographer. On her blog, Dyscalculia Community, she writes about disability in a social context, societal-level ableism, and her personal experience of growing up with a learning disability. She also posts on social media about issues pertaining to disability justice, inclusion, and awareness. She currently works as a special education paraprofessional in the Ann Arbor Public Schools and will begin a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Michigan in September 2023. During this episode, you will hear Elena talk about: How she got diagnosed with dyscalculia at the age of 18What dyscalculia was like for her as a child, and how it affects her now as an adultWhat led her to pursue a career in special educationWhat inspired her to start blogging and sharing her experience with dyscalculia on social media To find out more about Elena and her work, you can follow her Dyscalculia Community blog, on Instagram @elenachambers.advocacy and on TikTok @elenachambers_. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Support this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*
Autism in Black – with Maria Davis-Pierre
Jun 26 2023
Autism in Black – with Maria Davis-Pierre
Maria Davis-Pierre is a licensed mental health counselor, autism awareness advocate and founder of the organization Autism in Black. As the parent of two autistic children, and being autistic herself, she uses her professional expertise to connect with and empower Black parents of autistic children. Through Autism in Black, she also provides essential training to organizations to help them serve the Black disability community more effectively. She has been featured for her work in Forbes, The New York Times, USA Today, Parents Magazine and on PBS, and has collaborated with Microsoft.   During this episode, you will hear Maria talk about: How she discovered that she is autistic and has ADHD, and what her life was like growing up and going to university before her diagnosesThe massive challenges with getting an autism diagnosis and effective therapies for her daughter that inspired Maria to start Autism in BlackHow Autism in Black’s training, conference and podcast educate and equip organizations to better serve the Black disability community  The importance of an intersectional understanding of disability and culturally responsive therapy To find out more about Autism in Black, you can check out the following links below! AutismInBlack.org Autism In Black 2023 Conference Replays Autism In Black Membership Community @autisminblack on Instagram   Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Support this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*