In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon is joined by Jude Mills—autistic theologian, interfaith minister, and host of Fkd Up by Faith—for a deep exploration into how cults and extremist religious movements intersect with autistic culture. This isn’t just a trauma story. It’s a culture story.
Together, we unpack how autistic traits like emotional honesty, deep focus, and commitment to logic can draw us into high-demand religious systems—and what it takes to get out.
🎧 What You’ll Learn
- Why autistic people are often drawn into cults—and why we might stay longer than others
- How the very traits that make us vulnerable are also reflected in many cult leaders
- What happens when your SPIN (Special Interest) used to be Jesus, prophecy, or Revelation
- How to mourn or reframe a spiritual system that once gave your life meaning
- Why autistic people may face unique challenges—and strengths—on the journey out
- How leaving isn’t failure. It’s freedom. And it’s a return to self-trust.
🔊 Featuring guest Jude Mills, interfaith minister, spiritual counsellor, and host of Fkd Up By Faith—a podcast exploring healing for those hurt by religion.
🎙️ Listen to Jude's podcast and learn more: fkbupbyfaith.com
Resources:
Richard Turner – UK-based autistic cult recovery counsellor
Ashlen Hilliard – US-based cult recovery advocate
Alexandra Stein and Janja Lalich – researchers and educators on cult dynamics
Related Episodes:
Fighting Internalized Ableism
Academia and Ableism
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🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com
🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.
🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.
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