Beyond 6 Seconds

CW: Eating disorder, death of a parent. Sunita Theiss is an autistic, ADHD and PDA* parent, writer, and advocate. A second-generation Indian American, she has a rich background in communications, marketing, and storytelling, and has found several ways to support and encourage families raising neurodivergent kids. Sunita is passionate about creating opportunities for culturally responsive support in a way that helps families honor both their values and their children's needs. She is a regular contributor to PDA North America's Insights and Key Ministry's blog, and her writing has been featured in many publications, including Business Insider and Christianity Today.  *PDA is most often defined as Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. During this episode, you will hear Sunita talk about: Discovering her own neurodivergence after she had her children Her experience growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent kid in a South Asian family in the U.S. state of Georgia How raising her children has affected how she views her neurodivergence Growing up in the Hindu community and living as a Christian as an adult Writing about her experience in church as a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children How “low demand parenting” works for her and her family Join Sunita's writing workshop and/or coaching services: A Story Only You Can Tell: A Writing Gathering for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids – use the code CAROLYN for $10 off Sunita's writing workshop (scheduled for 6/26/2025) Low Demand Parenting Coaching - use the code SUNITA15 for $15 off Read Sunita's writing at sunitatheiss.com/writing, on Instagram @sunitatheiss and on Substack. The book that Sunita mentions in this episode is called “The Myth of Good Christian Parenting” by Kelsey McGinnis and Marissa Burt. 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Dr. Daniel P. Jones is a Creative Practitioner, Disability Scholar, and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Daniel specializes in inclusive research methodologies, focusing on the embodied experiences of public spaces, kinship, and solidarity within Tourette syndrome communities. As someone who has lived experience of Tourette syndrome himself, he has been actively engaged in community facilitation and Tourette syndrome activism in the UK for over a decade.  During this episode, you will hear Daniel talk about: How he realized he had Tourette syndrome – years after he had been diagnosed What was it like for him growing up with Tourette's in a religious household How his PhD thesis research focuses on the experiences that adults with Tourette's have in both public physical spaces and digital spaces What he learned about how the experiences of BIPOC and queer people with Tourette's are different in these spaces His work to lead and promote inclusive research  Follow Daniel on Bluesky: @danielpjones.bsky.social Visit Daniel's website: DanielPJones.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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Content warning: This episode mentions physical and verbal abuse in school, suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt, and drug use. Oladoyin Idowu is a pioneering dyslexia advocate and mental health professional dedicated to bridging the gap between neurodiversity, education, and mental well-being. Growing up in Nigeria with undiagnosed dyslexia, she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating an education system that was not designed for neurodivergent learners. In 2016, she founded One Word Africa Foundation, becoming one of Nigeria's foremost voices in dyslexia awareness and support.   During this episode, you will hear Oladoyin talk about: What her life was like growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia in Nigeria How Google helped her realize that she had dyslexia as an adult in 2015 The different issues that she has to deal with because of her dyslexia The story behind how she founded the One Word Africa Foundation in 2016 How her experience with higher education changed after she went back to school after her dyslexia diagnosis The type of work that the One Word Africa Foundation does for people with dyslexia and their loved ones The connections that she has noticed between dyslexia and mental health Connect with Oladoyin on LinkedIn or follow One Word Africa on Instagram, Facebook or 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Lya Batlle-Rafferty, an MIT graduate with a degree in Cognitive Science, has had a career focused mostly on technology. She has often been a trailblazer as the only woman in a large company performing that type of work. She hosts her podcast, Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina, on her nights and weekends. During this episode, you will hear Lya talk about: How she realized she is neurodivergent What it was like growing up as a neurodivergent girl in El Salvador and the United States The challenges she has faced because of her neurodivergence What inspired her to start her podcast, “Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina,” and the topics she discusses there  The kind of feedback she has received from her audience about her podcast How her neurodivergence has helped her succeed at work Her goals for her podcast To find out more about Lya and her podcast, visit her website at MOANL.com or email her at moanl [at] labratsolutions [dot] 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Trystan Reese is an award-winning author and facilitator dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with nearly two decades of experience in the trans community. He also has ADHD and identifies as neurodivergent. Trystan founded Collaborate Consulting to provide training on LGBTQ+ inclusion and has contributed to various anthologies on mental health and social justice.  During this episode, Trystan and I talk about: How he realized he had ADHD after his child was diagnosed What it was like growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, and the impact on his education and self-image How he coaches people in the workplace who have ADHD What workplace inclusion looks like for neurodivergent individuals How workplaces can support their neurodivergent and trans employees The negative impact of the current US government administration on trans people, including the current multi-state lawsuit Texas vs. Becerra that threatens both the trans and disability communities Learn more about Trystan and his work at Collaborate.Consulting. 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

