Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people - Cerebral palsy and disability in the entertainment industry – with Abbie Hills

Cerebral palsy and disability in the entertainment industry – with Abbie Hills

Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people

06/23/25

•

31m

About

Comments

Featured In

Abbie Hills is a UK-based talent agent, producer, writer, and passionate disability advocate with cerebral palsy. Abbie founded The Dazey Hills Company in 2019 to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, representing talent across the UK and Europe. Her writing has gained recognition with recent placements in film festivals, including the British Independent Film Festival, Lit Laughs, and the Palm Springs Diversity Screenplay Contest.

In addition to her writing, Abbie works as an Access Coordinator, supporting D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent talent in film and television productions. She also mentors aspiring talent, advocating for greater accessibility and representation in the entertainment industry.

During this episode, you will hear Abbie talk about:

Her experience growing up with cerebral palsy, which for her is an "invisible" disability
How an MRI scan of her brain changed the way she viewed her disability
How people have judged her because of her disability
How cerebral palsy affects her day-to-day life
What inspired her to become an actress, and how her disability affected her experience in the entertainment industry
The need for community among adults with disabilities
Her journey from being an actor who hid her disability to founding her own talent agency and working as an Access Coordinator

To find out more about Abbie and her work, visit her personal website AbbieHills.uk and production company website TheDazeyHillsCompany.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @itsabbiehills.

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. 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

Social media marketing for queer business owners – with Rylan Hoffman

June 9, 2025

•

32m

Rylan Hoffman, the founder of Hoff Social, is a transmasculine and neurodivergent marketing strategist and content creator who has spent 14+ years building online communities. With over 100 million organic views, they know the power of visibility, but also its risks. After facing doxxing, harassment, and even extremist threats, Rylan made it their mission to help queer business owners navigate the internet safely while getting the right eyes on their content.

During this episode, you will hear Rylan talk about:

How they first discovered that they were neurodivergent (ADHD and autistic)
The intersection of their gender identity with their neurodivergence
Their own experience of being mass harassed and doxxed online as a queer content creator
How they help queer businesses grow their online presence while staying safe online
Online marketing and safety tips for queer and neurodivergent business owners
Creating engaging content for their community while being mindful of the algorithm

To find out more about Rylan and their work at hoffsocial.com and on Instagram @hoffsocial.

Resources for growing safely online (mentioned at the end of this episode):

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!

Next Episode

Down syndrome advocacy – Matthew Schwab Speaks

July 7, 2025

•

17m

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 about:

What his childhood was like growing up with Down syndrome
Why he started his own public speaking business, and the types of topics he likes to discuss
What he likes to do at work and with his friends, family, and fiancée
How he got into the world of theater and acting
Challenging some common stereotypes about people with Down syndrome

Learn more about Matthew and his work at the following links: