Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity!

An episode that busts the myth of 'perfect' creative processes!In Episode 140 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon speaks with Sol Smith, author of The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery. If you’ve spent time on TikTok, YouTube, or inside the NeuroSpicy community, you’ve probably felt the impact of Sol’s voice—direct, affirming, and deeply validating. He joins the show to help us rethink our relationship with writing routines, explore the realities of autistic creative rhythms, and bust the myth of 'perfect' creative processes.Plus, we announce our amazing winners from our fifth writing contest!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇'Kidnapped’ - Based on a true storyBy Laura PearsonTHE RUNNER UP 🥈'And Then I Realized…’By Genya VasilovCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* We read our winners from the fifth writing prompt for Neurodivergent Narratives and announce our 1st and 2nd prize winners. * Sol shares his path to writing The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery, and offers his insight on the challenges of the publishing process, and the role of writing in processing his lived experience.* How does Sol overcome those moments when writing doesn’t come easily, you're in a rut, or stuck in autistic inertia?* Why connecting creative cycles with SPINs and internal logic can help build up creative drive for writers.* vSol shares his advice for neurodivergent writers who feel like they’re constantly behind or not doing it 'right'.* Sol and Angela discuss the battle for perfectionism, self-acceptance, the therapeutic nature of creative expression as neurodivergent individuals, and how haiku can express profound emotion in just a few words.Sol Smith is the author of The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery and the manager of the Neurospicy Community, which is the largest support network for autistics and ADHDers in the world. A certified autism specialist who is autistic, dyslexic, and living with ADHD. He spent more than two decades as a college professor before shifting his professional focus to coaching other autistic and ADHD people to gain autonomy in their lives. Sol’s speaking skills have earned him a following of hundreds of thousands on TikTok and led to educational seminars about neurodiversity with corporations around the world. He lives in Southern California with his wife and four children, and you can find him online at www.ProfessorSol.comHere are his social media links:TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@bettersolInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessorsolFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/solsmithYouTube: https://youtube.com/@professor_solLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sol-smith-mfa-eds-ms-cas-7955364Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Your Autistic Birthright’ ContestI’d write an intro,but counting syllables isharder than it looks.PROMPT: Write a haiku inspired by your Autistic Birthright. Interpret the theme in any way that resonates with you—literally or metaphorically!⚠️Your poetry may not be any longer than 500 words.A haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic form made up of three lines with a specific syllable pattern:* Line 1: 5 syllables* Line 2: 7 syllables* Line 3: 5 syllablesHaiku Basics:* Total of 17 syllables* Traditionally inspired by nature or personal insight* Often includes a seasonal reference or a moment of emotional clarity* In modern usage, especially in neurodivergent communities, haiku can explore identity, sensory experience, stimming, or personal truth, freeing the form from rigid tradition.How to Write One:* Choose a theme or moment — something that feels honest or vivid.* Write what you notice or feel — don’t worry about rules at first.* Count syllables for each line: 5, 7, 5.* Trim or reshape the lines until they fit the form.Here’s an example process:Theme: Nail biting as a form of self-regulation and sensory input that isn’t a choice, even when painful or judged.Initial idea: I bite my nails. It hurts, I hate it—but fifty years of shame didn’t fix me. This is what regulation looks like.Angela’s haiku:I still bite my nails.My body calls, I answer.Shame won’t heal this skin.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, June 18th 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 #haikuyou on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYIwK-nQLv1cUvPbZgylH6G3X83Z11Vb5ZFL1_B06k-Fzzgg/viewformRelated Episodes:Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)Introducing the Weekly Writing Contest (Episode 130) - Writing Prompt #26I'm So Confused (Episode 132) - Writing Prompt #27Recovering from Burnout (Episode 134) - Writing Prompt #28Local Color with Tim Clare (Episode 136) - Writing Prompt #29Writing Memoir with Alethea Shapiro (Episode 138) - Writing Prompt #30Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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 took a fantasy and made it reality.In Episode 139 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon continues our journey through the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture with Dr. Scott Frasard, as we move onto Pillar 4 — World building. Dr. Scott Frasard is an autistic autism advocate who is a published author and an outspoken critic of operant conditioning approaches to change natural autistic behaviors to meet neuro-normative social expectations.Dr Scott Frasard decided he wasn’t going to critique the status quo, he was going to build something new. His essay, ‘The World We Built: A Future Where Autistic People Are Respected, Not Repaired,’ set in 2075, imagines a world where autism is no longer pathologized. Where the DSM is behind museum glass, and identity is co-created, not diagnosed.You can read it in full here.Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:* 🧠Mental Mapping: Autistic brains naturally organize information in systems — we often build entire models inside our minds to understand or improve what’s around us. Creating a coherent internal or external system — could be fictional, functional, emotional, social, or sensory.* 💡Systems thinking: Using logic, narrative, and design to rethink how things could work.Key Concepts:* Autistic world-building is immersive, structured, and strategic.* It often starts in childhood: building imaginary cities, organizing toys into categories, designing languages, or character arcs.* It evolves in adulthood: spreadsheets, RPGs, sensory hacks, alt-education models, and organizing social movements.* World building is a coping mechanism and a creative force — it helps us understand systems and reimagine them.* It is not limited to fiction, but that’s how we know it best or can spot it fastest. Some examples are Star Wars, Pokémon, Taylor Swift’s Eras, Dungeons & Dragons, My Chemical Romance, Ren Faires, LARP, fan wikis, and cosplay universes.💭 Here’s what to listen for through the lens of world-building: What does it look like to lean into world-building as an autistic cultural strength? And what does it look like when that gets punished or pathologized?Here are some examples:* Build your systems:Pathologized: They call you inflexible. You’re told to be more spontaneous. You mask your systems, and your stability crumbles.Lean in: You have rituals, frameworks, time-blocking, color-coding, filters, and scripts. You run your day like a game level.* Build a universe around your SPIN:Pathologized: It’s called obsessive. You’re told it’s “just a phase.” You try to hide your joy.Lean in: You go deep. You make maps, charts, and timelines. You know what your characters eat for breakfast.* Use world-building to solve problems:Pathologized: You’re told your ideas are too complex, too idealistic, too much.Lean in: You imagine better service models, ethical policy shifts, and future educational frameworks.* Build tools for neurodivergent life:Pathologized: You’re seen as needy or over-prepared instead of brilliant.Lean in: You design visual supports, flowcharts, decision trees, or sensory kits.* Co-create with others:Pathologized: Your leadership gets ignored. Your vision gets sidelined. You get told to “just follow the plan.”Lean in: You bring friends into the world you’re building. You make collaborative campaigns, zines, and alt-syllabi.Autistic world-building is not a bonus feature. It’s the core engine of our culture. The world we want doesn’t just appear. We build it. And we’ve already started.So, whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people, you are welcome here.We’re saving you a seat!This episode is a part of our Start Here Series, which is designed for new listeners of the show who are wondering, “where should I start?” to have a solid foundation for their experience here. It’s also for loyal listeners to begin to more fully embody the pillars of Autistic culture with more clarity and pride. Join the convo with #AutisticCulture!Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottfrasard/Scott’s book: https://amzn.eu/d/1OmioMcRelated Episodes:* George Lucas - The creation of Star Wars was a masterclass in galactic-scale myth-making. (Ep 56)* Pokémon - Offers an intricate, collectible universe built on categorization, pattern recognition, and the joy of completion. (Ep 16)* Dungeons & Dragons - Let’s players collaboratively build worlds with clear rules and infinite flexibility. (Ep 39)* Taylor Swift - She constructs interconnected emotional worlds through albums, Easter eggs, and lyrical references. (Ep 64)* My Chemical Romance - MCR’s concept albums (The Black Parade, Danger Days) build rich dystopian worlds, where emotional extremes are mapped onto visual and sonic design. (Ep 121)* Lemony Snicket - The Snicketverse builds a deeply ordered but unjust world, where rules are arbitrary yet must be followed. (Ep 6)* Tim Burton - His gothic and surreal aesthetics construct spaces for misfits and loners, drawing from archetypes and childlike wonder. (Ep 41)* Ren Fests - Immersive environments that allow for costumed identity, ritualized interaction, and communal storytelling. (Ep 77)* Mythic Quest - The show reveals how structured thinking and obsessive creativity shape virtual and emotional landscapes. (Ep 60)* Disney - Disney’s vast narrative empire constructs consistent, idealized worlds that merge spectacle with moral simplicity. (Ep 26)Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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

Alethea Shapiro, a memoirist from England, shares her journey of writing about her experiences with autism. She discusses the challenges of crafting memoirs, emphasizing the need for emotional honesty and structure. Alethea highlights how Taylor Swift's music serves as a tool for self-discovery in the autistic community. The conversation touches on the importance of authentic storytelling and overcoming gatekeeping in publishing, while also celebrating the power of writing contests to amplify diverse voices.