This episode is part of the 3rd edition of Podcasthon: a global effort among 1000+ podcast hosts to raise awareness and support for important causes by highlighting a charity of their choice during the same week (March 15-21, 2025).  Today's episode features Samar Waqar, the Founder and Executive Director of Kind Theory, a neurodiversity-based nonprofit based in Texas. Using the insights and knowledge of neurodivergent people themselves, Kind Theory educates organizations, institutions, and the general public about neurodiversity, accessibility, and disability rights as these relate to autism and ADHD. In doing so, it improves educational, health, and employment outcomes for these marginalized members of our community. During this episode, you will hear Samar talk about: How her experiences with her autistic son's therapy and her own burnout inspired her to create Kind Theory The events and services that Kind Theory provides for neurodivergent people in Texas and beyond Discovering that she is neurodivergent herself Learn more about Kind Theory at kindtheory.org.  Get in touch with Samar at talktous [at] kindtheory.org or on LinkedIn. Visit www.podcasthon.org to discover hundreds of other nonprofits and charities being highlighted during Podcasthon by podcasters around the world! 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Jessica Birch is a national advocate and speaker living on the South East Coast of Australia. Since her late diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at the age of 33, she has turned her attention to awareness building and education to create a better understanding of the prevalence and consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure in Australia. Jessica shares her lived expertise in an effort to equip individuals, parents/carers, educators and health professionals with the information they need to create successful interventions and support. She believes awareness and action are key to minimizing the rate of prenatal alcohol exposure globally and works closely with organizations, stakeholders and government on alcohol policy and regulatory reform. During this episode, you will hear Jessica talk about: Her life growing up with undiagnosed FASD How she learned what FASD is and how it applies to her  Her concerns about doctors being unaware and minimizing the effects of FASD  How receiving the diagnosis changed her outlook on life Types of outside support that she receives for FASD To find out more about Jessica and her work, check out her website at www.jbtalksfasd.com.au, email her at jessicabirch.fasd at gmail dot com, and follow her on Instagram @jb_talksfasd and Twitter/X at @JB_TalksFASD. 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Content warning: Death of a pet, mentions of institutionalization and electroconvulsive treatment Beatrice Leong is a Malaysian entrepreneur and documentary filmmaker. After a lifetime of mental health challenges and misdiagnoses, she was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 35, bringing clarity to her lifelong struggles. Beatrice founded AIDA (Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group), an autistic-led advocacy group based in Asia that promotes inclusion and self-representation of the autistic community. She actively participates in shaping policies to improve the lives of autistic individuals. During this episode, you will hear Beatrice talk about: Filming a short commercial for Chinese New Year based on her struggles growing up as an autistic girl, and how girls and women from all backgrounds related to her story What her life was like before she was diagnosed with autism  Struggling to find accurate information and support resources for autistic women in Malaysia, and how this inspired her advocacy work and activism  The power of bravely sharing your own story – and how she's sharing her candid personal story in her feature film, The Myth of Monsters Follow Beatrice on Instagram and check out her films: RHB CHINESE NEW YEAR 2024: ACCEPTANCE (an autism awareness-themed commercial commissioned by RHB Banking Group) The Myth of Monsters (Beatrice's feature film under development) 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Adin Boyer grew up struggling with being bullied, making friends and accepting himself. He finally began to flourish while attending a performing arts middle and high school, when he faced less bullying and leaned into his musical talent and training in classical piano, choir, opera and music theory. Adin gained widespread international notoriety as a contestant on season 21 of American Idol, where he advanced to the top 55. Now Adin performs locally and on tour, with solo and full-band indie rock performances, and speaks to audiences about autism acceptance, neurodiversity affirmation and anti-bullying advocacy.  During this episode, Adin talks about: His multi-year struggle to accept himself after being told about his autism diagnosis at age 12  Being bullied and misunderstood in elementary school, and how attending a performing arts middle and high school helped his personal growth and friendships Getting involved in music at a very young age and how his biggest musical inspiration (Coldplay) shaped his songwriting Being cast for American Idol and how his unique experience on the show influenced him as a performer and advocate The system he developed to manage his energy and routine when he is on tour How his anti-bullying talks resonate with kids across the United States (Note: During this episode we use person-first language like "has autism" and “on the spectrum” when discussing Adin's experience, because this is how Adin prefers to describe himself.) Learn more about Adin, his music and his autism advocacy on his website AdinBoyer.com, on Instagram @adinboyer, on his BandsInTown profile for his upcoming shows performances, and by email: adinboyer [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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

