Beyond 6 Seconds

This episode is a special collaboration between Beyond 6 Seconds and the Living with FASD podcast hosted by Patti Kasper. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are lifelong conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure that can impact physical, cognitive, and behavioral development. FASD is a type of neurodivergence, but it's often left out of conversations about neurodivergence. This episode is part of a series that Patti is doing on her podcast to help bring FASD into those conversations. We discuss what communication differences can feel like for people with certain types of neurodivergence, such as FASD, autism (including apraxia in non-speaking autism), ADHD, and schizophrenia. We also explore why communication challenges can happen, and how friends and loved ones can help provide understanding and support. A quick caveat: This conversation is not medical or diagnostic advice, and it does not speak for every neurodivergent person. Instead, Patti and I are sharing our own experiences and some insights

Nieta Greene is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Disability Community for Democracy, Inc., an organization focused on safeguarding the rights of individuals within the disability community and providing a platform for political engagement founded on intersectional disability justice. She is a resilient and proud Disabled Puerto Rican, Black, gender non-conforming, gay woman. Nieta openly champions her identity as she advocates for inclusivity and belonging on behalf of those unable to voice their concerns. During this episode, Nieta talks about: Her experience growing up with multiple disabilities in the 1980s, and becoming involved in disability and LGBTQ+ advocacy  Founding Disability Community for Democracy, Inc. after the 2024 U.S. election Systemic challenges that disabled people face in the United States (employment, healthcare, housing, etc.) and how politics impacts those challenges  The importance of coalition building How to increase the disability community's political power in the Unite

In this year-end solo episode, I celebrate some big milestones that Beyond 6 Seconds achieved in 2025, highlight the variety of topics that my guests and I discussed on my podcast, and share what podcasting-related things I've been up to this year! I also reflect on several challenges that the neurodivergent and disability communities are facing in the United States, and share my focus for the year ahead. 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

Caroline Smith founded her business, The Introverted Misfit, to help shy, awkward introverts become socially confident versions of themselves so they can have healthy, manageable social lives. Because of her experience with being autistic, which was the source of many social difficulties and major social anxiety for her, she knows what it's like to build self-acceptance, self-improvement, and a life that works for individualized needs. Now Caroline helps fellow introverts (whether they are autistic or not) learn how to connect with others, create fruitful relationships, and have a manageable social life – without acting like someone they're not! During this episode, you will hear Caroline talk about: When she realized that she was autistic Her experience dealing with social anxiety  Why she decided to help people become more socially confident The role of self-acceptance in making new friends and connections Her advice for autistic people who struggle with social cues Why it's important not to hyperfocus on

Kellina Powell, known as the Deaf Queen Boss, is a podcast speaker, best-selling author, and passionate advocate for the deaf and disability communities. She empowers young adults with disabilities to chase their dreams, breaks down barriers around mental health, and educates others about deaf culture and inclusion.   During this episode, you will hear Kellina talk about: What it was like for her to grow up deaf from an early age, and her exposure to deaf culture How she educates people about the deaf community and mental health issues The coaching work that she does for people with disabilities Learn more about Kellina and her work at KellinaEmpowerment.com and follow her on 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

Tiffany Hammond is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and disability advocate. She is the author of A Day with No Words, a picture book about a Black mother and son who use a tablet to communicate with each other and the world around them. A Day With No Words successfully normalizes communication methods outside of verbal speech and provides representation of neurodiversity and autism in a way that affirms and celebrates. Through Tiffany's platform, Fidgets and Fries, she shares stories about autism, identity, and the fullness of Black and disabled family life. She is the proud mother of two autistic sons and uses her lived experiences to shift narratives around autism and communication.  Win a copy of A Day with No Words! For a limited-time, Beyond 6 Seconds is giving away a hardcover copy of "A Day with No Words" to up to 3 listeners in the United States. To enter, check out my pinned Instagram post @beyond6seconds on November 11, 2025. The giveaway ends at 11:59 PM ET on November 21, 2025.⁠ Up t

