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First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you’re neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading.

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*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.*

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  2. Chinese New Year, filmmaking and autism acceptance with Beatrice Leong

Chinese New Year, filmmaking and autism acceptance with Beatrice Leong

Feb 10, 2025

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:

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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*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.*