Inclusive education and Down syndrome advocacy – with Sheri Brynard
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Release Date: 12/02/2024
A Day with No Words – Nonspeaking autism representation with Tiffany Hammond
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Tiffany Hammond is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and disability advocate. She is the author of A Day with No Words, a picture book about a Black mother and son who use a tablet to communicate with each other and the world around them. A Day With No Words successfully normalizes communication methods outside of verbal speech and provides representation of neurodiversity and autism in a way that affirms and celebrates. Through Tiffany’s platform, Fidgets and Fries, she shares stories about autism, identity, and the fullness of Black and disabled family life. She is the proud...
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Advocating for dyslexic students – with Sabrina Fandell
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
As a dyslexic child, Sabrina Fandell had to sit in her school's book closet for her reading lessons. Now she sits on the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association - Dallas Branch. She is passionate about fostering inclusive environments and advocating for neurodivergent students in school. During this episode, Sabrina talks about: Her experience growing up as a child with dyslexia, and as a parent of children who have dyslexia How advancements in technology and teaching methodologies can help students with dyslexia succeed in school Why she got involved with the...
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Ava N. Simmons — STEM entrepreneur and toy designer with dyslexia and dysgraphia
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Ava N. Simmons, also known as Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess®, is a 12-year-old S.T.E.M. Ambassador, Entrepreneur, Toy Designer, Author, and the creator of educational toy brand Team Genius Squad. Diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in 2021, Ava used S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and entrepreneurial activities to help overcome her academic challenges and build her confidence. To share her learning journey and encourage others, Ava creates engaging S.T.E.M.-based educational videos,...
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Deaf and OCD representation in audio drama — with Caroline Mincks of Seen and Not Heard
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Caroline Mincks is a writer, director, and voice actor who is best known for their audio drama “Seen and Not Heard,” which is about navigating hearing loss as an adult. Seen and Not Heard features disability representation, including deaf, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autistic characters. Caroline also works as a consultant, assisting other creators in making their shows accessible to as many people as possible. During this episode, you will hear Caroline talk about: How their own experience with hearing loss inspired them to create “Seen and Not Heard” How they use sound...
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Living with schizoaffective disorder – with Sally Littlefield
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Content note: This episode describes my guest’s experience with psychosis, delusions, and suicidality / suicide attempts. Sally Littlefield is a national speaker and mental health advocate dedicated to changing how the world understands schizophrenia. After experiencing a 10-month long psychotic episode that led to a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, she returned to work in communications and fundraising roles at three mental health nonprofits. This professional experience deepened her insight into trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers faced by people with serious mental...
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Identity, horror and artistic expression – with Tas The Artist
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Content note: This episode discusses abuse in a religious cult, gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and the negative impact of U.S. current events on marginalized people. Tas The Artist is an autistic, queer, disabled and deaf graphic artist, illustrator, and advocate who blends storytelling with a passion for accessible design. Tas supports fellow members of their community through vocational coaching, developing adaptive curriculum materials and advocating for workplace accessibility. Whether they are creating a surrealist horror piece or working in advocacy, Tas brings a thoughtful,...
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Dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism – with Charis Hawkley
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
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...
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Life as a neurodivergent preemie – with Preeti Kalra
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Preeti Kalra is a Hospital Clinical Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Masters in Health Administration. She is the Director of Partnerships and Communications and Chicago Network Lead for WE ARE SAATH, an organization dedicated to advocating for South Asian mental health and defying the stigma in the South Asian community when it comes to talking and seeking therapy for mental health. She is also on the Associate Board for March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal health and ending preventable premature...
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Space To Exhale – with Lisa Hurley
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Lisa Hurley is an Anthem award-winning activist and author of the new book, “Space To Exhale: A Handbook For Curating A Soft, Centered, Serene Life.” She is also the Founder of The Great Exhale, a serene virtual community focused on sisterhood and soft living, where Black women can relax, lay their burdens down—and exhale. Her advocacy converges at the nexus of self-care, community care, joy, and rest. During this episode, you will hear Lisa talk about: How she realized that she is autistic, and what her life is like as a Black, autistic woman How autistic burnout inspired her to write...
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Down syndrome advocacy – Matthew Schwab Speaks
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
Matthew Schwab is a 27-year-old North Carolina native with Down syndrome who has his own public speaking business, Matthew Schwab Speaks. In 2019, he gave a TEDx talk about the importance of employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Matthew hopes to help change how the world sees Down syndrome. Matthew is also an actor whose first movie “Horsegirls” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025. He loves working as a restaurant host, doing things with family and friends and spending time with his fiancée. During this episode, you will hear Matthew talk...
info_outlineContent warning: This episode discusses forced sterilization / removal of reproductive rights.
Shéri Brynard is the only person with Down syndrome in South Africa with a tertiary education diploma in Educare. She achieved this without any special assistance or amendments made to the coursework, and despite the fact that her lectures and study material were only provided in English, which is her second language. She is currently a full-time qualified teacher’s assistant at a Primary School for learners with special educational needs and presents motivational speeches to advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome, all over the world.
Shéri is an international ambassador for all people with Down syndrome, appointed by Down syndrome international (DSi). She represents people with Down syndrome in South Africa at the DSi meetings, as well as at many other international meetings, and at the United Nations, focusing on disability. Shéri believes that all people can choose to make the best of their circumstances, and she is a living example of this choice.
Through her own determination and her family’s support, Sheri has been overcoming prejudice and stigma for her entire life to achieve her dreams. Shéri shares her experiences during this episode, including:
● The barriers she faced to getting her education and working in South Africa, and how her family helped her challenge and overcome people’s bias and assumptions about her
● What inspired her to become a teacher
● What was it like completing her tertiary education in her second language, without any special accommodations from the school
● How she became an advocate who speaks on disability rights
To find out more about Shéri and her work, visit her website at SheriBrynard.co.za, follow her on Facebook or email her mother at Brynard.s @ gmail.com .
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
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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. 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.*