Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity!

An episode that proudly waves the fandom flag!In Episode 151 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon explores Pillar 10 of Autistic Culture: Passionate Superfanning, with special guest Simon Scott, producer of the show and host of the Neurodivergent Experience Podcast. Whether it’s Doctor Who, Star Trek, My Chemical Romance, football, podcasts, or even Renaissance festivals, superfanning is more than a hobby—it’s cultural identity, emotional regulation, and community-building for many autistic people.What defines this core Autistic trait?Superfanning and bonding with fictional friends hold a special place in autistic culture. Our intense special interests (SPINs), emotional depth, and fierce loyalty allow us to form meaningful, lasting connections with characters, narratives, and entire fictional universes. These connections offer comfort, inspiration, and understanding—especially when the real world feels overwhelming or isolating.Not just escapism—it's a connection.Superfanning involves more than casual enjoyment. It’s about:* Genuine emotional connection* Intellectual and sensory engagement* Deep dives into lore, worldbuilding, and communityWe often collect memorabilia, memorise scripts, analyse stories, and find kindred spirits through fandom.Key Concepts* SPINs drive depth and consistency across years or decades.* Emotional regulation happens through repeated viewing, scripting, and community-building.* Characters become touchstones for identity, empathy, and storytelling fluency.* Conventions and fan spaces often feel more accessible than "real-world" social events.* Superfanning validates intense emotional investment—without apology or shame.💭 Passionate superfanning is often misunderstood as obsessive, childish, or too much—but in autistic culture, it’s a lifeline. Here’s what it looks like when we lean in versus when we feel pressured to mask.Rewatch your comfort shows🧠 Lean in: Replay your favourite episode for the 30th time—it’s regulation, not boredom.🎭 Mask: Force yourself to “branch out” just to seem normal and lose emotional grounding.Info-dump with joy🧠 Lean in: Share your fan theory or trivia facts without apology.🎭 Mask: Pretend you don’t care as much as you do to avoid being “too intense.”Keep your collectables visible🧠 Lean in: Decorate with figures, posters, and books you love.🎭 Mask: Hide your fandom decor to make your space look more “adult.”Wear your fandom proudly🧠 Lean in: Rock your Hogwarts hoodie or Marvel shirt to feel like yourself.🎭 Mask: Dress “professionally” even when it strips away your self-expression.Write or draw your fanwork🧠 Lean in: Create playlists, fanfiction, or art around your SPIN.🎭 Mask: Call it a “guilty pleasure” instead of letting it be a valid creative outlet.Use fandom language to connect🧠 Lean in: Reference characters, quotes, or memes when talking with others.🎭 Mask: Suppress your enthusiasm to appear socially neutral.Let fictional friendships soothe you🧠 Lean in: Talk to your parasocial crew or journal as your favourite character.🎭 Mask: Dismiss it as silly when those bonds are emotionally real.Attend fan events without apology🧠 Lean in: Go to cons, online panels, or meetups that feel like home.🎭 Mask: Pretend you’re just tagging along, not really a superfan.Structure your day around your fandom🧠 Lean in: Watch your favourite series while you eat or wind down.🎭 Mask: Force yourself into neurotypical media habits to “stay current.”Let your fandom be part of your identity🧠 Lean in: Introduce yourself with your SPIN—“I’m obsessed with Doctor Who.”🎭 Mask: Talk about it like a hobby, not the deep connection it truly is.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!Resources:Simon Scott — The Neurodivergent Experience PodcastRelated Episodes:* Hans Christian Andersen (Ep 9)Andersen didn’t just write fairy tales—he created immersive emotional worlds. Autistic readers often connect deeply to his themes of loneliness, loyalty, and transformation, resonating with how we use stories for survival.* Star Trek (Ep 10)Star Trek invites deep emotional and ethical engagement—perfect for autistic superfans who thrive on lore, logic, and moral structure. From cosplay to Klingon, it’s a fandom built for immersion and belonging.* My Little Pony (Ep 18)Autistic fans—especially those exploring gender and emotional fluency—find connection and regulation through My Little Pony's overt lessons about friendship, identity, and inclusion.* Doctor Who (Ep 30)With regenerating characters and a flexible canon, Doctor Who offers narrative complexity and emotional arcs that invite lifelong SPINs, scripting, and fan interpretation—hallmarks of passionate superfanning.* Christmas (Ep 49)Christmas isn’t just a holiday—it’s a full sensory fandom. Lights, music, stories, rituals—many autistic people build elaborate systems of meaning and comfort around them, showing how deeply we connect to tradition.