An episode that schools you!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Today, our hosts tackle a complex subject: ableism and its manifestation within the world of academia.* Our special guest, Kat Flora, joins our hosts to share her firsthand experiences with ableism in academia and how it shaped her journey.* Matt and Kat delve into their experiences of navigating difficult interactions with neurotypicals in academia, as well as managing the challenges of burnout.* The conversation transitions to addiction and alcoholism, exploring how autistic individuals may be more predisposed to these challenges.* This episode addresses a critical issue: the importance of autistic individuals being present in these spaces to drive change from within, while also emphasizing the need for self-care to avoid burnout.* Autistic individuals in academia often encounter triggering challenges, such as being required to study behaviorism, which is inherently harmful to autistic people, and feeling pressured to agree with neurotypical misconceptions about autism just to secure a passing grade.* Matt, Angela, and Kat discuss the dehumanizing experience of being autistic in a classroom where the information taught about autism often misrepresents or contradicts their lived experiences.* Our hosts explore strategies for overcoming academic gatekeepers and navigating barriers to create meaningful change within academia.* We discuss the current state of disability services at universities, highlighting the gaps and areas that need improvement to better support autistic and disabled students in their academic journeys.“In order to become a person who diagnoses autism, if you are autistic, you have to take a whole bunch of classes where you learn a whole bunch of things that are not true about yourself by people who know a lot less and not kill them or end up in jail.” - Angela“So this is the thing. Number one, people who come into academia, people who want to do this job are taught wrong. Number two, if you are an autistic person who is doing this, you either have to eat a lot of s**t and say yes, I am a malformed human, or - you argue with people, and people don’t like to be argued with.” - Matt“In order to change a system, you have to be conforming enough for the gatekeepers to look you over and let you in. And then you can f**k s**t up.” - MattIn this episode, we dive into the pervasive issue of ableism in academia. From the challenges of navigating inaccurate teachings about autism to the dehumanizing impact of neurotypical misconceptions, we discuss the struggles autistic individuals face in these spaces. We also explore the importance of self-care, avoiding burnout, and how autistic people can create change from within academic institutions. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and join the conversation using #AutisticCultureCatch on social media. What resonated with you in this discussion? Let us know!Show Notes:https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.727542/full https://a.co/d/gfur0Rn - The Autistic Postgraduate Woman: Navigating the Neurotypical University Paperback – Sophie Pillipshttps://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Rite_of_Ascension Kat Flora on Instagram (www.Instagram.com/kat__flora)Related Shows:Protecting Kentucky KidsProductivity is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An episode that rolls the dice on a favorite autistic pastime!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In this episode, Matt and Angela dive into the world of board games—a beloved pastime within the autistic community.* Did you know that, according to research, only 1% of neurotypicals enjoy board games, compared to 7% of autistic individuals? This fascinating statistic highlights how board games resonate as a unique and cherished hobby within the autistic community.* Autistic individuals often gravitate toward board games because of their clear structure, logical rules, and engaging systems.* Board games are often seen as a form of "social lubricant," providing a structured way to interact and connect with others in a comfortable and low-pressure environment.* Moreover, board games are often recommended for fostering autism-affirming social skills, providing a structured and enjoyable way to practice communication, collaboration, and turn-taking.* Our hosts explore the different types of board games—ranging from logic-based games like Catan and bottom-up processing-heavy games like Munchkin, to Star Wars-related and adjacent games, and beyond.* Games help autistic individuals with the concept of turn-taking by providing clear structure. In most board games, it is easy to see when your turn begins and ends, what actions you can take, and the order in which you can do them.* These clearly defined objectives, roles, and turns help provide stability to our brains, creating a predictable environment that can reduce anxiety and improve focus.* We discuss the close alignment between SPINs (Special Interests) and board games, exploring how both help us achieve monotropic focus, leading to improved emotional regulation.* In addition, we also discuss the emotional aspects of board games, focusing on how they help teach fairness and honesty through structured interactions and clear rules.* Games provide autistic brains with the pattern recognition we crave, offering a healthy outlet that helps prevent doomscrolling or catastrophizing, and instead fosters positive focus and engagement.