Becoming a young autistic advocate – with Quincy Hansen

Becoming a young autistic advocate – with Quincy Hansen

Author: Carolyn Kiel August 8, 2022 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 SpeakingOfAutism.com.

During this episode, you will hear Quincy talk about:

  • Being known as the "bad kid" in school whose struggles were seen as behavior problems -- until he found the right educational environment where he could thrive
  • How connecting with other autistic people online inspired him to blog about his experiences and helped build his self-confidence
  • How his blog grew in popularity after one of his early posts went viral: "How do I get an autistic person to X?" – You're asking the wrong question.
  • How his blog led to other advocacy opportunities, including writing his new book, "Shake It Up!"
  • The importance of practicing self-care so that you can sustain your advocacy
  • His advice for advocates and content creators

You can find Quincy's writing on his blog, SpeakingOfAutism.com, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

For a limited time, Beyond 6 Seconds listeners in the US can save 20% off the purchase price of Quincy's book! Go to jkp.com, add "Shake It Up!" to your cart, and enter the discount code Hansen20 at checkout to get 20% off the book. This discount code is valid until August 31, 2022, for listeners with shipping addresses in the US only.

You can also enter to win a copy of "Shake It Up!" Check out my August 9, 2022 Twitter post at @Beyond6S to find out how.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

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Read 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 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
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