Ava N. Simmons — STEM entrepreneur and toy designer with dyslexia and dysgraphia
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
10/13/25
•12m
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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, authors S.T.E.M. books, conducts peer-to-peer S.T.E.M. activities in the community, and develops S.T.E.M. toys for children ages 5-13, including children who are neurodivergent or in underserved areas. She has conducted thousands of peer-to-peer S.T.E.M. experiments with children in the community, over 700,000 households have viewed her educational videos, she has authored 3 books, and developed 15 branded S.T.E.M. Educational Toys.
Additionally, she is the Host of the PBS Kids Channel Show from PBS North Carolina called Mini Fab Science Lab, and her STEM-STEAM kits are featured in the Scholastic Catalog.
During this episode, you will hear Ava talk about: ● Her experience in school as a student with dyslexia and dysgraphia ● How she got interested in S.T.E.M. at a young age ● How Team Genius Squad helps make S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. more accessible to kids everywhere ● Where she gets ideas for her experiment kits ● The origin of her PBS Kids Channel show, Mini Fab Science Lab
Learn more about Ava:
- Team Genius Squad store
- Mini Fab Science Lab (PBS Kids show)
- Team Genius Squad on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube
- Team Genius Squad in the Scholastic Dollars 2025-2026 Catalog on page 33:
- (M) STEM Genius Lemon Light Experiment Kit with Interactive Experience
- Item No: 794043 Kits and Virtual Session with Ava
- Item No: 793745 4-Pack of Kits Only
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.*
Previous Episode
Deaf and OCD representation in audio drama — with Caroline Mincks of Seen and Not Heard
September 29, 2025
•35m
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 design to help listeners better understand what it's like to interact with the world as a deaf person
- Using their lived experience with deafness, OCD and autism to write their audio drama's characters
- Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about deafness, OCD and autism
- How they cast voice actors for their audio drama
- The importance and impact of authentic disability representation in media
Listen to Seen and Not Heard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the show on BlueSky and Tumblr.
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. 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.*
Next Episode
Advocating for dyslexic students – with Sabrina Fandell
October 27, 2025
•35m
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 International Dyslexia Association
- The complicated journey to get her son assessed for dyslexia and ADHD
- The fine line she walks as a parent when advocating for her son at IEP meetings
- Resources and advice to help parents support their children with dyslexia
Learn more about the International Dyslexia Association Dallas Branch, their hotline and their scholarship program for dyslexia testing.
Follow the International Dyslexia Association Dallas Branch on Facebook and 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. 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.*
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