Chinese New Year, filmmaking and autism acceptance with Beatrice Leong
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
02/10/25
•42m
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Content warning: Death of a pet, mentions of institutionalization and electroconvulsive treatment
Beatrice Leong is a Malaysian entrepreneur and documentary filmmaker. After a lifetime of mental health challenges and misdiagnoses, she was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 35, bringing clarity to her lifelong struggles.
Beatrice founded AIDA (Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group), an autistic-led advocacy group based in Asia that promotes inclusion and self-representation of the autistic community. She actively participates in shaping policies to improve the lives of autistic individuals.
During this episode, you will hear Beatrice talk about:
- Filming a short commercial for Chinese New Year based on her struggles growing up as an autistic girl, and how girls and women from all backgrounds related to her story
- What her life was like before she was diagnosed with autism
- Struggling to find accurate information and support resources for autistic women in Malaysia, and how this inspired her advocacy work and activism
- The power of bravely sharing your own story – and how she's sharing her candid personal story in her feature film, The Myth of Monsters
Follow Beatrice on Instagram and check out her films:
- RHB CHINESE NEW YEAR 2024: ACCEPTANCE (an autism awareness-themed commercial commissioned by RHB Banking Group)
- The Myth of Monsters (Beatrice's feature film under development)
Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.
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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
Adin Boyer - American Idol, autism and anti-bullying advocacy
January 27, 2025
•44m
Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Adin Boyer grew up struggling with being bullied, making friends and accepting himself. He finally began to flourish while attending a performing arts middle and high school, when he faced less bullying and leaned into his musical talent and training in classical piano, choir, opera and music theory.
Adin gained widespread international notoriety as a contestant on season 21 of American Idol, where he advanced to the top 55. Now Adin performs locally and on tour, with solo and full-band indie rock performances, and speaks to audiences about autism acceptance, neurodiversity affirmation and anti-bullying advocacy.
During this episode, Adin talks about:
- His multi-year struggle to accept himself after being told about his autism diagnosis at age 12
- Being bullied and misunderstood in elementary school, and how attending a performing arts middle and high school helped his personal growth and friendships
- Getting involved in music at a very young age and how his biggest musical inspiration (Coldplay) shaped his songwriting
- Being cast for American Idol and how his unique experience on the show influenced him as a performer and advocate
- The system he developed to manage his energy and routine when he is on tour
- How his anti-bullying talks resonate with kids across the United States
(Note: During this episode we use person-first language like "has autism" and "on the spectrum" when discussing Adin's experience, because this is how Adin prefers to describe himself.)
Learn more about Adin, his music and his autism advocacy on his website AdinBoyer.com, on Instagram @adinboyer, on his BandsInTown profile for his upcoming shows performances, and by email: adinboyer [at] gmail.com.
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
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – with Jessica Birch
February 24, 2025
•43m
Jessica Birch is a national advocate and speaker living on the South East Coast of Australia. Since her late diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at the age of 33, she has turned her attention to awareness building and education to create a better understanding of the prevalence and consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure in Australia.
Jessica shares her lived expertise in an effort to equip individuals, parents/carers, educators and health professionals with the information they need to create successful interventions and support. She believes awareness and action are key to minimizing the rate of prenatal alcohol exposure globally and works closely with organizations, stakeholders and government on alcohol policy and regulatory reform.
During this episode, you will hear Jessica talk about:
- Her life growing up with undiagnosed FASD
- How she learned what FASD is and how it applies to her
- Her concerns about doctors being unaware and minimizing the effects of FASD
- How receiving the diagnosis changed her outlook on life
- Types of outside support that she receives for FASD
To find out more about Jessica and her work, check out her website at www.jbtalksfasd.com.au, email her at jessicabirch.fasd at gmail dot com, and follow her on Instagram @jb_talksfasd and Twitter/X at @JB_TalksFASD.
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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