Discover the transformative power of norm challenging within autistic culture. Delve into the importance of authenticity and truth-telling, inspired by Emily Dickinson's legacy. Explore how autistic perspectives enrich the arts and literature, breaking stereotypes about autism. Personal anecdotes highlight emotional honesty, while discussions on neuroqueering and gender fluidity challenge societal expectations. The conversation emphasizes the significance of embracing individuality and the power of deep connections over surface-level interactions.

Tim Clare, an acclaimed author and creative writing podcaster, joins to share insights on finding one's creative calling. He discusses overcoming writer's block, his unique writing methods, and how board games have profoundly influenced his storytelling. Tim opens up about writing as a personal journey and the joy of special interests, revealing how his experiences shaped his recent autism diagnosis. The conversation also celebrates contest winners, showcasing the emotional depth of their writing and the healing power of creative expression.

In a vibrant exploration of autistic culture, the podcast delves into rhythmic communication, showcasing unique forms like echolalia and infodumping. Listeners discover the beauty of scripting and how music can encapsulate authentic self-expression. Personal anecdotes about Taylor Swift highlight the intersection of fandom and autistic identity. Throughout, the significance of embracing one's individuality and the joy found in stimming are celebrated. The conversation is a rich tapestry of creativity, connection, and the power of diverse communication styles.

Dive into the vibrant world of writing as a recovery tool from burnout! Uncover the unique struggles Autistic writers face, where creativity becomes a pathway to reconnect with their identities. Hear inspiring personal stories about transforming morning rituals into writing practices. Celebrate the creativity of neurodivergent voices with contest winners, showcasing imaginative tales about time loops and social misfires. Plus, explore the importance of special interests in shaping joy and identity through heartfelt writing prompts.

An episode that doesn’t assume the “big picture” first!In Episode 133 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we begin from the ground up on our journey through the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture as we start with Pillar 1— Bottom-Up Processing. Here’s what defines this cultural trait:* Detail-first thinking: Autistic minds gather information from the ground up, building meaning through sensory input, observed patterns, and logical systems.* Monotropism: We deep-dive into specific interests and tasks, driven by focused curiosity rather than generalized frameworks.* Hyperfocus and complex analysis: These traits allow for immersive attention, precise deduction, and strategic decision-making.* Sensory integration: Proprioception and interoception inform our responses to emotional and social cues with accuracy and nuance.* Nonlinear social fluency: We understand people by noticing behaviors, not by relying on social templates or stereotypes.* SPIN-powered cognition: Special interests are not distractions — they are the engines of learning and innovation.* Autonomy in method: We prefer to figure things out ourselves and follow processes that make logical sense, even when unconventional.* Strategic solitude: Alone time isn’t loneliness — it’s essential cognitive processing time for autistic thinkers.* Injustice sensitivity: Bottom-up logic often clashes with top-down authority, particularly when systems are unfair or inconsistent.* Visionary pattern recognition: Autistic culture leads in science, logic, and systems design because we see the overlooked details that make up the whole.Autistic people, generally speaking, process information bottom-up. We start with details, anomalies, inconsistencies. We don’t assume the “big picture” first—we build it ourselves. This cognitive style clashes in top-down cultures, but fits more comfortably in bottom-up ones. In bottom-up cultures, autistic cognition can be framed as insight. In top-down cultures, it is often framed as insubordination or incompetence.What you’re about to hear is a special remastered version of an earlier episode from our archives that keys in on Pillar 1 with a deep dive on another fictional bottom-up processor, the OG, Sherlock Holmes.As you listen to this episode, notice references to bottom-up processing and how that pillar holds up other aspects of Autistic people, for instance, why it makes stimming so important, or small talk so infuriating. Start thinking of the ways these pillars have been weaponized and medicalized. How