Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina – with Lya Batlle-Rafferty
Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people
04/14/25
•39m
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Lya Batlle-Rafferty, an MIT graduate with a degree in Cognitive Science, has had a career focused mostly on technology. She has often been a trailblazer as the only woman in a large company performing that type of work. She hosts her podcast, Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina, on her nights and weekends.
During this episode, you will hear Lya talk about:
- How she realized she is neurodivergent
- What it was like growing up as a neurodivergent girl in El Salvador and the United States
- The challenges she has faced because of her neurodivergence
- What inspired her to start her podcast, "Memoirs of a Neurodivergent Latina," and the topics she discusses there
- The kind of feedback she has received from her audience about her podcast
- How her neurodivergence has helped her succeed at work
- Her goals for her podcast
To find out more about Lya and her podcast, visit her website at MOANL.com or email her at moanl [at] labratsolutions [dot] com.
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
Trans and ADHD inclusion – with Trystan Reese
March 31, 2025
•31m
Trystan Reese is an award-winning author and facilitator dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with nearly two decades of experience in the trans community. He also has ADHD and identifies as neurodivergent. Trystan founded Collaborate Consulting to provide training on LGBTQ+ inclusion and has contributed to various anthologies on mental health and social justice.
During this episode, Trystan and I talk about:
- How he realized he had ADHD after his child was diagnosed
- What it was like growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, and the impact on his education and self-image
- How he coaches people in the workplace who have ADHD
- What workplace inclusion looks like for neurodivergent individuals
- How workplaces can support their neurodivergent and trans employees
- The negative impact of the current US government administration on trans people, including the current multi-state lawsuit Texas vs. Becerra that threatens both the trans and disability communities
Learn more about Trystan and his work at Collaborate.Consulting.
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
Dyslexia advocacy in Nigeria – with Oladoyin Idowu
April 28, 2025
•34m
Content warning: This episode mentions physical and verbal abuse in school, suicidal ideation and a suicide attempt, and drug use.
Oladoyin Idowu is a pioneering dyslexia advocate and mental health professional dedicated to bridging the gap between neurodiversity, education, and mental well-being. Growing up in Nigeria with undiagnosed dyslexia, she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating an education system that was not designed for neurodivergent learners. In 2016, she founded One Word Africa Foundation, becoming one of Nigeria's foremost voices in dyslexia awareness and support.
During this episode, you will hear Oladoyin talk about:
- What her life was like growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia in Nigeria
- How Google helped her realize that she had dyslexia as an adult in 2015
- The different issues that she has to deal with because of her dyslexia
- The story behind how she founded the One Word Africa Foundation in 2016
- How her experience with higher education changed after she went back to school after her dyslexia diagnosis
- The type of work that the One Word Africa Foundation does for people with dyslexia and their loved ones
- The connections that she has noticed between dyslexia and mental health
Connect with Oladoyin on LinkedIn or follow One Word Africa on Instagram, Facebook or 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.*
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