Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity! Ren Fests Are Autistic (Episode 77)
An Episode of Rare Enchantment Indeed!
In this episode, Matt and Angela dive into why Renaissance Faires feel innately autistic and explore how the art of LARPing offers a unique twist on masking—where choosing your own character and setting clear expectations can actually work for autistic folks.
Here’s what’s to come in this episode:
* Ren Faires and concerts—though they might seem like sensory overload for autistic folks—can actually be a sensory delight, offering the freedom to "choose your own adventure" and control the level of sensory input.
* Renaissance Faires and historical re-enactments tap into the concept of stimming by recreating the same rituals and experiences in a consistent, familiar way over and over again.
* Renaissance Fests offer autistic folks a safe space to unmask, stim, embrace echolalia or non-speaking communication (whatever feels right!), set their own structure and rules, build careers around their special interests, and truly let their authentic selves shine.
“If you are unhappy in your job and you have a special interest, I promise you there is some way to make that into a career. God knows what way, but there is a way.” - Dr Angela Kingdon
“It’s the difference between being in the shower and being hit by a water gun. Because the water gun might be even less water than you’re getting in the shower, but you choose the time, you choose the place, you choose the intensity, you choose the temperature. ” - Matt Lowry LPP
“Before the word ‘autism’ was ever uttered, you knew what kind of person would go out to the Gettysburg battlefield and dress up and have prop replicas and all these genuine replicas and have these, you know, historically accurate costumes they made themselves.” - Dr Angela Kingdon
Did you notice the connection between Renaissance Faires and the autistic experience? Huzzah for joining us! Share your noble thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow fairgoers on social media! Which parts of the fest truly made your spirits (and tankards) rise?
Resources:
Julia Clarke Website: https://authorjulieclark.com/aspergers-spd-and-more/the-carolina-renaissance-festival-a-feast-for-the-sensory
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/psychology-meets-neurodiversity/202306/its-just-stimming
Angela’s Medieval Wedding:
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