* Board games can bring out the best in us autistic folks, serving as a way to connect through our SPINs and transform our tendency to catastrophize into a positive, focused experience.* In addition, board games are sensory fun and stimtastic, offering a tactile and engaging experience that can be both soothing and stimulating for autistic individuals.* Board games offer a structured, sensory-rich experience that fosters social skills, emotional regulation, and focus, while providing a healthy outlet for pattern recognition and creativity, all while allowing autistic individuals to connect with their SPINs and engage in stimulating, enjoyable play.“They [board games] will be at the game night and there’s reduced social pressure. There’s a shared focus. There’s less anxiety because especially if you know the game, the goal is to play the game and then if you meet people, awesome.” - Angela“So if you want to meet new people [through board games], it’s so much better to meet them when you are emotionally regulated and you know what the rules are. Not to say you won’t have a meltdown because meat bodies and phone calls and text messages and who knows, but you’ve got a better chance of meeting someone as your best self.” - Angela“The intricacy of the names of the moves and the artistry of chess, that is a purely autistic creation.” - AngelaIn this episode, we delve into the unique role board games play within autistic culture. From their structured rules and logical systems to their ability to foster social connection in a comfortable way, we discuss why board games hold a special place in the community. Thanks for tuning in! Share your favorite board game moments in the comments and join the conversation using #AutisticCultureCatch on social media. What resonated with you in this discussion? Let us know!Show Notes:Full presentation: Autism and board games, presentation by ...YouTube · Game in Lab - supporting game research4 Jun 2024Board Gaming on the Spectrum - Liam Cross, Edge Hill ...YouTube · Game in Lab - supporting game research27 Jan 2021https://autism.org/how-games-can-help-teach-social-skills/https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/creating-connection/202012/how-games-can-help-children-the-autism-spectrumhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38967700/Baby Fish Mouth - Pictionary scene from 'When Harry Met Sally'vixsta11186.7K+ views · 13 years ago1986 MB "The Real Ghostbusters" 3D Board Game Review.YouTube · ELKFILMZ25 Apr 2019Related Shows:Chess is AutisticCareers are AutisticPokemon is AutisticParks and Rec is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An episode that schools you. Hello, I am a listener of your podcast and an undiagnosed autistic. My 12 year old daughter is a diagnosed autistic who has had some traumatic experiences in the educational system since they use the medical model of autism. She is very likely twice exceptional (our school has no gifted program to offer her), but she thinks that her brain is broken because so many things are hard. She probably also has social anxiety. I am writing to ask if you and Angela would consider doing a short podcast episode aimed at teens and tweens about the wonderful ways their brains work, what autistic culture is, why it is so hard to fit into mainstream culture/school, how to make it a little better now, and how it can become SO much better later, especially once you find friends who you click with. She feels pretty hopeless at the moment, and does not have any friends to rely on yet. Thank you for reading.- Autistic Culture ListenerHere’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In today’s episode, Matt and Angela explore a fan-suggested topic: autism culture for teens and tweens. They discuss ways to support an autistic teen who might be facing challenges at school and struggling to fit in.* The education system can feel like a nightmare for autistic youth, often prioritizing conformity and uniformity over individuality.* Our hosts discuss the challenges of transitioning between subjects in school while also navigating the complexities of an unspoken social hierarchy.* Neurotypicals often view autism as a one-dimensional disability, focusing solely on the challenges while overlooking the strengths and positive aspects that come with it. They tend to ignore the creativity, unique perspectives, and valuable contributions autistic individuals bring to the table.* Neurotypicals often follow the lead of a dominant figure, so if middle school girls crown Julie from second period as the queen bee, she effectively dictates who’s cool or uncool, what to wear, and the entire social hierarchy—creating a challenging environment for autistic individuals to navigate.* Young autistic children often view adults as equals and believe respect means treating everyone equally. However, someone like Julie expects to be treated as a leader or boss, not an equal—creating conflicts within the neurotypical social hierarchy.* Autistic young boys are often given more freedom to be eccentric, while autistic girls are expected to blend in and keep the peace, conforming to societal expectations.* As a child, you have less control over your environment—things like your school schedule or what’s packed in your lunch are often out of your hands. This lack of control can easily lead to dysregulation.* We discuss masking in middle and high school, and how approaching it like a Jane Goodall-esque cultural research experiment—observing neurotypicals as if they were a different species—can be a helpful strategy.