Autistic and dyspraxic actor Ross K. Foad
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
09/18/23
•19m
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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 comedy circuit as a stand up comic and sketch comic actor. He is autistic and dyspraxic, and in 2017 was one of only 30 disabled actors chosen by the BBC for their Class Act Training Scheme, an initiative designed to help increase disabled representation on screen.
During this episode, you will hear Ross talk about:
- What life was like for him growing up autistic and dyspraxic
- The biggest challenges he faces as a neurodivergent actor
- His love of voice acting
- His experience in the BBC Class Act Training Scheme working with mentors and other disabled actors
To find out more about Ross and his work, you can find him on Twitter and YouTube.
This episode of Beyond 6 Seconds is sponsored by Dystinct Magazine. Dystinct Magazine publishes evidence-based content from specialists in an easy-to-understand format and inspirational stories of everyday role models highlighting how they cope with the struggles and hardships that learning disabilities bring. Dystinct Magazine also offers various opportunities for children to participate in its publication. They have opportunities for young journalists, designers, and illustrators. Check out their website at dystinct.org or contact Zahra (the founder) at zahra@dystinct.org to see how your children or students with learning disabilities can get involved.
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.*
Previous Episode
Dissociative Identity Disorder - Amber Louise Ainsworth
September 4, 2023
•42m
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 system at age 38, they've been working through their healing: processing and sharing all their collective trauma. They have written several books, including "The revelation," which details their first year of healing.
During this interview, you'll hear from three of the alters in my guest's DID system: Amber (who is the system host), Mia, and Berlou. They talk about:
- What life was like before they realized they are a DID system with several alters
- How they discovered their first alter
- How their alters communicate with each other (or in many cases, how amnesia prevents them from communicating), and how they write books and poetry about their experiences
- What it feels like when alters fuse with each other and separate from each other, and how that helps them process and heal from past trauma
Follow Amber Louise Ainsworth on Instagram and Twitter, and read their writing at DIDWeWrite.co.uk.
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
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.*
Next Episode
Tourette Syndrome advocacy – with Jhonelle Bean
October 2, 2023
•29m
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, especially within communities of color. She has also created a community called "For The Advocates," where other disability advocates can find a place to relate and get support and resources from each other.
During this episode, you will hear Jhonelle talk about:
- Her first tics in childhood and adolescence, and the reactions of the people around her
- Why it took so long for her to get a Tourette's diagnosis
- How she decided to become a Tourette's advocate online
- Some common misconceptions about Tourette's
- Her advocacy about Tourette's and communities of color
- Why she created the "For The Advocates" community
Follow Jhonelle on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter. Follow For The Advocates on Instagram.
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
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.*
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