As a dyslexic child, Sabrina Fandell had to sit in her school's book closet for her reading lessons. Now she sits on the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association - Dallas Branch. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and advocating for neurodivergent students in school. During this episode, Sabrina talks about: Her experience growing up as a child with dyslexia, and as a parent of children who have dyslexia How advancements in technology and teaching methodologies can help students with dyslexia succeed in school Why she got involved with the International Dyslexia Association The complicated journey to get her son assessed for dyslexia and ADHD The fine line she walks as a parent when advocating for her son at IEP meetings Resources and advice to help parents support their children with dyslexia Learn more about the International Dyslexia Association Dallas Branch, their hotline and their scholarship program for dyslexia testing. Follow the International Dyslexia Asso

Ava N. Simmons, also known as Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess®, is a 12-year-old S.T.E.M. Ambassador, Entrepreneur, Toy Designer, Author, and the creator of educational toy brand Team Genius Squad. Diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in 2021, Ava used S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and entrepreneurial activities to help overcome her academic challenges and build her confidence.  To share her learning journey and encourage others, Ava creates engaging S.T.E.M.-based educational videos, authors S.T.E.M. books, conducts peer-to-peer S.T.E.M. activities in the community, and develops S.T.E.M. toys for children ages 5-13, including children who are neurodivergent or in underserved areas. She has conducted thousands of peer-to-peer S.T.E.M. experiments with children in the community, over 700,000 households have viewed her educational videos, she has authored 3 books, and developed 15 branded S.T.E.M. Educational Toys.

Caroline Mincks is a writer, director, and voice actor who is best known for their audio drama “Seen and Not Heard,” which is about navigating hearing loss as an adult. Seen and Not Heard features disability representation, including deaf, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autistic characters. Caroline also works as a consultant, assisting other creators in making their shows accessible to as many people as possible. During this episode, you will hear Caroline talk about: How their own experience with hearing loss inspired them to create “Seen and Not Heard” How they use sound design to help listeners better understand what it’s like to interact with the world as a deaf person Using their lived experience with deafness, OCD and autism to write their audio drama’s characters  Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about deafness, OCD and autism How they cast voice actors for their audio drama The importance and impact of authentic disability representation in media Listen to Seen and Not Heard on A

Content note: This episode describes my guest’s experience with psychosis, delusions, and suicidality / suicide attempts. Sally Littlefield is a national speaker and mental health advocate dedicated to changing how the world understands schizophrenia. After experiencing a 10-month long psychotic episode that led to a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, she returned to work in communications and fundraising roles at three mental health nonprofits. This professional experience deepened her insight into trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers faced by people with serious mental illnesses.  Sally’s writing has appeared in Slate, STAT News, and Psychology Today, and she has been featured in national media such as the Associated Press and the television network A+E. Now a full-time advocate, she offers talks and trainings focused on stigma reduction, recovery, and mental health crisis de-escalation. Her mission is to promote empathy, dignity, and understanding for people with schizophrenia. During this episode, yo

Content note: This episode discusses abuse in a religious cult, gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and the negative impact of U.S. current events on marginalized people. Tas The Artist is an autistic, queer, disabled and deaf graphic artist, illustrator, and advocate who blends storytelling with a passion for accessible design. Tas supports fellow members of their community through vocational coaching, developing adaptive curriculum materials and advocating for workplace accessibility. Whether they are creating a surrealist horror piece or working in advocacy, Tas brings a thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative approach to every aspect of their professional life.  During this episode, you will hear Tas talk about: The unique circumstances of how they discovered that they are autistic What their childhood was like growing up as an undiagnosed autistic child in a religious cult How were they able to leave the cult and “deprogram” themselves How they discovered their passion for art, and how art helps them proce

Charis Hawkley is an award-nominated disability advocate with dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. She enjoys discussing her experiences as a neurodivergent woman through writing articles, guesting on podcasts and speaking at events. She has been editor of the Dyspraxia Magazine since September 2024 and enjoys helping others to find their voice and tell their story. She was diagnosed later on in life at 18, and as result explores how late diagnosis affected her life and her experiences as a neurodivergent woman. In this episode, Charis talks about: What dyspraxia is and what it was like growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism How she became a writer for Dyspraxia Magazine, and became involved with the additional seasonal events How she has found a sense of community with other people with dyspraxia  How her disabilities have affected her daily life and education  Follow Charis on Instagram and LinkedIn. Learn more about Dyspraxia Magazine on Facebook, Instagram and DyspraxiaMagazine.com. Watc

