Adin Boyer - American Idol, autism and anti-bullying advocacy

Adin Boyer - American Idol, autism and anti-bullying advocacy

Author: Carolyn Kiel January 27, 2025 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 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.*


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
Coming of age with Crouzon syndrome – with Ariel Henley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:10
As a child, Ariel Henley's face was compared to a Picasso painting. This horrifying comment didn't come from a schoolyard bully. It was written in a magazine article about Ariel and her experience growing up with Crouzon…
Tourette Syndrome in the public eye – with Seamus Evans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:48
At his first job as a TV host, Seamus Evans disclosed his Tourette Syndrome. That revelation almost ended his dream career. Fortunately Seamus didn't lose his job. In fact, he spent the next 13 years in his dream career,…
Phenomenally Autistic – with Ayanna Davis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:58
Ayanna Davis, also known as phenomenallyautistic on social media, is an autism advocate who was born & raised in Westchester County, New York. Along with being autistic, she has survived over 300 seizures, is living with…
My life so far with dyspraxia – with Rosemary Richings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:00
Rosemary Richings is a writer, author, panel member of Dyspraxia Magazine, and co-founder of Dyspraxic Alliance, a global online support network by and for dyspraxics. When she was four years old, she was diagnosed with…
Autistic coming-of-age stories – with Kelly Coons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:24
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, bel…
Natalie Brooks – Dyslexia in Adults [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
Feeling frustrated and alone, Natalie Brooks started posting on Instagram about her struggles as a dyslexic adult in the workplace. She soon realized that her experiences resonated deeply with dyslexic adults around the…
Some personal news, and a new focus for this podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:29
2021 has been quite a year for me -- and my experiences this year have given me new clarity on what I want to focus on with this podcast. I'm excited to share these new developments with you! Tune into this episode to he…