* We talk about finding ways to accommodate your body while at school, even if it doesn’t look or function the same as everyone else’s.* To all the neurodivergent and autistic kids out there: You’ve got to push through this, because adulthood gets better. Find the weirdos, your people, in school—because they’re out there, and they’ll make all the difference.* Self-discovery is crucial as a young person, as it lays the foundation for living as a healthy, authentic autistic adult.* We don’t change the world by being average—we change it by being ourselves. We owe it to the people who challenged the system, the weirdos of the world, to do the same.“This is why neurotypicals can’t understand autism - because they say, ‘well, I met an autistic person once and you don’t look like them.’ No, because every autistic person is wired differently. The commonality is just that we have lightning brains that are hyper-connected. And this is the reason why there’s a very, very high overlap between autism and giftedness because of the hyper-connected brain.” - Angela“If you’re a kid who spends your lunch period hanging out in the library talking with the school librarian, you’re a bottom-up processor. If you hang out talking to the janitor, you’re a bottom-up processor. If you go to the teacher and say, ‘Hello, I brought my stack of Pokemon cards because you mentioned that you were in to Pokemon cards in the 90’s, you’re a bottom-up processor.” - Matt “That’s the difference between masking to be a good girl and fit in and this is how you’re going to act by practicing this, it’s going to come naturally to you. No, it’s not. But if you mask to get through the class and you’re doing it from that Jane Goodall perspective of like, this is a research project, you can preserve a little bit of your sanity.” - Angela “I don’t understand the concept of high school reunions because the people that I want to see, I stayed in contact with the entire time. I’m not going back to say, ‘yes, I’m 45 and I knew you people when I was 17 and 18. I’ve lived literally an entire life since then. It’s like going back to the 1800’s and being reincarnated and saying, ‘yes, the butter churning sure was an excellent time, was it not?’” - Matt“You’re going to attract the boring people. You’re going to be put in situations that compromise your integrity. You’re going to be put in situations that make you compromise your morals. The more you compromise yourself, the more dangerous the world becomes. You need to find the people who will support and love the real you. And if you have to do this under the radar, then by all means do it. But be aware that you do have the cape. You must wear it underneath the costume.” - Matt“Just because they’re in the majority, doesn’t mean that they shape the world. You are in a better position to make the world a better place just by having existed in it. You are going to be memorable. The average people are not going to be memorable.” - MattIn this episode, we dive into the challenges and nuances of autism culture for teens and tweens. From navigating school transitions and unspoken social hierarchies to finding ways to fit in while staying true to themselves, we discuss how to support autistic teens through these pivotal years. Thanks for tuning in! Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation using #AutisticCultureCatch on social media. What resonated with you in this discussion? Let us know!Show Notes:Galaxy High - Ep 1 Welcome to Galaxy High - 1986 CartoonYouTube · DRamos520 Mixed Music & Video24 Mar 2023The Muppets (2011 film)Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › The_Muppets_(2011_...Related Shows:Apple is AutisticGeorge Lucas is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An episode that really pulls at the threads!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guest Hunter Hammersen, a self-proclaimed weirdo who traded grad school for the cozy world of knitting patterns!* Hunter realized, in true autistic style, that following others' instructions wasn’t for her. So, she began creating her own designs and writing patterns—a perfect fit for the world of knitting!* Our special guest kicks things off by sharing how knitting beautifully combines a stim, a special interest, and a sensory experience—making it a truly delightful and engaging activity!* Knitting offers a socially acceptable way to stim while also serving as a shared interest that can help you connect with fellow autistic knitting enthusiasts.* The beauty of knitting lies in its wonderfully literal nature—turning yarn and two sticks into something tangible, like a sweater—while seamlessly engaging autistic bottom-up processing.* We dive into yarn stashes and explore how it’s totally possible to form an emotional attachment to your yarn—each skein holding its own special meaning!* As a natural-born, bottom-up processor, you’re able to notice the details that others might miss—like distinguishing a soft, high-quality yarn from a scratchy one you might find at Joann Fabrics.* We discuss how knitting can serve as a powerful form of regulation, helping to soothe and center the mind while providing a sense of control and calm.* Our hosts and Hunter dive into the diverse types and textures of yarn, sharing tips on how to choose the perfect one to suit your sensory needs.* We also explore the connection between knitting and social justice, discussing how politics are deeply intertwined (no pun intended) within the craft.