32. Illuminating the Invisible Through Wit and Grit: Elle Billing on Neurodivergence, Chronic Pain and Deaf Communication

This week, Teisha sits down with Elle Billing, a chronically ill artist and former educator, to illuminate all the invisible disabilities and health conditions through a witty and gritty conversation.

We dive into Elle’s childhood, including her experiences with hyperlexia, anxiety, and vivid nightmares; highlight the medical misogyny she faced over the years, recount her experiences with Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and explore her journey to finally receiving a proper diagnosis years after a 23-day non-stop migraine attack in 2013; talk about her 13-year career teaching at a school for the Deaf, emphasizing the remarkable language flexibility and adaptability of her students; and explore Elle’s life as a chronic pain sufferer, and discuss the stigma and misconceptions surrounding addiction and pain management.

Additionally, Elle and I challenge the complexities of disability representation in the media, illuminating the tendency to portray disabled individuals as either superhuman or lacking agency and advocate for more nuanced and authentic portrayals. Throughout, we showcase the creativity and resilience of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses with the hope of fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.

Resources:

Check out Hoorf podcast at https://www.elleandwink.com/podcast/#hoorf

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