Grace Liu is an autistic author, blogger, speaker and pet portrait artist based in the Midlands of England. Grace's book, “Approaching Autistic Adulthood: The Road Less Travelled,” was published in October 2021. She blogs about autism, neurodiversity, diversity and inclusion, as well as her life as a biracial (British/Taiwanese) autistic gay woman, and has delivered multiple talks about autism and diversity. Grace has received many commissions for her pet portrait drawings, especially over the past year. She is a dedicated owner to four cats, having had an autistic interest in cats from a very young age!

During this episode, you will hear Grace talk about:

• Her early life after moving from Taiwan to the UK at the age of four, and how she and her family discovered that she is autistic
• How she got started with her long-running blog back in 2013
• Her experiences with racism, and with “coming out” as gay and autistic
• Becoming an author and public speaker

Find out more about Grace and her work at the links below:

• Book: artistic-autistic.co.uk/approaching-autistic-adulthood
• Blog: unwrittengrace.wordpress.com
• Art: artistic-autistic.co.uk/pet-portraits

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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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.*

Content note: This episode mentions thoughts about suicide and self harm.

Shayonee Dasgupta is a Mumbai-based freelance writer and editor who initially pursued a career in law, working with corporate law firms in India. She found out she's autistic and has ADHD in her 30s, prompting a transformative journey of self-discovery and learning to navigate life anew.

During this episode, you will hear Shayonee talk about:

• What it was like growing up before her diagnosis
• How the challenges she faced working as a lawyer led to her burnout
• The struggle she faced to get the right mental healthcare and support after her burnout
• How she received her autism and ADHD diagnosis
• Her decision to start a new career as a freelance writer
• Handling expectations from both her extended family and Indian society
• How she defines success in her own way

To find out more about Shayonee and her work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

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.*

Nick Heaney is a resident artist and co-founder of Artnova Gallery in Chatham, Massachusetts. Nick has always found art to be his most authentic way of connecting with the world around him. He was diagnosed with dyslexia during elementary school. He struggled with written language, but found a connection through art. Nick went on to study graphic design and fine art, earning a BFA in graphic design from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

At the age of 26, Nick came out as gay to his friends and family. However, he still felt a sense of disconnect with the people around him, which led to a deeper struggle with his mental health. At the age of 28, Nick sought an autism evaluation which resulted in diagnoses of both autism and ADHD.

During this episode, you will hear Nick talk about:

• What was it like growing up with dyslexia
• His early artistic talents at a young age
• What inspires his artwork today
• His experience of coming out as gay to his family, discovering his autism and ADHD, and finding supportive communities
• The story behind how he co-founded his art gallery

Find out more about Nick and his work on his Instagram @nickheaneyart and on Artnova Gallery's website and Instagram.

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.*