Writing autistic and ADHD characters -- with Brianne Leeson

Writing autistic and ADHD characters -- with Brianne Leeson

Author: Carolyn Kiel July 11, 2022 Duration: 39:40

Brianne Leeson is a writer, artist, and voice actor from Dallas, Texas. She is the creator of the queer supernatural comedy audio drama, "Today's Lucky Winner." Brianne was diagnosed as autistic and with ADHD at age 30, and she has since become a passionate advocate for autism acceptance and representation in media.

During this episode, Brianne talks about:

  • How she got her autism and ADHD diagnosis during the pandemic, when her world was turned upside down
  • How her diagnosis helped her reassess and reframe her past struggles with mental health
  • Why an experience with hot sauce removed any doubt in her mind about her autism diagnosis
  • How she realized she had written her own neurodivergence into the two main characters of Today's Lucky Winner
  • Why she decided to explicitly mention during the show that these characters are neurodivergent – and the positive impact this has had on the show's fans
  • How writing helped her process her diagnosis

For more information about "Today's Lucky Winner", check out the links below:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Patreon

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The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade on June 24th, 2022, which stripped away the right to have a safe and legal abortion. To learn more about what you can do, go to podvoices.help.

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*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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