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
Dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism – with Charis Hawkley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:24
Charis Hawkley is an award-nominated disability advocate with dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. She enjoys discussing her experiences as a neurodivergent woman through writing articles, guesting on podcasts and speaking at…
Life as a neurodivergent preemie – with Preeti Kalra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:38
Preeti Kalra is a Hospital Clinical Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Masters in Health Administration. She is the Director of Partnerships and Communications an…
Space To Exhale – with Lisa Hurley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
Lisa Hurley is an Anthem award-winning activist and author of the new book, "Space To Exhale: A Handbook For Curating A Soft, Centered, Serene Life." She is also the Founder of The Great Exhale, a serene virtual communit…
Down syndrome advocacy – Matthew Schwab Speaks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:37
Matthew Schwab is a 27-year-old North Carolina native with Down syndrome who has his own public speaking business, Matthew Schwab Speaks. In 2019, he gave a TEDx talk about the importance of employing people with intelle…
Autism Inclusion in the Christian Church – with Sunita Theiss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:01
CW: Eating disorder, death of a parent. Sunita Theiss is an autistic, ADHD and PDA* parent, writer, and advocate. A second-generation Indian American, she has a rich background in communications, marketing, and storytell…
Tourette syndrome community and research - with Dr. Daniel P. Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:44
Dr. Daniel P. Jones is a Creative Practitioner, Disability Scholar, and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Daniel specializes in inclusive research methodologies, focusing on the em…
Dyslexia advocacy in Nigeria – with Oladoyin Idowu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:59
Content warning: This episode mentions physical and verbal abuse in school, suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt, and drug use. Oladoyin Idowu is a pioneering dyslexia advocate and mental health professional dedicated…
Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina – with Lya Batlle-Rafferty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:47
Lya Batlle-Rafferty, an MIT graduate with a degree in Cognitive Science, has had a career focused mostly on technology. She has often been a trailblazer as the only woman in a large company performing that type of work.…