In this year-end solo episode, I celebrate some big milestones that Beyond 6 Seconds achieved in 2024. I also share my views on how major politicized social issues impact the disability community, some actions we can take to advocate for our rights (whether you're disabled or not), and how we can support ourselves and our communities as we head into 2025.  Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript, which also contains links to some of the other podcasts and resources I mention in this episode. 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Content warning: This episode discusses forced sterilization / removal of reproductive rights. Shéri Brynard is the only person with Down syndrome in South Africa with a tertiary education diploma in Educare. She achieved this without any special assistance or amendments made to the coursework, and despite the fact that her lectures and study material were only provided in English, which is her second language. She is currently a full-time qualified teacher's assistant at a Primary School for learners with special educational needs and presents motivational speeches to advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome, all over the world.  Shéri is an international ambassador for all people with Down syndrome, appointed by Down syndrome international (DSi). She represents people with Down syndrome in South Africa at the DSi meetings, as well as at many other international meetings, and at the United Nations, focusing on disability. Shéri believes that all people can choose to make the best of their circumstances, and she is a living example of this choice. Through her own determination and her family's support, Sheri has been overcoming prejudice and stigma for her entire life to achieve her dreams. Shéri shares her experiences during this episode, including: ●    The barriers she faced to getting her education and working in South Africa, and how her family helped her challenge and overcome people's bias and assumptions about her ●    What inspired her to become a teacher   ●    What was it like completing her tertiary education in her second language, without any special accommodations from the school ●    How she became an advocate who speaks on disability rights To find out more about Shéri and her work, visit her website at SheriBrynard.co.za, follow her on Facebook or email her mother at Brynard.s @ 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Content warning: This episode discusses suicidality, paranoia, hallucinations and delusions, and mentions drug use and homelessness. Michelle Hammer is a schizophrenia activist who spends her time passionately fighting stigma. She is a New York City native who is featured in the WebMD documentary “Voices,” which was nominated for a Tribeca X Award at the Tribeca Film Festival.  Michelle was diagnosed with schizophrenia at 22 after a misdiagnosis of bipolar at age 18. At 27, Michelle decided to use her artistic talents and fearless personality to do something that could benefit the mental health community. In May 2015, she founded a mental health-focused clothing brand called Schizophrenic.NYC with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health.  Michelle has also been featured in many publications such as Mashable, The Daily Mail, Stylist, and Buzzfeed, and has also been featured on TV networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS. During this episode, you will hear Michelle talk about: Experiencing her first symptoms of schizophrenia in high school and college What it's like for her to experience hallucinations and delusions What inspired her to start her clothing brand, Schizophrenic.NYC People's reactions to her designs and pop-up events in New York City Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about schizophrenia Find out more about Michelle on her clothing brand's website Schizophrenic.NYC and on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