even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle turns Sherlock into a misanthrope, or Sherlock himself becomes an opium addict, because of the pathologization of his natural culture. As you listen and pay attention to that bottom-up pillar with deeper context, I want you to think of how your internalized ableism has caused you to push back on your own bottom-up processing and instead try seeing where you can lean into it and how that might improve your mental health.So, whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people, you are welcome here.We’re saving you a seat!This episode is a part of our Start Here Series, which is designed for new listeners of the show who are wondering, “where should I start?” to have a solid foundation for their experience here. It’s also for loyal listeners to begin to more fully embody the pillars of Autistic culture with more clarity and pride. Join the convo with #AutisticCulture!Related Episodes:Chess is Autistic Lessons in ChemistryBroadway is Autistic - particularly the references to Sondheim, whose musicals are very bottom-up!Washington DC is AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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 writes itself through the fog!In Episode 132 we’re diving into something central to the autistic experience: confusion—especially in social situations—and how writing through that confusion can become a powerful act of identity development. Plus we announce our amazing winners from our first-ever writing contest—over 100 neurodivergent writers entered!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNERThe Snowglobe by Jessica Weiss"Shaken, settled. Shaken, shutdown. Shattered…Spilled."THE RUNNER UPby Daisy"Sensitive, oddball, mystic, or undiagnosed autistic?"Congrats to our winners and to see all the finalists. You can see them all here. Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* We read our top 10 finalists from the first writing prompt for Neurodivergent Narratives and announce our 1st and 2nd prize winners. These memoirs were stunning, surprising, and profoundly relatable, any of them could have won!* So much of being autistic in a neurotypical world means living in a perpetual state of confusion—social rules that feel made up, conversations that shift without warning, expectations that aren't stated until you've already broken them.* The Double Empathy Problem:This theory, coined by autistic scholar Damian Milton, shows that communication breakdowns between autistic and non-autistic people are mutual—not one-sided. It challenges the deficit model by proving that autistic people understand each other just fine—it’s the cross-cultural mismatch that causes a lot confusion.* The “Wrong Planet” Feeling:Many autistic people describe feeling like aliens on Earth—constantly misunderstanding and being misunderstood, even in the simplest of social situations. That “culture shock” feeling? It's because autistic culture truly is a different culture.* The Grief and the “Not a Duck” Moment:Discovering you’re autistic later in life can bring a rush of clarity—but also a tidal wave of grief and confusion. You realize that your entire life could have been easier if you had just known. There’s grief, yes—but also a seed of healing.* Stimming Through Confusion:Often, when confusion builds up, our bodies try to help regulate us through movement—stimming isn’t just joy, it’s also processing. For many, writing is a form of stimming with language, helping sort sensory and emotional overwhelm into clarity. Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: The “I’m So Confused” ContestA radical reclaiming of voice.Simple on the surface—but for many of us in autistic culture, those three words echo through entire chapters of our lives.PROMPT: Write a fictional short story in any genre that includes the line: “I’m so confused.”⚠️Your story must include the line: “I’m so confused.” and your story may not be any longer than 500 words.This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.Submit entry.Let Your Voice Be Heard.THE ESSENTIALS:🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, May 21 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 finalUse the hashtag #SoConfused on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://forms.gle/EzSNgVcUyf5E8QVa8 Full Contest Rules are here. Resources:Find Jessica Weiss on Substack - Double Empathy problem - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361315586721Find More Writing Contests Here - https://authorspublish.com/57-literary-journals-that-pay-their-authors/Related Episodes:Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)Introducing the Weekly Writing Contest (Episode 130) - Writing Prompt #26Related Articles on our Substack:Autism is a Culture