* The Orville (Ep 103)A spiritual successor to Star Trek, The Orville blends comedy, ethics, and space opera into a fandom ripe for autistic superfanning: thoughtful debates, character arcs, and speculative world-building.* My Chemical Romance (Ep 121)This episode dives into how My Chemical Romance became a powerful conduit for autistic superfanning—where emotional depth, theatrical storytelling, and identity formation collide. * Cults (Ep 129)This episode explores the darker side of passionate attachment—how autistic devotion to community, ritual, and shared purpose can be misused. A critical look at when superfanning gets weaponised.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

An episode that shares advice for Autistics, because advice is one of the fastest ways we build culture!In episode 150 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, guest host Simon Scott (The Autistic Culture podcast’s producer) highlights the top submissions from our Week 10 writing prompt:📝 “In 100 words or fewer, what advice would you give to someone newly identified as autistic?”This episode is part of our 12-week writing series created specifically for autistic writers, creatives, and self-discovery seekers who use storytelling as a tool for healing, identity integration, and unmasking.Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇Oh, Darling One. This is Big. But Here's What You Need to DoBy Cat BlythTHE RUNNER UP 🥈Perfectly ImperfectBy Emily BurgessCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.Submit entry.Let Your Voice Be Heard.💌 Good luck, writers. We’re saving you a seat.Related 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 #30Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31The Art of Unmasking (Episode 142) - Writing Prompt #32Autistic Head Cannon (Episode 144) - Writing Prompt #33Autism And The Myth of Success (Episode 146) - Writing Prompt #34Advice for Autistics (Episode 148) - Writing Prompt #35Follow 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 deeply values justice and honesty!In Episode 149 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon explores Pillar 9 of Autistic Culture: Justice Seeking, with special guest Clare Kumar, productivity expert and host of the Happy Space Podcast.Clare is a late-diagnosed autistic woman, executive coach, and productivity speaker. She brings unique insight into neurodivergent efficiency, workplace design, and inclusive spaces through her work with Hidden Disabilities Canada and her signature Joy Inventory tool.If you've ever been accused of being “too intense,” “too rigid,” or “black-and-white,” this episode is for you. Angela and Clare flip the script and reclaim those traits as moral clarity, fairness-driven thinking, and authentic advocacy — powerful parts of autistic identity.Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:* We call out what others ignore.Autistic people are often the first to question broken systems, double standards, and flawed logic. We don’t pretend it makes sense—we say it doesn’t.* We sense injustice instantly.Misaligned actions, hypocrisy, and favouritism aren’t just annoying—they feel unbearable. Fairness isn’t optional. It’s foundational.* We speak up—no matter the cost.Whether it's calling out ableism, bias, or misinformation, autistic advocates often challenge power structures—even when it's uncomfortable.* We hold systems to their own rules.We expect policies to be applied with consistency and equity. Selective enforcement? We notice—and we question it.* We feel justice in our bodies.What’s labelled as “Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria” is often justice sensitivity—a real-time emotional response to being dismissed for telling the truth.* We don’t fake neutrality.When something’s wrong, we can’t mask it. We’re not “too intense”—we’re deeply aligned with our values.* We crave clarity, not conflict.Accountability helps us feel safe. We don’t want to blame—we want to understand what went wrong and how to fix it.* We value truth over comfort.Authenticity matters more than approval. Many of us would rather lose a friendship than betray our principles.Key Concepts* ✨ Moral clarity: We often see the ethical core of a situation before others do—and struggle to stay silent about it.* 🗣️ Literal honesty: We mean what we say and expect others to do the same.* 💥 Rejection sensitivity: Injustice isn’t abstract—it hits us in the body.* ⚫⚪ Black-and-white thinking: Not immaturity. Often, it’s a response to seeing real harm ignored.* 🧐 System scrutiny: We notice when things don’t align—and we say something.* 😤 Meltdowns as protest: Emotional intensity is a valid response to injustice, not just overstimulation.* ⚖️ Fairness as a driving force: We advocate for others even when it costs us socially.