CW: Mentions of suicidality. In the third grade, LeDerick Horne was labeled as “neurologically impaired” – a label that followed him through his schooling until he was eventually diagnosed with dyslexia. Today, LeDerick is a dynamic spoken-word poet, a respected author, and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the White House and the United Nations. His workshops, speeches and poetry open doors to discussions on inclusive education, equal opportunity, systemic change, and hope for individuals with disabilities. During this episode, LeDerick talks about: The challenges he faced in K-12 special education, before being diagnosed as dyslexic What inspired him to go to college – and how the meaningful support and inclusive education he got there helped him thrive as a student  Discovering his passion for poetry, which led to his career as a spoken-word poet and author His work as a speaker and trainer on the topics of inclusive education and the intersections of education, disability and race Co-hosting the Black and Dyslexic podcast Stay tuned to the end of this episode to hear LeDerick read two of his poems! Find out more about LeDerick at his website LeDerick.com, find his social media and more on his LinkTree, and learn about his new video course "6 Steps to Empowering Young People with Disabilities." 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Jack Pabich is a Quality Assurance Support Analyst who found his current job through an autism employment program run by CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. He is responsible for processing requests of potential conflicts of interest, ensuring parties are correctly assigned to the location within the database, and rearranging information to improve database efficiency. Jack's attention to detail is his biggest strength and he uses it to proactively streamline tasks. In his free time, he enjoys being active with various sporting activities and spending time with friends. During this episode, you will hear Jack talk about: How the autism employment program helped him find work after college The work he does at his current employer, and how it leverages his strengths and helps him learn new things and grow as a leader His working relationships with his coworkers and managers  The type of work he wants to do in the future 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Amee is a dedicated health care provider known for her expertise and compassionate care. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a passionate mental health advocate and openly shares her personal journey living with epilepsy on her Instagram @behindthebindis. She is a powerful voice for those who feel they cannot speak up for themselves, working to raise awareness and foster understanding about mental health and invisible illnesses in the South Asian community and beyond.   During this episode, you will hear Amee talk about: What was it like growing up with epilepsy, but not really talking about it How her experience with epilepsy changed from childhood to adulthood The hospital stay that prompted her to disclose her epilepsy to her closest friends  What inspired her to discuss her epilepsy publicly on her social media – and the meaning of “behind the bindis” Follow Amee on Instagram @behindthebindis to learn more about her epilepsy advocacy. 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Dr. Kana Grace is a research psychologist, advocate, Specialist Mentor, and educator, specializing in the mental and physical health of neurodivergent people. Currently, Kana is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at the Institute of Education, University College London (UCL), where she completed her PhD. Kana has lived experiences with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, dyspraxia, hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).  She founded Valtameri (which means ocean in Finnish) to advocate for and support neurodivergent people and their families, based in Okinawa, Japan. Through Valtameri, she offers one-to-one support for neurodivergent people of all ages. She also gives talks and public lectures to deepen the understanding of neurodivergence in Okinawa Japan, and all over the world. Fluent in both English and Japanese, Kana bridges cultures in her extensive work.  During this episode, you will hear Kana talk about: How she discovered she is neurodivergent while at University What her life was like before she was diagnosed  Why she decided to focus her PhD on the study of loneliness in autistic adults The importance of involving autistic researchers in autism research  Her experience working in academia  Her observations about how autism and neurodivergence is viewed in Japan The goals she wants to achieve with her research Find out more about Kana and her work on her Linktree. 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

CW: Mentions of suicide and experiences with the criminal justice system as it relates to FASD. Patti Kasper is a Neurobehavioral Coach and Trainer who provides staff development training and coaching services to support people affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). With over thirty years of experience in the fields of addiction, mental health, and child welfare, Patti draws on her personal experience with FASD, her degrees in social work and psychology, and her training as a Certified Facilitator of FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model.   Patti hosts a weekly podcast called Living with FASD. The second edition of her book, “Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with People Diagnosed as Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD),” was recently released with additional interviews and updated research. During this episode, Patti talks about: ●    What FASD is, and why it's more common than most people realize ●    How she discovered in her 50s that she has FASD  ●    Some of the struggles that people with FASD may experience ●    How she supports families and individuals impacted by FASD Find links to Patti's website, book, podcast and more. 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

