Autism And The Myth of Success (Episode 146) - Writing Prompt #34

An episode that rewrites what “Success” means for autistic writers!

In Episode 146 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon is joined by Christina Socorro Yovovich, a gifted autistic writer, poet, and fiber artist, to dive into the meaning of “success” through the lens of neurodivergent experience.

This conversation explores how writing can be both a healing tool and a radical act of self-definition for neurodivergent people. From redefining creative productivity to unmasking through memoir, Christina and Angela break down internalized ableism, the pressure of neurotypical success standards, and the value of sensory-soothing creative practices like knitting and journaling.

All this, and we announce our amazing winners from our eighth writing contest!Here are our top two entries.

OUR WINNER 🥇Goldilocks - Girl MisunderstoodBy Bragitta Ozhga

THE RUNNER UP 🥈Konstantin LevinBy Louise LomasCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.

Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* How the neurodivergent brain resists conventional “productivity” advice like “write every day”.

* Why creative rituals like knitting aren’t distractions—they’re essential nervous system regulation tools.

* The myth of external success (publication, money, recognition) vs. the reality of internal success (healing, expression, connection).

* Spoon theory and how neurodivergent people can intentionally build energy through special interests.

* How the need for a concrete audience affects autistic writers and their process.

* What predictably comforting environments and sensory supports (like pets) do for autistic creativity.

Christina Socorro Yovovich is a writer of poetry and creative nonfiction. Her poetry has been featured in literary journals including Blue Mesa Review, River Styx, and Mothers Always Write, while her nonfiction work has appeared in publications such as The Hunger, Cagibi, and MUTHA Magazine. Christina is currently working on a memoir exploring the complexities of parenting while living with bipolar disorder. Her writing is known for its emotional honesty, lyrical depth, and insight into the lived experience of mental health and motherhood.

Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Who Can It Be Now?’ Contest

A contest with some mystery to it.

PROMPT: There's an unexpected knock at the door! Use that as the jumping-off point for a piece of writing.

Use the classic horror trope of an unexpected knock at the door as the jumping-off point for a new piece of writing. Let the question of who—or what—knocks guide your narrative in the genre of your choosing.

⚠️Your mystery may not be any longer than 500 words.

This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.

Submit entry.Let Your Voice Be Heard.

💌 Good luck, writers. We’re saving you a seat.

THE ESSENTIALS:🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, July 9th at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 each week📘 Publication: Winning entries go on our Substack and in the annual Neurodivergent Narratives anthologyTHE RULES:No PlagiarismNo Hate SpeechNo Explicit or Graphic ContentSubmit as many times as you wishYou do not need to be present or subscribe to participateEntries after the deadline will not be consideredAll decisions are finalFull Contest Rules are here.

Use the hashtag #whocanitbenow on social media to share this contest.

Submit Your Entry Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbKx9Hz1PzV7-7V9eEV70_Dj4L_5HetAopjzmbZjVhA-yuCA/viewform

Resources:

* 📸 Instagram: @cyovovich

* 📚 Published Works: christinasocorroyovovich.com/list-of-publications

* 🎧 Christina’s Podcast: Watch and Listen Here

* 🎧 Podcast Guest Appearance:“Discovering a Grounded Joy” on the Therapeutic Knitting PodcastListen Here

* 🧶 Featured Article in Ply Magazine:“The Woolly Animal of Dawn”Read the Piece

* Join her on YouTube for a Knit and Chat:

* Check out her guest sermon at my Unitarian Universalist church:

Related Episodes:

Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)

Introducing the Weekly Writing Contest (Episode 130) - Writing Prompt #26

I'm So Confused (Episode 132) - Writing Prompt #27

Recovering from Burnout (Episode 134) - Writing Prompt #28

Local Color with Tim Clare (Episode 136) - Writing Prompt #29

Writing Memoir with Alethea Shapiro (Episode 138) - Writing Prompt #30

Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31

The Art of Unmasking (Episode 142) - Writing Prompt #32

Autistic Head Cannon (Episode 144) - Writing Prompt #33

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