* 🔍 Truth over comfort: We’d rather be uncomfortable than complicit.💭 For so many of us, justice-seeking has been used against us. We were “too intense,” “too much,” or “overreacting.” But what if we reframed it as a cultural strength?Here are ten ways to lean in:* Let your body guide you.When you feel that heat of injustice rise, listen. That’s truth.* Pick your battles wisely.You don’t have to fight every fight. Choose the ones aligned with your values.* Explain your logic.Say: “This feels wrong to me because it breaks the pattern or expectation.”* Validate your emotional reaction.Meltdowns aren’t a weakness. They’re protest.* Use scripting when needed.Have phrases ready to stand up for yourself calmly.* Create micro-cultures of fairness.At work, home, or school—model your version of justice.* Don’t mask your clarity.Say what’s true—even if it’s not what’s easy.* Channel outrage into action.Start a campaign, write a letter, set a boundary.* Make space for nuance.Justice doesn’t mean perfection. It means integrity.* Celebrate when systems do get better.Even tiny reforms are evidence of your impact.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!Resources:Clare Kumar — Happy Space Podcast, Episode 45In this pivotal episode, Clare explores late autism diagnosis, justice sensitivity, and the powerful moment of realisation with Melanie Diesel.🔗 Listen here: Happy Space Podcast – Episode 45👕 InclusiviTees by Clare KumarWear your values. InclusiviTees are ethically made, neurodivergent-affirming apparel designed by Clare to spark conversation and promote inclusivity.🔗 Shop now: https://clarekumar.com/inclusivitee/🌐 Clare Kumar’s Official Website:Learn more about Clare's work in productivity, neuroinclusion, and sensory-friendly design. 🔗 Visit: https://clarekumar.com🧠 Stanford Neurodiversity Summit:Explore Clare and Angela’s collaborative presentation on late-diagnosed autistic women, first featured at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit. 🔗 Visit: https://www.melaniedeziel.com/sns2024Related Episodes:* Greta Thunberg (Ep 15)Greta Thunberg is autistic justice-seeking personified—driven by data, clarity, and moral consistency, she confronts global leaders not with emotionless logic, but with emotionally urgent truth-telling.* Sesame Street (Ep 20)Sesame Street quietly redefined justice in children’s media, centred on inclusion, accessibility, and representation. It models a world where equity is woven into the foundation.* Superheroes (Ep 28)Superheroes are classic justice seekers—but autistic-coded heroes take it further, challenging not just villains, but flawed systems, empty rules, and the cost of enforced normalcy.* John McEnroe (Ep 42)John McEnroe’s infamous “You cannot be serious!” moment captures the autistic impulse to call out unfairness in real time, refusing to stay quiet when systems violate their own rules.* The Good Place (Ep 58)The Good Place is justice-seeking with a philosophy degree—questioning not just what’s right, but who gets to decide, and whether good intentions are ever enough.* Elsa (Ep 63)Elsa’s “Let It Go” moment is more than an anthem—it’s a justice-seeking declaration against forced masking, where freedom means living aligned with your inner truth, not societal demands.* You're the Worst (Ep 87)You're the Worst offers a justice-seeking lens on mental health and relationships, showing how refusal to play neurotypical games can be a path to radical honesty and emotional equity.* Creature Commandos (Ep 101)Creature Commandos flips the justice script, spotlighting misunderstood outcasts who fight not just external threats, but the moral hypocrisy of the systems that created them.* Lena Dunham (Ep 113)Lena Dunham’s work is messy, raw, and unfiltered—her justice-seeking shows up in her refusal to gloss over discomfort or conform to sanitised stories of womanhood, power, or pain.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

An episode that shares advice for Autistics, because advice is one of the fastest ways we build culture!In Episode 148 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon shares her most powerful advice for newly identified autistic adults—and invites you to do the same in just 100 words or less.This episode is part of our 12-week writing series created specifically for autistic writers, creatives, and self-discovery seekers who use storytelling as a tool for healing, identity integration, and unmasking.All this, and we announce our amazing winners from our ninth writing contest!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇At Least Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie Got Warned By Elena Kay GreenwellTHE RUNNER UP 🥈Greyworld By Katherine StewartCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* Why writing is a powerful tool for autistic identity integration.* Real examples of 100-word advice letters for newly diagnosed autistics.