In this episode, I'm sharing an interview from the podcast Art Heals All Wounds, where host Pam Uzzell talks with her daughter Allegra about Celebrating Neurodiversity, Beauty, and Belonging. I also added a short intro to this episode where I share some thoughts on belonging and how I've been looking for and finding community.  Check out the Art Heals All Wounds podcast for other stories about how art is a catalyst for healing and change.  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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Ian Otto is a Senior Producer with experience in animation, motion design, immersive, visual effects (VFX) and post production. After working in Berlin for many years, Ian now lives in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he is Senior Producer with WOODBLOCK, an animation studio for Design, Film and Immersive content. Recently, Ian began writing and speaking publicly about his experience as a person with Tourette syndrome who works in the creative industry. During this episode, you will hear Ian talk about: Growing up with Tourette's in the 1990s What led him to work in the creative industry Working in a client-facing job as someone who has Tourette's How he built his confidence at work   What has (and hasn't) helped him manage his tics Connect with Ian on Instagram or through email: ian [at] woodblock [dot] tv Read Ian's article on Medium about working in the creative industry with Tourette's 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. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Mrinal Gokhale is an author, speaker and creative consultant based in Wisconsin. She has collaborated with organizations and media outlets such as Brown Girl Magazine, ADDitude Magazine, Medical College of Wisconsin, and more. Her most recent book is titled “Taboo: South Asian Mental Health Stories.” During this episode, Mrinal talks about: What inspired her to write about mental health in South Asian communities How she found people to interview for her book Common mental health themes that she noticed in her interviews How her own mental health journey inspired her writing and advocacy Find out more about Mrinal and her writing on her LinkTree page. 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.*

CW: Mentions of suicidality Crystals Multifaceted is the founder of Multifaceted Journeys, where they use their lived experience of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) / plurality and healing with complex trauma and dissociation, to bring education to providers and facilitate groups for plurals. Crystals has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. They serve as a moderator on The Refractory, a think tank for clinicians, researchers, peer support workers and coaches with lived experience of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD), and Plurality. They have been a keynote speaker for the Plural Positivity World Conference.  Crystals' podcast and Substack blog, both titled “Therapist Interrupted,” highlight stories related to getting through life's interruptions, living with trauma and dissociation, and other topics related to multiplicity. During this episode, you will hear Crystals talk about: How they discovered they have DID  What it feels like for them to interact with the world as a DID system Where they have found support for their healing journey  What inspired them to start Multifaceted Journeys, and the types of services they've created for the Plural community The biggest misconceptions about DID  Connect with Crystals on their website, Substack, Patreon or through email at crystalsmultifaceted [at] protonmail [dot] 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.*

Kala Allen Omeiza is a prolific author at the intersection of race, culture, and autism. Her latest book, "Autistic and Black: Our Experiences of Growth, Progress, and Empowerment," has received widespread acclaim for its in-depth exploration of the unique challenges and triumphs faced by autistic individuals of minority backgrounds. She has also worked on various research projects on neurodiversity and mental health at Harvard, Duke, Harvard Medical, and as a US Fulbright scholar in Nigeria. She is a graduate of Miami University and a masters graduate of Psychological Research from the University of Oxford. During this episode, Kala discusses: What inspired her to write “Autistic and Black” and share the experiences of Black autistic people across the African diaspora How she uses the Kwanzaa principle of Ujima to bring the stories in the book together Her experience interviewing nonspeaking autistic individuals  Writing about her own life experiences as a Black autistic woman To find out more about Kala and her work, you can visit her website, subscribe to her newsletter, and buy her book "Autistic and Black: Our Experiences of Growth, Progress, and Empowerment". 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.*

Aashna Parikh is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultant and inclusive marketing specialist based in India. Living with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, she has consulted and collaborated with Forbes-listed and Fortune 500 companies across diverse sectors such as Fintech, Sustainability, Agriculture, and Technology. A strong advocate for neurodiversity, disability, and gender, she examines these issues through an intersectional lens.   During this episode, you will hear Aashna talk about: What was it like growing up and going to school with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities Living with disabilities in a world where people tell her she “doesn't look disabled” The type of work that she does as a DEI consultant Her thoughts on DEI through an intersectional lens How DEI is addressed in different countries Her advice for requesting accommodations at work and in job interviews Connect with Aashna on LinkedIn or via email at aashnacparikh 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.*

