Identity, horror and artistic expression – with Tas The Artist
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
09/01/25
•48m
About
Comments
Featured In
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, inclusive, and innovative approach to every aspect of their professional life.
During this episode, you will hear Tas talk about:
- The unique circumstances of how they discovered that they are autistic
- What their childhood was like growing up as an undiagnosed autistic child in a religious cult
- How were they able to leave the cult and "deprogram" themselves
- How they discovered their passion for art, and how art helps them process their trauma
- What drew them specifically into the horror genre for their art
- Their experience with progressively losing their hearing in adulthood, and processing their hearing loss through their art
- Their work in digital accessibility and design, and how to make art more accessible
- The impact of current events on their life
Learn more about Tas and their work at TasTheArtist.com or on LinkedIn.
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.*
Previous Episode
Dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism – with Charis Hawkley
August 18, 2025
•20m
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 with undiagnosed dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism
- How she became a writer for Dyspraxia Magazine, and became involved with the additional seasonal events
- How she has found a sense of community with other people with dyspraxia
- How her disabilities have affected her daily life and education
Follow Charis on Instagram and LinkedIn. Learn more about Dyspraxia Magazine on Facebook, Instagram and DyspraxiaMagazine.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
Living with schizoaffective disorder – with Sally Littlefield
September 15, 2025
•50m
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 illnesses.
Sally's writing has appeared in Slate, STAT News, and Psychology Today, and she has been featured in national media such as the Associated Press and the television network A+E. Now a full-time advocate, she offers talks and trainings focused on stigma reduction, recovery, and mental health crisis de-escalation. Her mission is to promote empathy, dignity, and understanding for people with schizophrenia.
During this episode, you will hear Sally talk about:
- What schizoaffective disorder is, and how it differs from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
- Her experience of hospitalizations, misdiagnosis, and the prolonged psychotic episode where she believed her life was a hyperreality psychological experiment
- How society dehumanizes and dismisses people with schizophrenia spectrum illnesses
- Finally accepting that she has schizoaffective disorder and deciding to become a mental health advocate
Learn more about Sally and her work at SallyLittlefield.com, on LinkedIn and on Instagram @schizophrenicsally.
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.*
If you like this episode you’ll love
Promoted