* The emotional process of late autism discovery and family dynamics.* Behind the scenes of creating a journal therapy-based writing podcast.* The difference between self-diagnosed vs. self-identified in autistic culture.* How to use special interests as healing practices, not guilty pleasures.* The upcoming Neurodivergent Narratives Masterclass for paid members.* Whether future content should focus solely on autistic voices or all neurodivergent writers.Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Got A Tip’ ContestA contest that turns your best advice into a cultural legacy!PROMPT: In 100 words or fewer, share your best advice with a newly identified Autistic personAdvice is one of the fastest ways we build culture. When someone’s newly diagnosed, they’re often swimming in a sea of grief, confusion, and identity shock. Advice rooted in lived Autistic experience cuts through that fog. It says You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And yes, this weird, wonderful brain of yours can be hilarious.⚠️Your advice may not be any longer than 100 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 16th 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 #gotatip on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://forms.gle/i2ZH9vKymSqqNG2N6Resources:🎤 Joe Wells – "I Am Autistic"Watch the full comedy set on YouTube:🎵 Jude Perl – "The Label Song"Listen on Bandcamp:📘 Book Recommendation – Am I Actually Autistic?Your Guide to Processing the Identity Shock of Late Autism Discovery & Living UnmaskedCheck out the free preview on Substack: autisticculture.substack.com/t/bookRelated 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 #30Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31The Art of Unmasking (Episode 142) - Writing Prompt #32Autistic Head Cannon (Episode 144) - Writing Prompt #33Autism And The Myth of Success (Episode 146) - Writing Prompt #34Follow 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 is not about inflexibility—it’s about emotional safety, sensory regulation, and being authentically ourselves in a world that often feels chaotic!In Episode 147 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon explores Pillar 8 of Autistic Culture: Predictably Comforting, with special guest Daria Brown, author of We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood.Daria Brown has a Master’s degree in Personality and Social Psychology. She has worked in the field of research, evaluation, and education for over 30 years at universities, not-for-profits, and government.Together, they discuss why predictability, routine, and familiarity are not only comforting but essential in autistic lives.This episode is especially meaningful for autistic listeners, families, and advocates who want to gain a deeper understanding of why consistency matters so deeply in autistic culture. Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:* Autistic Brains Crave PredictabilityOur nervous systems seek regulation over novelty. Familiar patterns reduce overwhelm and foster inner peace.* Routine as Emotional SafetyAutistic routines—like watching the same show, eating familiar foods, or repeating daily rituals—aren’t rigid. They’re tools for stability, helping manage emotional and sensory overload.* Cultural Examples of Comforting Predictability* Thomas the Tank Engine’s structured stories* Dino Nuggets’ consistent texture and taste* Andy Warhol’s daily green underwear and soup-can art* Repetition as a Strength, Not a SymptomFrom stimming to re-watching favorite shows, repetition brings grounding comfort. It supports emotional regulation and fosters creativity.💬 Autistic Culture Deep Dive:* 🔄 Comfort in Repetition: Songs, foods, media, and routines provide grounding.* 🌀 Stimming as Predictable Movement: A soothing way to regulate sensory input.* ⚠️ Expectation Sensitivity: Transitions disrupt our “knowns,” causing emotional friction.* 👕 Sameness Reduces Anxiety: Wearing the same clothes, and eating familiar meals—it’s not about control, it’s about coherence.* 🚫 Resistance to Change ≠ Defiance: It’s self-protection against sensory/emotional overload.💭 For folks listening who maybe don’t crave predictability or know how to, how can you lean into the comfort of repetition on their terms?Lean-in Tips🧠 Lean In / 🎭 Mask* Stick to your routines.🧠 Lean in: Use rituals to ground your day.🎭 Mask: Force yourself to “be spontaneous” and spiral.* Wear your sensory favorites.🧠 Lean in: Rewear the same soft hoodie 3x a week.🎭 Mask: Rotate outfits to meet fashion norms.* Eat your safe foods.🧠 Lean in: Pack the same lunch for a month.🎭 Mask: Try new foods at lunch and go dysregulated.* Watch or read repeats.🧠 Lean in: Rewatch the same series at bedtime for comfort.🎭 Mask: Force yourself to find “something new” and lose sleep.* Build in transition time.🧠 Lean in: Use alarms, cues, or scripts to ease task switches.