Martina Kuzenski is a late-diagnosed autistic woman who received her autism diagnosis at age 28 near the end of her Master's degree program. She is an IT Specialist for the U.S. federal government. She shares her experiences as a Black autistic woman in tech as a mentor for the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program and as a co-author of the best-selling book “Ladies in Tech: Sharing Expertise for a Successful Career”.  During this episode, Martina talks about: Discovering that she is autistic in her late twenties, and what her life was like growing up How she got into a tech career  Her experience of not being “seen” in the tech industry as a Black autistic woman The importance of mentorship, and why she decided to become a P-TECH program mentor The challenges she has faced when trying to find leadership programs for neurodivergent people Why she doesn't feel “autistic enough” in autistic spaces, and the flaws she sees in the neurodiversity movement Connect with Martina on LinkedIn and read her writing on  Diary of Self (Martina's blog posts about neurodiversity) and her book "Ladies in Tech: Sharing Expertise for a Successful Career."  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.*

Joshua Hoskins is a 25 year old man with Down syndrome who lives in Tamworth, England with his parents. He loves his family and friends, and his hobbies are horse riding, boxing, musicals, supporting Newcastle United Football team, going out on trips and going on holiday. Josh has two jobs: he loves them both and has great buddies at each place. Josh's Mum Debbie helps him create posts on LinkedIn every week, because Josh wants to help other people with Down syndrome to get a job if they want to.   During this episode, you will hear Josh and Debbie talk about: How he had found his job at Marshall Fleet Services with WorkFit, and how the Down's Syndrome Association in the UK prepared him for the role What he does in his role with Marshall Fleet Solutions, and what he likes the most about it How LinkedIn helped him find his second job at Movianto  What inspired him to write about his life and work on LinkedIn How work has helped him grow as a person, build positive relationships with his coworkers, and support his local community Why employers should consider hiring people with Down syndrome, and how employers can include them in their companies  Follow Joshua Hoskins on LinkedIn to read his weekly posts. 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.*

Grace Liu is an autistic author, blogger, speaker and pet portrait artist based in the Midlands of England. Grace's book, “Approaching Autistic Adulthood: The Road Less Travelled,” was published in October 2021. She blogs about autism, neurodiversity, diversity and inclusion, as well as her life as a biracial (British/Taiwanese) autistic gay woman, and has delivered multiple talks about autism and diversity. Grace has received many commissions for her pet portrait drawings, especially over the past year. She is a dedicated owner to four cats, having had an autistic interest in cats from a very young age!  During this episode, you will hear Grace talk about: Her early life after moving from Taiwan to the UK at the age of four, and how she and her family discovered that she is autistic  How she got started with her long-running blog back in 2013 Her experiences with racism, and with “coming out” as gay and autistic  Becoming an author and public speaker Find out more about Grace and her work at the links below: Book: artistic-autistic.co.uk/approaching-autistic-adulthood Blog: unwrittengrace.wordpress.com Art: artistic-autistic.co.uk/pet-portraits  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.*

Content note: This episode mentions thoughts about suicide and self harm.  Shayonee Dasgupta is a Mumbai-based freelance writer and editor who initially pursued a career in law, working with corporate law firms in India. She found out she's autistic and has ADHD in her 30s, prompting a transformative journey of self-discovery and learning to navigate life anew. During this episode, you will hear Shayonee talk about: What it was like growing up before her diagnosis  How the challenges she faced working as a lawyer led to her burnout The struggle she faced to get the right mental healthcare and support after her burnout  How she received her autism and ADHD diagnosis  Her decision to start a new career as a freelance writer Handling expectations from both her extended family and Indian society How she defines success in her own way To find out more about Shayonee and her work, you can connect with her 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.*

Nick Heaney is a resident artist and co-founder of Artnova Gallery in Chatham, Massachusetts. Nick has always found art to be his most authentic way of connecting with the world around him. He was diagnosed with dyslexia during elementary school. He struggled with written language, but found a connection through art. Nick went on to study graphic design and fine art, earning a BFA in graphic design from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.  At the age of 26, Nick came out as gay to his friends and family. However, he still felt a sense of disconnect with the people around him, which led to a deeper struggle with his mental health. At the age of 28, Nick sought an autism evaluation which resulted in diagnoses of both autism and ADHD. During this episode, you will hear Nick talk about: What was it like growing up with dyslexia His early artistic talents at a young age What inspires his artwork today His experience of coming out as gay to his family, discovering his autism and ADHD, and finding supportive communities The story behind how he co-founded his art gallery Find out more about Nick and his work on his Instagram @nickheaneyart and on Artnova Gallery's website and 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.*