* Finally, we highlight the therapeutic benefits of knitting, from its calming effects and sensory satisfaction to its role in fostering community and driving social change.About Hunter HammersenHunter Hammersen is a self-described weirdo who dropped out of grad school (ABD in the history of science and medicine) to run off and write knitting patterns. “Because somehow when I was in school I thought 'I should take up knitting, that seems soothing,' then realized I could not stand following other people's instructions and so started making up things of my own, and then started writing my own patterns when folks liked what I made. Then I turned it into a business. Because I realized I could run that business at home in my pajamas and never ever ever have to teach an 8:30am history class to a room full of undergrads who do not want to be there.”In the fifteen years since she started doing this, she has written and published a dozen books, wrote hundreds and hundreds of patterns, and built up an audience of knitters. These days they hang out on Patreon and she teaches them about whatever new thing catches her interest. Knitting patterns yes, but lately she’s been branching out into other things too.“I am the flavor of autistic where I have a lot of sensory issues. If my clothes are wrong, I want you to die. If I have to touch the wrong texture, the world will end. And knitting is wonderful because whatever your version of a good texture is, you can put it on your hands. And then you get to wiggle your hands around in these lovely little repetitive movements. And you can do it in public with relatively little social difficulty. ” - Hunter Hammersen“I like these levels better than the ones in the DSM. Level one is just knitting 10 to 12 hours a week. Level two, making your own yarn. Level three, raising sheep. These are levels that I can live with.” - Angela“Knitting is a really nice little bridge to get a tiny bit more in your body, because it’s this thing that you’re doing with your hands and you get to touch it and you get to sit there and pet it and it’s this soft, fuzzy, wonderful thing. And it helps if I am feeling particularly scattered or particularly outraged.” - Hunter HammersenIn this episode, we delve into the unique ways knitting can benefit autistic people, exploring how it supports sensory needs, executive functioning, and self-expression. We discuss autism-friendly approaches to organizing your knitting projects, the challenges of starting and completing patterns, and how creating personalized knitting systems can foster stability and joy. Thanks for tuning in! Share your thoughts in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners on social media. What resonated with you about this discussion? Let us know!Show Notes:Website: https://tinynonsense.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HunterHammersenPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tinynonsenseRelated Shows:Questlove is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An episode that sorts it all out.Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * First, our hosts talk about executive functioning, how its inherent lack can negatively impact autistic individuals, and why implementing personalized organizational systems is essential to keeping your executive function manageable.* Autism is a dynamic disability influenced by many variables—our perception of things, how regulated we are, how much we have on our plate, and more. The more chaos we face, the less executive functioning we tend to have.* We discuss the autistic hell that is moving and how it can take up to a month of processing time to fully regain executive functioning afterward.* It’s crucial to have your own organized space to avoid emotional dysregulation. When things feel chaotic, it becomes harder to manage emotions and function effectively, but a structured environment provides the stability needed to stay grounded.* From scissor organizers to the perfect Command hook, discovering the right organizational tools is truly satisfying—but we first need to know they exist.* We talk about the organizational and autistic heaven that is IKEA — despite the occasional stress of assembling their furniture.* Our hosts discuss the lack of autophagy in autistic people and how it makes the use of behaviorism as the top treatment ironic, as it doesn’t benefit us in any meaningful way.* Matt and Angela discuss autism-specific ways of organizing items (by genre, by color, by whether your mug is a Star Wars mug or a Lego mug, et cetera), and how general neurotypical organizational methods don’t always benefit or serve us.* Anything that makes your life easier is essential to healthy autistic living—and crucial for preserving our spoons.* When we lose or misplace things as autistic people, our brains can become dysregulated and shift into survival mode—making organizational systems essential for us to maintain stability.* Matt and Angela also discuss solutions for long-term storage and the discomfort caused by shows like Storage Wars, which can create a sense of trauma around putting things into storage—making it feel like we’re abandoning our possessions.* If you can optimize your organizational systems now, it will save you stress, preserve your spoons, and protect your health and energy. It's an important investment in yourself.