Autistic coming-of-age stories – with Kelly Coons

Autistic coming-of-age stories – with Kelly Coons

Author: Carolyn Kiel January 17, 2022 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, 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.*


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
An autistic Christian experience – with Miya Sae [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:33
Miya Sae is an autistic Christian, blogger, and aspiring author. Through her writing, she strives to help bridge the neglected gap between autism and Christianity, while bringing hope and encouragement to other misunders…
Auditory processing disorder – with Hamish Hallett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:51
Hamish Hallett is a podcast host and journalist who creates online content about auditory processing disorder (APD). He wants to help those with learning difficulties not to feel limited and to embrace what they have, ra…
Music, theater and autistic communities – with Madge Woollard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:26
Madge Woollard has run her own business teaching piano and keyboard since 1994. Madge was diagnosed autistic in 2016 at the age of 44. She lives in Sheffield UK with her wife who is also late-diagnosed autistic. A gradua…
Becoming a young autistic advocate – with Quincy Hansen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:42
Quincy Hansen is a young autistic activist, writer, public speaker and college student from Colorado. He is the author of the new book "Shake It Up! How to be Young, Autistic, and Make an Impact" and writes a blog at Spe…
Writing autistic and ADHD characters -- with Brianne Leeson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:40
Brianne Leeson is a writer, artist, and voice actor from Dallas, Texas. She is the creator of the queer supernatural comedy audio drama, "Today's Lucky Winner." Brianne was diagnosed as autistic and with ADHD at age 30,…
Neurodiversity and inclusion in tech – with Jennifer Opal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:29
Jennifer Opal is a DevOps Engineer with the HelloSign Team at Dropbox, a multi-award winning neurodiversity & inclusion advocate, blogger & keynote speaker. She also has dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD. Jennifer has worked…