Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

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

That’s where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity.

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTubeSpotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, PandoraTuneIn, iHeartRadio or Android, so you never miss an episode! 

Sign up for my free newsletter to become a Beyond 6 Seconds Insider and get early access to new episodes! Plus, as a special thank you, you'll get immediate access to download the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds list of autism resources!

Are you interested in being a guest on Beyond 6 Seconds? Click here to apply!

Learn how you can support this podcast and get a shout-out on a future episode!

Recognition for Beyond 6 Seconds:

  • Ambie Awards 2024: Nominee - Best DIY Podcast
  • Signal Award Gold Winner and Listener's Choice Winner: 2023 Best Individual Episode - Best Conversation Starter 
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Personal Journal category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Mental Health category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: Second Place Winner - Inspiration/Motivation category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: Second Place Winner - Psychology category
  • Signal Award Silver Winner: 2022 Best Individual Episode - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 
  • W3 Award Gold Winner: 2022 Podcasts General Series - Community 
  • W3 Award Silver Winner (x2): 2022 Podcast Features - Best Individual Episode
  • International Women's Podcast Association: 2022 Shortlist - "Moment of Raw Emotion" Episode Category

Jan 17, 2022

Before Kelly Coons was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of thirteen, she had a coming-of-age story that was mostly deemed as neurotypical. However, she always felt isolated and, until her diagnosis, believed that she was to blame.

After her diagnosis, Kelly became passionate about disability advocacy and promoting autistic pride. Today she is an autism advocate and a novelist who studied English at Smith College.

During this episode, you will hear Kelly talk about:

  • Growing up with two autistic brothers – and how she got her own autism diagnosis
  • How Kelly learned she is autistic – a year after her parents and teachers already knew
  • Her autism advocacy – and why she likes answering people’s questions about autism most of the time
  • Life as an autistic college student
  • The story behind her novel, All Ways, and how it counteracts common literary narratives about autism by centering autistic experiences and voices

To find out more about Kelly and her work, check out her website, learn more about her novel "All Ways" and connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for 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 represent those of my employer or other organizations.*