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 child How he learned to accept his disability What he enjoyed about working at Booz Allen Hamilton, CBRE, and SourceAmerica  His experience as a Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Public Policy fellow How he became a disability advocate The 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.*

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 provides What it means to be “neurodiversity-affirming,” and how that can be important for neurodivergent people The impact that Harford County Neurodivergents has had on their members so far What 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.*

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 Rica Her experience of how Tourette's is viewed by the general public in Costa Rica and the United States How her Tourette's has changed over the course of her life, and how she managed through those changes The 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.*

Jenn Grindeland has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership. She is also a multiple brain injury survivor. With this background, she teaches leadership skills designed to support equity and inclusion for employees with non-apparent, invisible disabilities. During this episode, Jenn talks about: How her life changed when she had her first traumatic brain injury (TBI) Why inadequate job accommodations during her TBI recovery hurt her relationships at work How she teaches teams to better support employees who are neurodivergent and/or have non-apparent disabilities Why she thinks many people are scared to advocate for themselves in the workplace Advice for managers who want to support the people with disabilities on their teams Learn more about Jenn and her work on her website TheWorkingWell.us and 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.*

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 Lights The powerful impact that Under the Lights is having on audiences His 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 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 media How he defines dysregulation and how it affects his life Going to school as a nonspeaking student The joy of meeting other nonspeaking people and their families How people can be good friends and allies to nonspeaking people Follow Swarit on social media to read his writing: Facebook: Swarit Gopalan - My truisms unfiltered Instagram: @swarit_my_truisms_unfiltered Learn more about resources for nonspeakers mentioned in this episode: Motormorphosis Conference for Nonspeakers Directory 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.*

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.net Play episodes in your favorite podcast app Watch episodes on YouTube Social media: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Subscribe to my email newsletter to get new episodes delivered to your inbox Support this podcast with a donation or advertisement Let 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 accessible Started a LinkedIn group for autistic corporate professionals to connect and share resources My guest appearances on other neurodiversity and mental health podcasts: Think Inclusive Ignorance Was Bliss Be A Better Ally The Neurodiversity Podcast Podcast promo swaps: Psychocinematic The 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.*

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 neurodivergent What her life was like growing up as an autistic girl with ADHD in India How she got involved with Much Much Media and Much Much Spectrum The importance and impact of sharing intersectional neurodivergent experiences in an Indian context How 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.*

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 12 How he developed his passion for personal training and weightlifting, after struggling with team sports as a child His approach to successfully training his clients – especially teenagers (and neurodivergent teenagers) The life benefits he has seen from going to the gym His 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.*

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 school How they realized that they were nonbinary and neurodivergent – and what being neuroqueer means to them How their personal experiences in the workplace led them to start their consulting practice Addressing 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.*

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 world How 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 change The life-changing stroke that paralyzed her for months, and the long process of healing from the physical and mental trauma that followed How a salsa dance performance in Japan rekindled her passion and confidence as a dancer Her dancing partnership with a disabled athlete that inspired her to found Infinite Flow How 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.*

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 diagnosis How she decided to become a Tourette's advocate online  Some common misconceptions about Tourette's   Her advocacy about Tourette's and communities of color Why 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.*

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 actor His love of voice acting His 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.*

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 alters How 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.*

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 autistic The intersections between their transgender and autistic identities Some of the negative experiences they had at work, which led them to start their own business The training and advising they do at companies to help build inclusive practices and open up communications between managers and teams How to be a good ally to your trans and autistic coworkers Creating 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.*  

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 India What inspired her to become a music therapist, and the challenges she has faced working in the music therapy field Her experience as a student who has studied and lived in several different countries Her singing experience, including her performance on a Grammy-nominated album Why 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.*