“Autism is a dynamic disability, and it is based on all the stuff that happens - our dysregulation, our neurological perception of things, & how much stuff we’re going through at any given time. So the more chaos we have to do, the more variables we have to account for, the less executive functioning we’re going to have.” - Matt [paraphrased from original quote by Neurodiversely Unbroken]“Organization, when you have it, is being in tune with the universe. With bottom-up processing, I picture the entire universe as being like clockwork, right? One variable impacts another variable impacts another variable. It’s the whole butterfly effect, right?” - Matt“We are not a people known for our tolerance for ambiguity. We do not like the limbo. The limbo drains us because again, we’re constantly calculating the variables and trying to figure stuff out and trying to solve the problem in our brain, but it doesn’t reflect our environment. No matter how much we think about it, we actually have to get the energy to do it.” - Matt“When I stress out and I can’t find something, I lose hours and hours. I struggle with time blindness. I miss appointments all the time, things I’m very excited about. And then all of a sudden I’ll look at the clock and two hours have gone by and I missed something that I was supposed to be doing. That happens when I lose things, when I can’t find things, when I’m dysregulated.” - Angela“If you optimize every single room and make your life better, you will get spoons back. You will have fewer arguments with partners. You will have the energy to go out with a friend. You will have fewer stomach aches. There are ways that you can make your life better that are not that expensive. And that investment will pay back so many times.” - AngelaIn this episode, we discuss the importance of organization for autistic people, exploring autism-specific organizational strategies, the challenges of executive functioning, and how personalized systems can make a huge difference in maintaining stability. Thanks for listening! Share your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with other listeners on social media. What resonated with you from this discussion? Let us know!Related Shows:Sunglasses Are AutisticMoving is An Autistic HellReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An Episode That Unwraps the Dark, Autistic Charm of KrampusHere’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Our hosts, Matt and Angela, kick off this episode by looking back on the tumultuous year of 2024—highlighting challenges like health emergencies, unexpected relocations, and the transitions that accompanied them.* Next, we delve into the origins of Krampus—the shadowy counterpart to Santa Claus—who intriguingly exhibits some distinctly autistic traits.* Krampus can be seen as something of an autistic icon, as he shares a common dislike for the chaos of the holidays—such as loud noises, disruptions to routines, surprises, and sudden changes in plans—much like many autistic individuals.* Matt and Angela take a moment to explore autistic-coded (and explicitly autistic) Halloween media, such as Dead Like Me and Trick 'r Treat, which serves as a perfect segue into their discussion about Krampus.* Michael Dougherty's 2015 film Krampus centers around a boy from a dysfunctional family who, in a moment of frustration, wishes to be rid of them. Krampus hears his wish and descends upon the family, unleashing havoc and terror to teach them a dark and twisted lesson about the importance of holiday spirit and unity.* We touch on other autistic holiday icons, like the Grinch, who struggles with social interactions and sensory overload, and Charlie Brown, an autistic character navigating the holidays, written by an autistic man.* We discuss Christmas movies that aren’t technically Christmas movies but incorporate Christmas elements and themes—like Die Hard, Home Alone, and Gremlins. We also dive into the iconic Christmas film Violent Night, starring David Harbour, exploring its unique take on holiday storytelling and its blend of action, humor, and festive spirit.* Our hosts delve into Christmas's origins as the Feast of Saturnalia in ancient Roman times and explore how ghost stories have long been a cherished part of early Christmas traditions.* Matt and Angela dive into a discussion about Charles Dickens, why he sucks, and why The Muppet Christmas Carol stands out as the superior adaptation of the classic holiday tale.* Winter and Christmas are, both metaphorically and literally, the darkest season. To counter this, we bring in light—stringing up festive lights, visiting Christmas displays, and celebrating brightness in the midst of the darkness. However, the dark side of Christmas absolutely deserves to be seen and acknowledged, as it provides essential balance and depth to the season's narrative.* Finding moments of happiness during this season can be both challenging and meaningful. There’s value in embracing the season’s darker aspects: revisiting ghostly tales, enjoying eerie holiday films, and acknowledging the shadows that make the light shine brighter.