🎭 Mask: Jump tasks on command and burn out.* Set up sensory consistency.🧠 Lean in: Control lighting, sound, and scent in your spaces.🎭 Mask: Tolerating discomfort to avoid seeming high-maintenance.* Respect your “no change zones.”🧠 Lean in: Keep your desk, bedroom, or car the same.🎭 Mask: Rearrange to please others and feel lost.* Plan downtime after the chaos.🧠 Lean in: Schedule recovery time after travel or visitors.🎭 Mask: Fill the calendar and crash emotionally.* Use comfort objects without shame.🧠 Lean in: Hug your stuffed animal. Use your fidget.🎭 Mask: Hide them to seem “grown up.”* Let sameness be sacred.🧠 Lean in: Say “I like it this way.”🎭 Mask: Apologies for not being “flexible.”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!Resources: Connect with Affect Autism* 🌐 Website: https://affectautism.com/2020/03/29/meet-daria* 📖 Daria’s Book: We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood* 🎧 Podcast: Affect Autism Podcast* 📺 YouTube: Affect Autism YouTube Channel* 📸 Instagram: @affectautism* 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/affectautism* 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @affectautismRelated Episodes:* Dino Nuggets (Ep 21)Dino Nuggets are predictably comforting because they deliver the exact same taste, texture, and shape every time, making them the ultimate safe food for sensory-sensitive eaters.* Thomas the Tank Engine (Ep 22)Thomas is predictably comforting with its repetitive story arcs, familiar characters, and a structured world where everyone has a clear role and routine.* Sunglasses (Ep 66)Sunglasses provide a comforting sensory shield, creating a visual boundary that brings predictability to chaotic or overstimulating environments.* Cats (Ep 46)Cats offer predictably comforting companionship through rhythmic purring, consistent routines, and nonverbal bonding that doesn’t demand masking.* Bluey (Ep 72)Bluey is comforting for its gentle pacing, repeatable life lessons, and consistent family structure where emotional regulation is modeled and respected.* Beauty and the Beast (Ep 34)Beauty and the Beast provides comfort in its clear narrative structure, familiar musical themes, and the sensory richness of a cozy castle full of routines and enchantment.* Anne of Green Gables (Ep 107)Anne’s world is predictably comforting with its pastoral setting, repeated rituals of school and seasons, and deep attachment to places and routines.* Andy Warhol (Ep 33)Andy Warhol found comfort in repetition, from Campbell’s soup cans to daily routines, transforming sameness into stability and art.* The Law (Ep 115)The legal system, for all its flaws, offers comforting predictability through written rules, procedural steps, and structures that promise (or at least attempt) orderFollow 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 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 OzhgaTHE 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?’ ContestA 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/viewformResources:* 📸 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 #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 #30Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31The Art of Unmasking (Episode 142) - Writing Prompt #32Autistic Head Cannon (Episode 144) - Writing Prompt #33Follow 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 isn’t about making art that’s palatable—it’s about making art that’s true. In Episode 145 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon continues our journey through the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture as we move onto Pillar 7 — Boldly Creating with Nina Danon, Composer, Sound Artist, and Doctoral Researcher, whose work explores the rich intersections between autism, music, creativity, and sensory experience.Nina’s work on Musical Neuroqueering will be published in 2026 in Neuroqueer Theory and Practice, edited by Dr Nick Walker, providing the first draft of her toolkit to empower anyone to expand their neurodivergence through music, and music through neurodivergence.Autistic creativity is deeply rooted in our sensory experiences, emotional intensity, and need for authentic self-expression.Boldly Creating is the autistic drive to express truth through movement, sound, pattern, and special interest, using creativity as connection, regulation, and radical self-expression. So much of boldly creating comes from stimming and sensory experiences that are core to music and the heart of your work.Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:* Boldly Creating isn’t about making art that’s palatable—it’s about making art that’s true. * We don’t wait for permission to make art, to move, to stim, or to build new worlds. We create in ways that often defy convention—through rhythm, repetition, structure, texture, sound, and story. * Autistics’ creative work is fueled by special interests, hyperfocus, and bottom-up processing. We invent new forms when existing ones don’t fit, building from the ground up, not following someone else’s form.