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 journalist What inspired her to write “The Autism-Friendly Cookbook," and how her book makes cooking more accessible for autistic people How 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.*

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 18 What dyscalculia was like for her as a child, and how it affects her now as an adult What led her to pursue a career in special education What 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.*

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 diagnoses The massive challenges with getting an autism diagnosis and effective therapies for her daughter that inspired Maria to start Autism in Black How 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.*

Sarah Brown is a New York City based podcast producer and editor. She has worked on shows such as Minority Korner, Get on Up, #Matter and Fixing the Future. She also produces her own show called The Queerience, which is a podcast all about the LGBTQIA+ community. Sarah has a genetic condition called Fragile X syndrome that manifests in her as ADHD. On this episode, Sarah talks about:  What Fragile X syndrome is, and what it was like for her growing up with Fragile X and ADHD Her podcasting work, and the types of topics and guests she has on her podcast, The Queerience How she uses routines and other strategies to manage her life with ADHD How neurodiversity has helped her understand herself more, and find communities of people with similar experiences Follow Sarah and her podcast, The Queerience, on Instagram at @sbrownsays and @thequeeriencepodcast and on Twitter @thequeerience. 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.*

Kaishawna is a 21 year old Deaf Black Autistic woman, clarinet player and college student who is studying to become an educator for neurodivergent and disabled students. She communicates using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) text-to-speech app on her iPad, sign language, and sometimes unreliable vocal speech. She is a disability advocate and aspiring author who is working on two novels that feature disabled main characters. During this episode, Kaishawna discusses: Her experiences using AAC to communicate with others How she experiences playing music as a Deaf Autistic musician, and her love of music theory How she found out she was autistic, and how that led her to become involved with disability rights advocacy The difficulty she had finding community as a Deaf Black Autistic woman, and the racism and ableism she faces What she hopes to teach her students as an educator The two novels she is currently working on Follow Kaishawna on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. 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.*

Patty DeDurr is a mom, healthcare worker and award-winning author of two children's books: "This Kid Can Hyperfocus" (a story about ADHD) and "This Llama Can Write" (a story about dysgraphia). She provides educational information and resources about supporting neurodivergent kids on her publisher's website, Sensing Greatness. Patty has ADHD and dysgraphia herself, and she's determined to help reduce stigma surrounding neurodivergence by increasing representation in literature. During this episode, you will hear Patty talk about: What is dysgraphia, and what it's like for her to have dysgraphia and ADHD  Why assistive technology is important for individuals with dysgraphia   What inspired her to write children's books with neurodivergent characters, and how she came up with the plots for the stories The neurodiversity resources she provides for her advocacy work Learn more about Patty's books, This Kid Can Hyperfocus and This Llama Can Write. Get Patty's free resources for neurodivergent children on her website, Sensing Greatness. Follow Patty on Facebook and Instagram. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. This episode features a promo for Differently Brained, the podcast where no brain is the same.   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.*

Content note: This episode describes instances of medical trauma and mental health crises, and mentions violence and death. Kate Wallinga is a forensic psychologist and crisis clinician by training, and currently hosts the podcast “Ignorance Was Bliss,” which has surpassed 1 million downloads. Kate has ADHD, epilepsy, and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after having a near-death experience in childbirth and a grand mal seizure.     During this episode, you will hear Kate talk about: The origin story of the “Ignorance Was Bliss” podcast (and its tagline, “Didn't you feel better before you knew that?”) How her life, neurotype, cognition and family relationships changed after her near-death experience and traumatic brain injury – including her experiences with amnesia and aphasia  Why she describes herself as being broken, and why being broken is ok How her recovery means she has gotten to a new baseline, and doesn't mean going back to the way she was How she learned to give herself grace in her life, after everything she's been through Listen to Kate's podcast “Ignorance Was Bliss” at IWBPodcast.com or on your favorite podcast player. Follow Kate on Twitter, Instagram, Mastodon and TikTok.   Listener shout-out! A big THANK YOU to Buna, a Beyond 6 Seconds listener, for supporting this podcast on BuyMeACoffee.com!  Support this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode! Watch the video of this interview on YouTube! Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes! Read the episode transcript. *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.*