Preeti Kalra is a Hospital Clinical Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Masters in Health Administration. She is the Director of Partnerships and Communications and Chicago Network Lead for WE ARE SAATH, an organization dedicated to advocating for South Asian mental health and defying the stigma in the South Asian community when it comes to talking and seeking therapy for mental health. She is also on the Associate Board for March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal health and ending preventable premature birth within the United States.  Preeti was born prematurely. In this episode, she talks about her experience as a preemie and as a member of the South Asian community, including: The circumstances of her birth as a preemie and how that affected her health as a child How she discovered that she was neurodivergent and how that impacted her life as a South Asian woman and as a preemie How her neurodivergence affected her a

Lisa Hurley is an Anthem award-winning activist and author of the new book, “Space To Exhale: A Handbook For Curating A Soft, Centered, Serene Life.” She is also the Founder of The Great Exhale, a serene virtual community focused on sisterhood and soft living, where Black women can relax, lay their burdens down—and exhale. Her advocacy converges at the nexus of self-care, community care, joy, and rest. During this episode, you will hear Lisa talk about: How she realized that she is autistic, and what her life is like as a Black, autistic woman How autistic burnout inspired her to write “Space to Exhale,” and the guidance she provides in her book The importance of having a community while taking care of yourself  “Life-Work Balance” vs “Work-Life Balance” What it means to prioritize “soft living” Find out more about Lisa and her book at SpaceToExhaleBook.com and follow Lisa on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Second

Matthew Schwab is a 27-year-old North Carolina native with Down syndrome who has his own public speaking business, Matthew Schwab Speaks. In 2019, he gave a TEDx talk about the importance of employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Matthew hopes to help change how the world sees Down syndrome. Matthew is also an actor whose first movie “Horsegirls” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025. He loves working as a restaurant host, doing things with family and friends and spending time with his fiancée.  During this episode, you will hear Matthew talk about: What his childhood was like growing up with Down syndrome Why he started his own public speaking business, and the types of topics he likes to discuss What he likes to do at work and with his friends, family, and fiancée How he got into the world of theater and acting Challenging some common stereotypes about people with Down syndrome   Learn more about Matthew and his work at the following links: Official Website - Mat

Abbie Hills is a UK-based talent agent, producer, writer, and passionate disability advocate with cerebral palsy. Abbie founded The Dazey Hills Company in 2019 to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, representing talent across the UK and Europe. Her writing has gained recognition with recent placements in film festivals, including the British Independent Film Festival, Lit Laughs, and the Palm Springs Diversity Screenplay Contest.  In addition to her writing, Abbie works as an Access Coordinator, supporting D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent talent in film and television productions. She also mentors aspiring talent, advocating for greater accessibility and representation in the entertainment industry. During this episode, you will hear Abbie talk about: Her experience growing up with cerebral palsy, which for her is an “invisible" disability How an MRI scan of her brain changed the way she viewed her disability How people have judged her because of her disability How cerebral pal

Rylan Hoffman, the founder of Hoff Social, is a transmasculine and neurodivergent marketing strategist and content creator who has spent 14+ years building online communities. With over 100 million organic views, they know the power of visibility, but also its risks. After facing doxxing, harassment, and even extremist threats, Rylan made it their mission to help queer business owners navigate the internet safely while getting the right eyes on their content. During this episode, you will hear Rylan talk about: How they first discovered that they were neurodivergent (ADHD and autistic) The intersection of their gender identity with their neurodivergence Their own experience of being mass harassed and doxxed online as a queer content creator How they help queer businesses grow their online presence while staying safe online Online marketing and safety tips for queer and neurodivergent business owners   Creating engaging content for their community while being mindful of the algorithm To find out more about R

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 childre

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 Danie

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