Dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism – with Charis Hawkley

Dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism – with Charis Hawkley

Author: Carolyn Kiel August 18, 2025 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 events. She has been editor of the Dyspraxia Magazine since September 2024 and enjoys helping others to find their voice and tell their story. She was diagnosed later on in life at 18, and as result explores how late diagnosis affected her life and her experiences as a neurodivergent woman.

In this episode, Charis talks about:

  • What dyspraxia is and what it was like growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism
  • How she became a writer for Dyspraxia Magazine, and became involved with the additional seasonal events
  • How she has found a sense of community with other people with dyspraxia 
  • How her disabilities have affected her daily life and education 

Follow Charis on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Learn more about Dyspraxia Magazine on Facebook, Instagram and DyspraxiaMagazine.com.

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
Neurodivergence and gender identity – with Charlie Ocean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:02
Charlie Ocean is an award-winning LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, and consultant who is neuroqueer and nonbinary. They have a background in social work and over 15 years of experience with LGBTQ+ community organizing. To date,…
Creating an inclusive world through dance – with Marisa Hamamoto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:24
Content note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault, describes a stroke and recovery, and has occasional swearing. Marisa Hamamoto is the first professional dancer to be named as one of People Magazine's "Wome…
Tourette Syndrome advocacy – with Jhonelle Bean [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:01
Jhonelle Bean is a 28-year-old disability advocate living with Tourette Syndrome and PTSD. Jhonelle shares her experience with Tourette Syndrome through social media to educate others and help destigmatize the condition,…
Autistic and dyspraxic actor Ross K. Foad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:12
Ross K. Foad is a professional actor and voice artist in the United Kingdom. A second generation actor, he was just 18 months old when he made his acting debut, but would get his proper start in acting on the London come…
Dissociative Identity Disorder - Amber Louise Ainsworth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:37
CW: Mentions of drinking, drug use, suicidal thoughts, depression, trauma, and occasional swearing Amber Louise Ainsworth is a dissociative identity disorder (DID) system from the UK. Since realizing they are a DID syste…
Trans and autistic inclusion at work – with Nate Shalev [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:12
Nate Shalev is a leading expert and advisor on inclusivity helping to create workplace cultures where both businesses and people thrive. They were named a LinkedIn Top Voice and have been highlighted in the Harvard Busin…
Autistic music therapist and singer Swara Swami [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:10
As a young autistic girl, Swara Swami could sing before she could speak. Now Swara is a music therapist and singer who advocates for mental health and autism awareness on her social media. Swara has her Bachelors in Musi…
The Autism-Friendly Cookbook - with Lydia Wilkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:33
Lydia Wilkins is a freelance journalist and author based in the UK who covers disability and social issues. Her work has appeared in publications such as The Metro, The Independent, Refinery 29, The Daily Mail and PosAbi…
Dyscalculia education and advocacy – with Elena Chambers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
Elena Chambers is a disability advocate, writer, poet and photographer. On her blog, Dyscalculia Community, she writes about disability in a social context, societal-level ableism, and her personal experience of growing…
Autism in Black – with Maria Davis-Pierre [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:31
Maria Davis-Pierre is a licensed mental health counselor, autism awareness advocate and founder of the organization Autism in Black. As the parent of two autistic children, and being autistic herself, she uses her profes…