* Whether it’s knitting, composing, coding, dancing, designing, scripting, or sound-building, autistic people boldly create because that’s how we process, regulate, connect, and express our deepest selves.* Autistic creativity is sensory-rooted, emotionally rich, and self-expressive, often expressed through movement (like stimming), sound, visuals, and texture.Key Concepts:* Stimming is performance. Fandom is creation. Knitting is structure, roller derby is choreography.* Bold creation resists perfection—it values expression over conformity.* Autism-centered creativity often dismantles genre boundaries.* It’s embodied, synaesthetic, non-linear: world as your playground.💭 For folks listening who maybe don’t see themselves as “artists,” but have a deep love of sound, movement, pattern, or rhythm, how can you lean into boldly creating on their terms?* 🧠 Lean In: Let stimming be your creative score.* 🧠 Lean In: Bring sensory textures into your medium (knit, sculpt, code).* 🧠 Lean In: Collaborate in flow—create shared flow states.* 🧠 Lean In: Make mistakes public—share drafts, rough takes.* 🧠 Lean In: Use creative tools you build, like Nina’s Stimming Wheel.* 🧠 Lean In: Amplify sensory-emotional fusion—write what you feel AND see.So, whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people, you are welcome here.If you’d like to discuss Autistic and Neurodivergent music, or if you are an artist of any discipline interested in beta testing the Embodied Stimming Wheel, please email Nina at ncdanon@gmail.com or find Nina BlueSky: @ninadanon.bsky.socialWe’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!Resources:Bill Davis on Autistic Listening: https://salford-repository.worktribe.com/output/1361259/autistic-listeningVolcano, a neurodivergent sonic experience by Nina Danon & Francesco Cassino: https://www.ninadanon.com/volcano“Composing Neurodivergence: A Musical Neuroqueering Journey”, a talk by Nina for the Autistic Research Seminar Series, King's College, February 2025:Further Reading Recommendations from Nina:Bertilsdotter Rosqvist, H., Örnulf, L., Hasselblad, S., Hansson, D., Nilsson, K., & Seng, H.(2020). Designing an Autistic Space for Research: Exploring the Impact of Context, Space, and Sociality in Autistic Writing Processes. In H. Bertilsdotter Rosqvist, N. Chown, & A. Stenning (Eds.), Neurodiversity studies: A new critical paradigm. Routledge.Sondheim, S. (2011). Look, I Made a Hat: Collected Lyrics (1981-2011) with AttendantComments, Amplifications, Dogmas, Harangues, Digressions, Anecdotes and Miscellany (First edition). Alfred A. Knopf.Related Episodes:Eminem - Eminem’s lyrical precision, rapid-fire delivery, and emotional vulnerability are trademarks of autistic creation. Through music, he boldly created a voice no one could ignore—even when they tried. (Ep 19)Questlove - Questlove’s encyclopedic music knowledge, rhythmic innovation, and deep sensory connection to sound make him a quintessential example of autistic creativity. His intuitive DJing, obsessive cataloging of music history, and relentless experimentation embody boldly creating through stimming, hyperfocus, and intense world processing. His work isn’t just music—it’s immersive, sensory-rich storytelling. (Ep 29)Aquariums - Aquariums might seem passive, but for many autistics, designing and maintaining them is an act of boldly creating immersive, sensory microcosms. This episode reveals how aquariums provide a stimmy, visually rich world where autistic minds can engage in detail-driven creativity and caretaking. It's art, science, and serenity in one glass box. (Ep 51)Kink - Kink, when approached through an autistic lens, becomes a space for radical self-expression, sensory exploration, and boundary-setting. It’s not just kink—it’s creative autonomy. (Ep 69)Bellydance - Bellydance allows autistic creators to embody movement, rhythm, and sensory connection in powerful ways. It’s not performance—it’s personal liberation through creation. (Ep 71)Broadway - Broadway is more autistic than it appears at first glance—its passion for precision, repetition, and immersive storytelling speaks directly to autistic ways of processing and creating. ( Ep 85)Punk - Punk’s DIY ethos, anti-authoritarian spirit, and raw self-expression are a natural match for autistic boldness. Boldly creating here means rejecting the mainstream and crafting identity through sound and rebellion. (Ep 89)Knitting - Knitting offers a tactile, rhythmic stimming that transforms into bold artistic output. Often dismissed as a “hobby,” knitting here becomes a radical act of self-regulation, focus, and creative control. (Ep 93)Roller Derby - Autistic roller derby athletes boldly create not only by mastering a physically demanding sport but by reshaping community and identity. (Ep 125)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

