Chinese New Year, filmmaking and autism acceptance with Beatrice Leong

Chinese New Year, filmmaking and autism acceptance with Beatrice Leong

Author: Carolyn Kiel February 10, 2025 Duration: 42:27

Content warning: Death of a pet, mentions of institutionalization and electroconvulsive treatment

Beatrice Leong is a Malaysian entrepreneur and documentary filmmaker. After a lifetime of mental health challenges and misdiagnoses, she was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 35, bringing clarity to her lifelong struggles.

Beatrice founded AIDA (Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group), an autistic-led advocacy group based in Asia that promotes inclusion and self-representation of the autistic community. She actively participates in shaping policies to improve the lives of autistic individuals.

During this episode, you will hear Beatrice talk about:

  • Filming a short commercial for Chinese New Year based on her struggles growing up as an autistic girl, and how girls and women from all backgrounds related to her story
  • What her life was like before she was diagnosed with autism 
  • Struggling to find accurate information and support resources for autistic women in Malaysia, and how this inspired her advocacy work and activism 
  • The power of bravely sharing your own story – and how she's sharing her candid personal story in her feature film, The Myth of Monsters

Follow Beatrice on Instagram and check out her films:

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
The Young Autistic Adult's Independence Handbook – with Haley Moss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:21
Haley Moss is a neurodiversity expert, public speaker and author of four books that guide neurodivergent individuals through professional and personal challenges. We talk about Haley's latest book, "The Young Autistic Ad…
Ticcing My Way Through Life – with Britney Wolf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:59
Britney Wolf is a passionate Tourette Syndrome advocate who is trying to beat the stigmas surrounding the disorder. Through social media, speaking events and more, she takes every opportunity to let the Tourette Syndrome…
Fabulously Tourette – with Peter Zhao [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:35
Content warning: Mentions of racism/racist language, suicidal thoughts and auditory hallucinations Peter Zhao grew up in Nanjing China and then in Bayside Queens, New York. Now he lives in Long Island, New York, works in…
Nonspeaking autistic self advocacy – with Noah Seback [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:42
Noah Seback cannot speak -- however, he has a lot to say. Noah is a nonspeaking autistic young man with apraxia, which has made it impossible for him to communicate reliably for most of his life. Then, at the age of 16,…
Autistic and ADHD mother and life coach – Kori Tomelden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
Kori Tomelden is a late diagnosed autistic ADHDer, life strategist for autistic and ADHD women & a transformational purpose coach. She lives in Albany, NY where she is raising a neurodivergent family. Her older daughter…
Autistic is a powerful word [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
For World Autism Day, I've recorded a solo episode where I explain how my thinking has evolved about the word "autistic" – how I was once scared of it, how I overcame my outdated views and biases associated with it, and…