In this episode of Autistica, hosts Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP take on the self-help mega-hit Atomic Habits by James Clear—exploring why its behaviourist strategies fail for autistic people, and what actually works when it comes to productivity in Autistic Culture.
🎧 What You’ll Learn:
- Why autistic brains resist synaptic pruning, making unconscious habits nearly impossible.
- The flaw of habit stacking and why many autistic people must consciously think through even “automatic” tasks.
- A critique of neurotypical society’s productivity obsession, from Puritan work ethic to toxic hustle culture.
- How internalizing ableism around “not doing enough” impacts autistic mental health and self-worth.
- Why autistic monotropism and Flow states are healthier, more sustainable alternatives to rigid schedules.
- Tips for neuro-affirming productivity: naps, breaks, visual aids, reminders, avoiding energy deficit, and requesting accommodations.
- A call to honor autistic rhythms of rest and hyperfocus, instead of forcing neurotypical systems that lead to burnout.
Resources:
This American Life on Smoking
If Books Could Kill: Atomic Habits
Why Doesn’t Standard Talking Therapy Work for Autistic People?
Recruiting Giants - Alex St. John
Related episodes:
Labels & Autism
Industrial Light & Magic
Apple is Autistic
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🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com
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