NOT a Disorder - https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/autistic-blog-autism-autistic-cultureUnmasking Autism Diary #20: Not a Duck -https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/autistic-blog-unmaskingFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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 welcomes you to a brand-new chapter in this project - one that has been years in the making!In Episode 131 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we are revisiting the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture! What you’re about to hear is a special remastered version of an earlier episode that introduced the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture, plus updated context and reflections from me about what it means in this new chapter. These are the building blocks of everything we’re creating together going forward.This episode originally aired in January 2024, and since this episode first aired, I’ve taken a deeper look at the structure of the show and the framework we use to understand autistic culture.I’ve refined the 10 Pillars updating their names, sharpening the descriptions, and better connecting them to our lived traits, like sensory processing differences, stimming, emotional intensity, and our beautiful SPINs.What you’ll hear in this episode is the heart of the work but think of it as the “draft” version.Over the next 10 weeks, I’ll be highlighting one updated pillar each week with a replay of an episode that really brings that theme to life. I’ll also share new context and reflections to go deeper. We'll unpack what each one means, how it shows up in our lives, and why it’s worth celebrating.But I wanted to bring you this episode just as it aired because even though things have changed, this conversation holds so many gems, and it was a joyful reflection of where we were. And now, we get to go even deeper.Lets quickly walk you through what those 10 pillars are now. You might notice a few name changes:* Bottom-Up Processing (formerly “Logic and Strategy”)We build understanding from the ground up detail by detail, pattern by pattern. Think Sherlock Holmes, chess masters, scientific discovery.* Rhythmic Communicating (formerly “Linguistics and Accents”)Our conversations are musical echolalia, scripting, tangents, infodumps. There’s a beat, a flow, a poetry to how we speak.* Norm Challenging (formerly “Deep Thinking and Insights”)We question assumptions. We live authentically. We honor truth over politeness, equity over hierarchy, and insight over illusion.* World BuildingWe don’t just tell stories we create entire universes. Pokémon. Star Wars. Dungeons & Dragons. Autistic imagination builds the future.* Pattern Matching (formerly “Data Gathering and Analysis”)SPINs. Trivia nights. Wikipedia editing. Sexuality research. We find the signal in the noise and bring meaning to the chaos.* Game Changing (formerly “Innovative Ideas”)We’re not following trends we’re starting them. We rethink, reinvent, and rebuild systems from the ground up. Think Steve Jobs. Questlove. Muybridge.* Boldly Creating (formerly “Artistic Expression”)We paint with stims. We sing in scripts. We dance in sensory rhythm. Our creativity is intense, embodied, and often unconventional.* Predictably Comforting (formerly “Consistency and Reliability”)Repetition, routines, safe foods, rituals. These aren’t rigidity they’re anchors. Comfort. Stability. Power.* Justice Seeking (formerly “Justice and Honesty”)Fairness isn’t optional it’s essential. Emotional intensity meets ethical clarity. From Greta Thunberg to John McEnroe we stand for truth.* Passionate Superfanning (formerly “Superfanning and Fictional Friends”)Star Trek. Doctor Who. My Little Pony. Our love runs deep and our joy is contagious. Fandom is family. Lore is love.These 10 pillars map across three major domains of life:🎭 Arts & Entertainment🪴 Lifestyle & Leisure🏛️ Society, Values & KnowledgeAnd across all of them, we’ll be celebrating the best of Autistic Culture through history, pop culture, storytelling, and personal experience.So whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people you are welcome here.You are part of Autistica!Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about the 10 pillars of Autistic Culture — from Bottom-Up Processing and World Building to Justice Seekin! And over this series, we’ll be celebrating the best of Autistic Culture through history, pop culture, storytelling, and personal experience! Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!Related Episodes:Autistic Culture for Teens and TweensMy Chemical Romance is AutisticTaylor Swift is AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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