Autistic and Black – with Kala Allen Omeiza

Autistic and Black – with Kala Allen Omeiza

Author: Carolyn Kiel June 24, 2024 Duration: 15:33

Kala Allen Omeiza is a prolific author at the intersection of race, culture, and autism. Her latest book, "Autistic and Black: Our Experiences of Growth, Progress, and Empowerment," has received widespread acclaim for its in-depth exploration of the unique challenges and triumphs faced by autistic individuals of minority backgrounds. She has also worked on various research projects on neurodiversity and mental health at Harvard, Duke, Harvard Medical, and as a US Fulbright scholar in Nigeria. She is a graduate of Miami University and a masters graduate of Psychological Research from the University of Oxford.

During this episode, Kala discusses:

  • What inspired her to write "Autistic and Black" and share the experiences of Black autistic people across the African diaspora
  • How she uses the Kwanzaa principle of Ujima to bring the stories in the book together
  • Her experience interviewing nonspeaking autistic individuals 
  • Writing about her own life experiences as a Black autistic woman

To find out more about Kala and her work, you can visit her website, subscribe to her newsletter, and buy her book "Autistic and Black: Our Experiences of Growth, Progress, and Empowerment".

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.*


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 Disorders (FASD) - with Patti Kasper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:26
CW: Mentions of suicide and experiences with the criminal justice system as it relates to FASD. Patti Kasper is a Neurobehavioral Coach and Trainer who provides staff development training and coaching services to support…
Working in the creative industry with Tourette's – with Ian Otto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:53
Ian Otto is a Senior Producer with experience in animation, motion design, immersive, visual effects (VFX) and post production. After working in Berlin for many years, Ian now lives in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he is Se…
South Asian Mental Health Stories – with Mrinal Gokhale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:51
Mrinal Gokhale is an author, speaker and creative consultant based in Wisconsin. She has collaborated with organizations and media outlets such as Brown Girl Magazine, ADDitude Magazine, Medical College of Wisconsin, and…
Dissociative Identity Disorder – with Crystals Multifaceted [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:21
CW: Mentions of suicidality Crystals Multifaceted is the founder of Multifaceted Journeys, where they use their lived experience of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) / plurality and healing with complex trauma and dis…
Working in tech as a Black autistic woman – with Martina Kuzenski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:00
Martina Kuzenski is a late-diagnosed autistic woman who received her autism diagnosis at age 28 near the end of her Master's degree program. She is an IT Specialist for the U.S. federal government. She shares her experie…
Hiring people with Down syndrome - with Joshua Hoskins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:03
Joshua Hoskins is a 25 year old man with Down syndrome who lives in Tamworth, England with his parents. He loves his family and friends, and his hobbies are horse riding, boxing, musicals, supporting Newcastle United Foo…
Autistic burnout and career change – with Shayonee Dasgupta [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:40
Content note: This episode mentions thoughts about suicide and self harm. Shayonee Dasgupta is a Mumbai-based freelance writer and editor who initially pursued a career in law, working with corporate law firms in India.…