Living with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities – with Aashna Parikh

Living with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities – with Aashna Parikh

Author: Carolyn Kiel June 10, 2024 Duration: 27:44

Aashna Parikh is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultant and inclusive marketing specialist based in India. Living with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities, she has consulted and collaborated with Forbes-listed and Fortune 500 companies across diverse sectors such as Fintech, Sustainability, Agriculture, and Technology. A strong advocate for neurodiversity, disability, and gender, she examines these issues through an intersectional lens.  

During this episode, you will hear Aashna talk about:

  • What was it like growing up and going to school with cerebral palsy and learning disabilities
  • Living with disabilities in a world where people tell her she "doesn't look disabled"
  • The type of work that she does as a DEI consultant
  • Her thoughts on DEI through an intersectional lens
  • How DEI is addressed in different countries
  • Her advice for requesting accommodations at work and in job interviews

Connect with Aashna on LinkedIn or via email at aashnacparikh at gmail.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.*


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…