When Darryl Owens set out to create a television show about neurodiversity, he drew on his own experience. As a parent of a child with a learning difference, Owens watched his son navigate some of life’s most common challenges like making new friends, hunkering down to study for a big exam, learning how to drive, graduating high school and heading to college. Along the way, he discovered just how few resources were available for families like his.
That experience became the foundation for the television show A World of Difference: Embracing Neurodiversity, launched in 2020 by Owens and Beacon College — the first accredited baccalaureate institution in the U.S. exclusively devoted to students with learning differences. Presented by Central Florida’s PBS station WUCF TV and now available for PBS stations to air nationwide, the program is now in its sixth season overall and its fourth on the PBS network.
“For a long time, the public conversation surrounding learning disabilities has been one of sympathy,” Owens said. “We want our show to empower families, providing tips and resources from experts but also highlighting the incredible success stories of guests, showing that disability is not a barrier to achievement.”
Each episode of A World of Difference delves into the experiences of individuals with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and other learning differences. Featuring conversations with national experts, families, and accomplished adults, the program reveals not just the challenges of being neurodiverse, but also the resilience that comes with it.
Through its history, the show has also celebrated a remarkable roster of “Difference Makers,” individuals who either live with learning disabilities or advocate passionately for neurodiversity. These honorees, each presented with the Difference Maker Award, have made a lasting impact by challenging perceptions and advancing inclusion.
Among the past recipients are Temple Grandin, a pioneering voice in autism and animal science; Brian Jordan, a dual-sport athlete who played in both Major League Baseball and the NFL; Armani Williams, the first openly autistic driver in NASCAR; and Jack Horner, the renowned paleontologist whose work inspired a character in Jurassic Park. Some honorees are neurodivergent themselves, while others are neurotypical allies committed to creating a more inclusive world.
Together, their stories defy stereotypes and prove that neurodivergent individuals bring extraordinary talent, resilience, and perspective to every field — from science and sports to advocacy and innovation.
“Our Difference Makers prove that learning differences aren’t obstacles and that they’re part of what makes someone exceptional,” Owens said. “Their stories show families that the skills and perspectives their children bring can lead to real success in ways they might not expect.”
Parents around the country also play a central role in the program, taking center stage in the show’s “Family Matters” segment, which profiles real-life neurodiverse families who open their doors to share what daily life looks like — navigating school systems that are often only designed for one type of learner, seeking out study resources, and building supportive home environments. Their perspectives provide both practical strategies and a sense of solidarity with other families on similar journeys.
“Raising a neurodivergent child has heightened my observation of the systems designed for their education, development and, eventually, the workforce,” said Shannon Green, a parent featured on season four of A World of Difference. “When we champion multiple pathways for success, society benefits because we recognize the inherit value in our differences.”
October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, a reminder of the millions of Americans whose stories are too often overlooked. Six seasons in, A World of Difference is helping to change that narrative, shifting the focus from sympathy to strength, and from awareness to action. By amplifying personal stories and pairing them with expert guidance, the program underscores a powerful truth: learning differences are not limitations, but a source of resilience, talent and possibility.
To learn more about A World of Difference visit www.AWODTV.org.
