Beyond Six Seconds: Carolyn Kiel on Neurodiversity and Authentic Inclusion

Carolyn Kiel is a corporate instructional designer and the host of Beyond 6 Seconds, a podcast that spotlights neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs, creators, and advocates. She’s a late‑identified autistic adult who uses her platform to share first‑person stories that challenge stereotypes and expand understanding.In this conversation, Tim talks with Carolyn about why she started Beyond 6 Seconds, how the show’s name pushes back on snap judgments, and what led her to focus the podcast on neurodiversity. Carolyn shares her journey to a late autism diagnosis, the relief of having language for lifelong experiences, and the habits that help her regulate and work (yes to stim and fidget tools). Together, they dig into what inclusion really looks like: listening first, trusting people’s lived experience, and offering practical accommodations without gatekeeping. For educators, Carolyn’s core message is simple—learn from neurodivergent adults and presume competence, especially for nonspeaking students who may need different communication supports. Listeners will leave with concrete ways to shift classroom mindsets and amplify authentic neurodivergent voices.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/carolyn-kiel-beyond-six-seconds-2/