A Day with No Words – Nonspeaking autism representation with Tiffany Hammond

A Day with No Words – Nonspeaking autism representation with Tiffany Hammond

Author: Carolyn Kiel November 10, 2025 Duration: 43:10

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 to 3 winners will be selected at random. This giveaway is valid for listeners at US addresses only.

During this episode, you will hear Tiffany talk about:

  • How her family's real-life experiences inspired her to write A Day with No Words
  • Why she wrote her book from the perspective of a nonspeaking autistic child
  • What her nonspeaking autistic son Aidan thinks of the book
  • How her book is different from other children's books about autism
  • Common misconceptions that people have had about her autistic sons

Learn more about Tiffany at ADayWithNoWords.com.

Follow Tiffany on Facebook, Instagram and Substack.

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.*


Hosted by Carolyn Kiel, Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people moves past the snap judgments that so often define how neurodivergent people are perceived. Each conversation here is an invitation to listen deeply, exploring the nuanced realities of entrepreneurs, artists, advocates, and other neurodivergent individuals as they share their own experiences in their own words. You’ll hear personal accounts that challenge stereotypes, not through abstract arguments, but through the vivid details of lived experience-the unique pathways to creativity, the challenges navigated in work and relationships, and the personal definitions of success and well-being. This podcast creates a space where identity is explored with authenticity, highlighting the strengths and perspectives that arise from thinking differently. Tuning in means connecting with stories that are as diverse and dynamic as the neurodivergent community itself, offering genuine insight into mental health, societal norms, and the richness of human cognition. Carolyn guides these discussions with a focus on depth and connection, ensuring every episode goes far beneath the surface to celebrate the vibrance of neurodiversity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Podcast Episodes
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – with Jessica Birch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:01
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…
Adin Boyer - American Idol, autism and anti-bullying advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:02
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…
2024 year-end episode [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:40
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 tak…
Inclusive education and Down syndrome advocacy – with Sheri Brynard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:19
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 achieve…
Fighting stigma about schizophrenia - with Michelle Hammer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:06
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 s…
Work experience in an autism employment program -- with Jack Pabich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:08
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 int…
Epilepsy advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:14
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…