“Look, some years you need to be able to say, ‘Well, I might be home alone and depressed this Christmas, but at least I’m not being dragged off, beaten with birch sticks, and taken to hell. Even though it might feel that way sometimes.” - Angela“Krampus tells you all kinds of stuff. You just have to have the spirit of Krampus within you.” - Matt“That’s the thing, you know - Christmas happens during the Winter Solstice, during the longest, darkest nights of the year. When all hope seems lost, the crops are dead, and the world is incredibly cold and unforgiving. And, if you go outside, you might die. You might legit die.” - Matt“[Fighting the darker side]… that’s a big thing for us autistics because a lot of us face these struggles - especially when it’s promoted as, you know, everybody’s having a great time, everybody is happy. No, no, we are fighting our way through the darkness. We are fighting our way through the winter.” - Matt In this episode, we explore navigating the holiday season as an autistic person, touching on sensory-friendly strategies, embracing the darker side of Christmas traditions, and celebrating iconic autistic-coded holiday characters like Krampus and the Grinch. Thanks for listening! Share your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with other listeners on social media. What resonated with you from this discussion? Let us know!Show notes:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus_(film)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KrampusTrick R Treat ​​- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trick_%27r_TreatRelated Shows:Christmas is Autistic Holiday Expectations and NeurodivergenceFairy Tales are AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An episode that reshapes holiday traditions.Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In today's episode, we explore how to have a joyful neurodivergent Christmas by prioritizing your needs and letting go of expectations.* We discuss how autistics rely on routines, and how the holidays can disrupt them, leading to dysregulation and chaos.* Matt and Angela dive into how Hallmark movies portray the stereotypical, picture-perfect version of Christmas—a version that often feels far removed from reality, especially for autistics. They explore how these idealized depictions can create unrealistic expectations and fail to consider the unique ways neurodivergent individuals experience the holiday season.* We talk about how, since autism is genetic, many people in the household during the holidays might also be silently navigating sensory overload while juggling holiday pressures.* Our hosts discuss the challenges of having family members who are autistic but don’t identify as such or seek a diagnosis, and how this lack of acknowledgment can increase masking for the openly autistic individuals around them.* Having meltdowns around Christmas doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or unmanageable—as long as you have the right tools in place, like sensory supports or safe people to help you navigate the moment.* We discuss the importance of advocating for accommodations and using the acceptance of those accommodations—such as turning off the TV, avoiding twinkle lights, or lowering noise levels for sensory reasons—as a baseline for deciding whether or not to attend holiday gatherings.* We also discuss how unusual and counterintuitive it is for autistics that physical touch, like hugging and kissing relatives, is so heavily emphasized during the holidays. We also dive into how odd—and frankly creepy—it is that kids are expected to sit on a mall Santa’s lap and share their secrets.* Having a comfort kit is essential for an autistic person during the holidays—packed with stim toys, eye masks, comfort blankets, and other items to support sensory regulation.* We talk about Matt's Christmas Dragon tradition, which he created with his son, and the importance of crafting personalized family traditions that cater to your sensory and emotional regulation needs.* Matt and Angela discuss the importance of setting and enforcing boundaries at holiday events, including creating a plan to leave early if overstimulation occurs or if the situation calls for it.* We discuss the autistic tendency to be thoughtful gift-givers, as we often pay close attention to and deeply consider people's interests when selecting presents.* Holidays can be especially challenging for autistic people because we're not always able to access our safe foods. We discuss autistic food rules around the holidays, emphasizing that you don’t have to eat the family meal if it’s unbearable for you. Sometimes, a McNugget platter might be the best food tradition to introduce in an autistic household.* Self-care strategies during the holidays are vital for autistic people. We share some strategies that might work for you, including creating a list of holiday comfort shows and movies, using Christmas-themed comfort blankets and candles, and doing the planning work to ensure your holiday aligns with your needs and preferences.“So, if you’re listening to this on the day it’s released, you have somehow survived Thanksgiving if you celebrate. And now there is Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the day after Christmas, Boxing Day. There’s still all of the New Year’s expectations. And then there’s this entire week or two off school, which, if you’re a parent, you have your children at home and still have to figure out how to work. So everything is jumbled and out of order. If you’re somebody who has created a life and a schedule to minimize sensory interruptions and other jilted expectations, the holidays are here to f**k with that.” - Angela “We are told what Christmas is, but yet there are an infinite number of variables that impact upon that. Everything from credit card debt to the thing that you’re supposed to buy, you can’t find.” - Matt“Create a