New season of ‘A World of Difference’ to air on WUCF

“A World of Difference,” a nonfiction program produced by Beacon College examining neurodiversity issues, will begin airing its third season on WUCF beginning on Sept. 3. The season premiere will focus on the impact of social media in the neurodiverse community and will feature social media superstar (and The Amazing Race winner) Penn Holderness discussing his role as a “difference maker” in the neurodivergent community. The episode will also include segments on parents turning to Facebook groups for community and profiles of young neurodivergent social media influencers.

Recent studies show 15-20% of the population has ADHD, dyslexia or another learning difference. However, these differences aren’t always acknowledged, which is one of the reasons why “A World of Difference” host Darryl Owens is passionate about bringing awareness to viewers through this show, as well as being a source of support for parents of neurodiverse children.

“I hope that neurodiverse families learn that they are not alone,” Owens said about one of his biggest goals for the show. “I hope they remember from the stories of families like them that, on some of their most challenging day[s], there is hope and that their neurodivergent child will find his or her stride and be just fine.”

Other episodes this season will discuss creating a love of reading for those with dyslexia and what it is like to be a neurodivergent person of color. Owens describes the latter as “tough territory for our guests to share — and for us to cover,” but is nonetheless important as “it will look at having to navigate society often burdened with twin biases ... racial bias and misconceptions and prejudices some hold against people with learning disabilities.”

Another upcoming episode Owens is looking forward to will cover some of the international aspects of the neurodivergent experience. “Learning differences are global,” Owens said. “This episode will underscore that learning differences do not stop at the U.S. border, yet, there is a world of difference between how nations embrace neurodivergent people.”

The third season of the show will be the first to air in its entirety on WUCF. The network aired a single episode of “A World of Difference” last year in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Jennifer Cook, WUCF executive director said in a statement, “We are proud to partner with Beacon College to share the important perspective of the neurodivergent community,” adding, “Our hope is that ‘A World of Difference’ will inspire our audience to see the world in a different way and help tear down harmful stigmas neurodivergent individuals face on a daily basis.”

After the first episode airs Sept. 3, new episodes will debut the first Saturday of each month, with re-broadcasts the following Friday. It is recommended that viewers visit WUCF.org for the latest schedule. Previous episodes of the series can be accessed for free at Beacon College’s YouTube channel.

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