Life as a Black Deaf Autistic musician, AAC user and student -- with Kaishawna

Life as a Black Deaf Autistic musician, AAC user and student -- with Kaishawna

Author: Carolyn Kiel May 29, 2023 Duration: 53:32

Kaishawna is a 21 year old Deaf Black Autistic woman, clarinet player and college student who is studying to become an educator for neurodivergent and disabled students. She communicates using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) text-to-speech app on her iPad, sign language, and sometimes unreliable vocal speech. She is a disability advocate and aspiring author who is working on two novels that feature disabled main characters.

During this episode, Kaishawna discusses:

  • Her experiences using AAC to communicate with others
  • How she experiences playing music as a Deaf Autistic musician, and her love of music theory
  • How she found out she was autistic, and how that led her to become involved with disability rights advocacy
  • The difficulty she had finding community as a Deaf Black Autistic woman, and the racism and ableism she faces
  • What she hopes to teach her students as an educator
  • The two novels she is currently working on

Follow Kaishawna on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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 this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds and get a shout-out on a future episode!

*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
Podcast Episodes
Epilepsy advocacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:14
Amee is a dedicated health care provider known for her expertise and compassionate care. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a passionate mental health advocate and openly shares her personal journey living with…
Autistic-led autism research - with Dr. Kana Grace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:17
Dr. Kana Grace is a research psychologist, advocate, Specialist Mentor, and educator, specializing in the mental and physical health of neurodivergent people. Currently, Kana is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre…
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) - with Patti Kasper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:26
CW: Mentions of suicide and experiences with the criminal justice system as it relates to FASD. Patti Kasper is a Neurobehavioral Coach and Trainer who provides staff development training and coaching services to support…
Working in the creative industry with Tourette's – with Ian Otto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:53
Ian Otto is a Senior Producer with experience in animation, motion design, immersive, visual effects (VFX) and post production. After working in Berlin for many years, Ian now lives in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he is Se…
South Asian Mental Health Stories – with Mrinal Gokhale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:51
Mrinal Gokhale is an author, speaker and creative consultant based in Wisconsin. She has collaborated with organizations and media outlets such as Brown Girl Magazine, ADDitude Magazine, Medical College of Wisconsin, and…
Dissociative Identity Disorder – with Crystals Multifaceted [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:21
CW: Mentions of suicidality Crystals Multifaceted is the founder of Multifaceted Journeys, where they use their lived experience of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) / plurality and healing with complex trauma and dis…
Autistic and Black – with Kala Allen Omeiza [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:33
Kala Allen Omeiza is a prolific author at the intersection of race, culture, and autism. Her latest book, "Autistic and Black: Our Experiences of Growth, Progress, and Empowerment," has received widespread acclaim for it…
Working in tech as a Black autistic woman – with Martina Kuzenski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:00
Martina Kuzenski is a late-diagnosed autistic woman who received her autism diagnosis at age 28 near the end of her Master's degree program. She is an IT Specialist for the U.S. federal government. She shares her experie…