An episode that uncovers the hidden neurodivergent depths of beloved book characters.In Episode 144 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon and author/editor Jo Case explore the deep emotional resonance of autistic-coded characters in fiction, the power of autistic storytelling, and what it means to see “someone like me” in books.All this, and we announce our amazing winners from our seventh writing contest!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇‘The Armadillo and the Cactus’By Genya VasilovTHE RUNNER UP 🥈‘The Runt and the Kitten’By Fiona BakerCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* Jo Case shares her journey as a neurodivergent writer and editor, and discusses her autism late-diagnosis story and her memoir ‘Boomer and Me’ on autistic motherhood.* Jo and Angela name and unpack book characters they now read as autistic — from Jo March to Anne of Green Gables to Harriet the Spy.* Hear the winning fable from last week’s prompt.* Jo shares actionable tips for autistic writers who want to go from journaling to publishing.Jo Case (she/her) is a writer and editor who lives in Adelaide. Someone Like Me: An anthology of non-fiction by Autistic writers by Jo Case - An expansive anthology of creative non-fiction, memoir, graphic storytelling, and more from a stellar line-up of Autistic, gender-diverse, and women writers. She is the deputy books and ideas editor at The Conversation. Her memoir of autistic motherhood, ‘Boomer and Me’, was published by Hardie Grant in 2013.Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Someone Like Me’ ContestA contest where we write about the deep emotional resonance of autistic-coded characters in fiction.PROMPT: Write about a childhood book character you now read as Autistic.This can be a character from a children's book or an adult book, but it should have a pull on you as identity-forming or pivotal to your growth.⚠️Your essay 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 2nd 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 #someonelikeme on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSes-dR34WBtfe7VYGx7wZRvqNhV8ykEGr4L9CHzNSjN5HVfFQ/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 #30Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31The Art of Unmasking (Episode 142) - Writing Prompt #32Follow 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 didn’t just think outside the box—it questioned why there’s a box in the first place!In Episode 143 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon continues our journey through the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture as we move onto Pillar 6 — Game Changing Innovation. Autistic innovation isn’t about trends or flash. It’s about paradigm shifts. It’s about seeing what no one else is looking for, hyperfocusing on what matters, and rebuilding the world, system by system.Dr Angela looks deep into the game-changing transformations developed by Autistic game changers, such as Sir Isaac Newton, who invented Calculus, Sir Richard Branson’s out-of-the-box business models, and Angela’s father’s innovations in creating build-your-own Hot Rod kit cars.Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:* Autistic people challenge assumptions, not to be difficult, but because we can see the assumptions in the first place.* Neurodivergent people innovate through sensory truth, emotional intensity, and process precision.* Autistic people don’t disrupt the status quo to seek attention. We disrupt because the system doesn’t make sense, and we can’t unsee that.* Game changers in autistic culture often challenge capitalist efficiency with a call for meaning, integrity, and alignment.* Many autistic innovators aren't seen as leaders until the world catches up to their vision.* Historical and modern change agents in autistic culture often operate without blueprints, forging their own.Key Concepts:* Game-changing is not about chasing disruption for its own sake. It’s about building entirely new paradigms based on noticing what others overlook.* Autistic game changers are pattern-breakers and system rewriters — not trend-followers.* Our deep focus and drive for autonomy let us find wholly new approaches to enduring problems.* Emotional intensity and sensory insights fuel world-building innovation.* It's often misunderstood or resisted because the new paradigm doesn't fit existing frameworks.💭 Here’s what to listen for through the lens of being a Game Changer and how to lean into them instead of masking: * 🧠 Lean In: Solve the problem no one else is trying to solve.🎭 Mask: Wait for permission to innovate.* 🧠 Lean In: Say the thing others avoid.🎭 Mask: Stay quiet to keep things smooth.* 🧠 Lean In: Build your own tools when none exist.🎭 Mask: Settle for tools that don’t work for your brain.