Beyond 6 Seconds

Before Kelly Coons was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of thirteen, she had a coming-of-age story that was mostly deemed as neurotypical. However, she always felt isolated and, until her diagnosis, believed that she was to blame. After her diagnosis, Kelly became passionate about disability advocacy and promoting autistic pride. Today she is an autism advocate and a novelist who studied English at Smith College. During this episode, you will hear Kelly talk about: Growing up with two autistic brothers – and how she got her own autism diagnosis How Kelly learned she is autistic – a year after her parents and teachers already knew Her autism advocacy – and why she likes answering people’s questions about autism most of the time Life as an autistic college student The story behind her novel, All Ways, and how it counteracts common literary narratives about autism by centering autistic experiences and voices To find out more about Kelly and her work, check out her website, learn more about he