safety plan, do self-care because honestly, the gauntlet between Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day is just this long stretch of psychological horror.” - MattIn today’s episode, we dive into navigating the holiday season as an autistic person, focusing on how to manage sensory overload, advocate for accommodations, and create a comfortable environment. Thanks for tuning in! Share your thoughts on the conversation in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners on social media. What tips or insights from the episode will help you this holiday season?Resources:Jade Farrington’s Community Guide to a Happy Neurodivergent Christmashttps://subscribepage.io/tO5RvlReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An episode that breaks the mold!Here’s what’s to come in this episode: * We kick off this episode by discussing Courtney Love and her candid acknowledgment of her autism in a 1994 Rolling Stone interview. While she’s open about her experiences, some of her language is problematic—for instance, referring to non-speaking autism as "introverted."* However, we delve into how many of the judgments and perceptions surrounding Courtney Love may be rooted in ableism, influenced by her autism diagnosis.* We explore the inherent connection between musical subcultures and autism, highlighting how these spaces can become a refuge for those who feel ostracized elsewhere.* Next, we dive into the powerful intersection between punk ethos and neurodivergence, unpacking how these two worlds resonate deeply with shared values and traits. Punk celebrates nonconformity, rejecting the rigid societal expectations and hierarchies that often marginalize neurodivergent individuals. It embraces the idea that standing up for what you believe in—no matter how unconventional—is a strength, not a flaw.* This ethos aligns with the autistic experience of navigating a world that frequently misunderstands or undervalues difference. Punk fosters a sense of belonging by creating a community for misfits—a safe haven for those who’ve been excluded or overlooked in more traditional spaces. In this way, punk and neurodivergence together challenge norms, celebrate authenticity, and amplify the voices of those too often silenced.* Realizing you are neurodivergent doesn’t erase your punk identity—it deepens it. Subculture isn’t just about aligning with a particular music scene or fashion; it’s a gateway to discovering and embracing your most authentic self.* We also discuss how loud music, often a hallmark of punk, can be soothing and sensory-stimulating for many of us on the autism spectrum.* Punk and punk-era band names are often defined by connotations of violence, aggression, sex, fetishism, turmoil, and eruption, with many even referencing disability. This rebellious language reflects the feelings of being "othered"—a sensation that resonates deeply with the autistic experience. Just as punk challenges societal norms and embraces marginalization, the association with disability within punk culture highlights how both the neurodivergent community and the subculture at large confront rejection, discrimination, and the struggle to be understood.* Punk intertwines with the refusal to be seen through the neurotypical lens, rejecting the pressure to conform to societal expectations. It’s about resisting the influence of outside forces and voices that seek to define who you are, instead embracing self-expression and authenticity on your own terms.* We also discuss how body modifications, like tattoos and piercings, play into this idea of reclaiming autonomy and defying societal norms. For many in the punk and neurodivergent communities, these mods serve as a powerful way to express individuality, resist outside judgment, and celebrate personal identity on their own terms.* We discuss how autism is often framed through neurotypical-centric lenses, such as infantilization, pity, and the "superhero" trope, which limit our agency and self-expression. Punk, however, challenges these narratives by reclaiming our power and refusing to let society define or diminish us.* Punk embraces an anti-aesthetic that celebrates imperfections, rejecting the need for polished or conventional beauty standards. This ties directly to autism, as both challenge societal expectations of "perfection" and instead embrace authenticity, quirks, and individuality.* The culture of punk is, at its core, authenticity without apology—and that’s exactly what autistic people desire: spaces and cultures where they can be their true selves without the need to mask or conform.“When I talk about being introverted, I was diagnosed autistic. At an early age, I would not speak. Then I simply bloomed. My first visit to a psychiatrist was when I was like three. Observational therapy, TM for Tots, you name it, I’ve been there.” - Courtney Love (the one and only!!)“You [an autistic person] can’t just go into a space and say, ‘yes, I am perfectly at home here.’” No, you have to change it to fit your needs. And that’s fairly punk, because punk doesn’t show up and say, ‘yes, this is acceptable.’ No, we are going to rage against the machine.” - Matt“Yes, we want you, you misfit toys, to fit in perfectly here. You are a part of our merry band of autistics and you are perfect just the way you are.” - Angela“Yes, punk is saying we are different and that’s enough, like we are enough and this f*****g sucks at the same time. It’s not saying, like, ‘fix me’, necessarily. It’s saying, ‘this is my identity.’” - Angela Did you notice the connection between punk, subculture, and the autistic experience? In today’s episode, we explore how punk’s defiance and authenticity reflect the autistic spirit. Thanks for tuning in! Share your thoughts on the conversation in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners on social media. Which parts of the punk ethos resonated most with you?Resources:Rolling Stone article where Courtney comes out - https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/courtney-love-life-without-kurt-81520/Interview with Courtney where she talks about her diagnosis Autisticasfxxk - Raise your middle finger to neuronormativity! 🖕🖕🏿🖕🏾🖕🏽🖕🏼🖕🏻For Autistic punks, rebels and misfits forging their own path in a neurotypical world.https://www.autisticasfxxk.com/blog/autistic-punk/McKay, George, 'Punk Rock and Disability: Cripping Subculture', in Blake Howe, and others (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Music and Disability Studies (2015; online edn, Oxford Academic, 2 June 2016), https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199331444.013.23, accessed 30 Oct. 2024.https://www.additudemag.com/autism-and-music-audhd/Queer Autistic Punk Playlist: https://boren.blog/2021/01/25/chronic-neurodivergent-depressed-queer-punk-punk-rock-the-social-model-of-disability-and-the-dream-of-the-accepting-community/Punk Country - Dash Rip Rock, Treaty Oak Revival (Bar Fight Blues)Related Episodes:Chess Is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

An episode that redefines the perspective.Here’s what’s to come in this episode: * In this episode, our hosts address audience requests to explore the often problematic and ambiguous terminology of the DSM-5.* The DSM-5, often considered the Bible of psychology, tends to pathologize autism and reflect only a neurotypical perspective.* We discuss the issues with IQ tests, highlighting their ableist nature and why they shouldn’t determine autism diagnoses. We also explore how the DSM’s description of autism overlooks critical aspects, such as proprioceptive difficulties and overlapping medical conditions like POTS, endometriosis, PMDD, and PCOS, as well as how autism is largely hereditary.* Additionally, we argue that autistic individuals don’t have social deficits but instead exhibit social differences.* The DSM suggests that autistic people "lack imagination," when in reality, we have a rich internal world—we just express it differently.* Furthermore, the DSM pathologizes autistic people for speaking passionately and extensively about our special interests—activities and topics that bring us immense joy and fulfillment. Rather than being seen as a positive expression of enthusiasm and deep knowledge, this is unfairly framed as a deficit or abnormal behavior.* In this episode, we tackle the issue of psychologists and mental health professionals dismissing autistic women’s accounts of their own symptoms.* We also explore the various forms of stimming and routines, delving into why these practices provide comfort and security for autistic individuals.* Routines and expectations offer comfort to overwhelmed autistic individuals, as our brains process 42% more information at rest compared to neurotypical brains.* Finally, we discuss SPINs (Special Interests), which ones are considered socially "appropriate," and the unique sense of joy and fulfillment they bring—experiences that neurotypicals often cannot fully understand or access.* Lastly, we reflect on how the DSM portrays autism primarily through the lens of its impact on neurotypicals, rather than focusing on the internal experiences of autistic individuals. This perspective neglects the depth of autistic joy, fulfillment, and individuality, especially as seen through SPINs and other unique aspects of autistic life.“If you have depression, yeah, you probably don’t want that depression. You probably want the depression to go away. But with autism, it’s a neurotype. There are a lot of ableists and a lot of people who have internalized ableism who say, ‘I’m different and I don’t wanna be different. I wanna be like everybody else - but that’s a whole self-esteem problem.” - Matt“The more stressed you are, the more neurotypicals around you are going to ask, ‘Hey, are you autistic or something?’ Yes, yes I am, thanks for asking.” - MattDid you notice how today’s episode challenges and reframes the DSM criteria for autism? We dive deep into this transformative discussion about shifting perspectives! Thanks for tuning in—share your thoughts on the conversation in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with fellow listeners on social media. Which insights or moments resonated with you the most?Resources:https://www.mattlowrylpp.com/blog/reframing-dsm-autism-criteriahttps://www.mattlowrylpp.com/meme-galleryRelated Episodes:Bad Autism DiagnosisReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

Explore the intriguing world of the show 'You're the Worst' through the lens of autism. The hosts analyze deep character traits like PTSD and trauma, showcasing the neurodivergent aspects of the characters. They discuss the complexities of relationships, particularly between Jimmy and Gretchen, while navigating their individual struggles. Humor and mindfulness are woven into the conversation, highlighting the ups and downs of autistic experiences. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of the unique ways autistic individuals navigate life and love.