* 🧠 Lean In: Follow sensory intuition.🎭 Mask: Override your gut to fit neurotypical norms.* 🧠 Lean In: Let emotional intensity guide your purpose.🎭 Mask: Detach to appear professional.* 🧠 Lean In: Hire people better than you.🎭 Mask: Try to do it all yourself.* 🧠 Lean In: Prioritize purpose over polish.🎭 Mask: Get stuck perfecting instead of launching.* 🧠 Lean In: Lead through clarity, not control.🎭 Mask: Micro-manage to feel safe.* 🧠 Lean In: Share your innovations, even if they feel “weird.”🎭 Mask: Water down your ideas for palatability.* 🧠 Lean In: Build systems around your vision.🎭 Mask: Work inside broken ones to avoid attention.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!Resources:Angela’s talk at TEDx Tamworth that references Sir Isaac Newton as a Game changerMake ‘Em Beg To Work For You: 7 Steps to Find, Hire, Manage, Reward, and Release All-Star Players to Help Make Your Dream a Reality: Book on Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/fDJXaaTBig Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert - https://amzn.eu/d/iQCn8RdLessons in Chemistry TV show: In the 1950s, Elizabeth Zott's (Brie Larson) dream of being a scientist is challenged by a society that says women belong in the domestic sphere; she accepts a job on a TV cooking show and sets out to teach a nation of housewives way more than recipes.Bohemian Rhapsody Movie: With his impeccable vocal abilities, Freddie Mercury (Oscar Winner Rami Malek) and his rock band, Queen, achieve superstardom. However, amidst his skyrocketing success, he grapples with his ego, sexuality, and a fatal illness.Related Episodes:🎬 Episode 4 – Industrial Light & MagicGame Changer: George Lucas imagined a sci-fi story that required technology no one had invented yet, so he invented the technology. ILM didn’t just upgrade filmmaking—it transformed the entire system of visual effects. That’s autistic world-building in action: noticing what’s missing, refusing to accept limits, and constructing tools for an imagined reality others can’t see yet.🍏 Episode 7 – AppleGame Changer: Steve Jobs didn’t just make computers—he transformed them into sensory objects. He prioritized intuitive design, haptics, visual simplicity, and user flow, rooted in exteroception and autistic sensory logic. Apple didn’t follow tech trends; it redefined how we interact with machines. This is autistic innovation: form follows feeling.📸 Episode 37 – Eadweard MuybridgeGame Changer: Muybridge turned a hyper-specific visual question—do all a horse’s legs leave the ground at once?—into the birth of motion pictures. His obsessive pattern-tracking and refusal to let the invisible remain unseen reshaped visual storytelling. That’s autistic attention to detail reframing what’s possible in photography, science, and cinema.🎤 Episode 54 – Hannah GadsbyGame Changer: Hannah Gadsby didn’t just perform a comedy special—she dismantled the genre. By naming trauma, breaking structure, and confronting the audience directly, Nanette challenged what comedy is for. That’s autistic communication: truth-first, form-second. Game-changing by turning the mirror back on the audience.👩‍🔬 Episode 56 - Lessons in Chemistry is AutisticGame Changer: Lessons in Chemistry reframed a 1960s kitchen as a chemistry lab—and a battleground for gender equality. Elizabeth Zott’s scientific precision and refusal to dumb herself down turned a TV cooking show into a feminist manifesto. That’s autistic-level clarity and focus, redefining women’s roles in science, media, and domestic life.🎶 Episode 73 – Freddie MercuryGame Changer: “Bohemian Rhapsody” broke every rule of commercial radio—and still became iconic. Freddie Mercury fused opera, rock, theatricality, and queerness into a new musical grammar. This was autistic genre-melding, sensory richness, and emotional intensity, reshaping pop culture forever.🍽️ Episode 81 – Anthony BourdainGame Changer: Bourdain changed food television from recipe-sharing to relationship-sharing. He centered voices on the margins, told uncomfortable truths, and used food as a lens for global justice. That’s autistic moral clarity—deep empathy meeting pattern recognition—and it flipped an entire genre on its head.🧺 Episode 99 – Martha StewartGame Changer: Martha didn’t just elevate homemaking—she turned it into an empire. With autistic-level detail, systems-thinking, and sensory perfectionism, she reframed “women’s work” as art and strategy. That’s autistic innovation: redefining the value of precision, process, and aesthetic ritual.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

An episode that mastered the art of unmasking on the page!In Episode 142 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon discusses the art of unmasking and how writing can help process late-diagnosis identity shock. Plus, she reveals this week’s creative prompt themed around the oral tradition of writing and sharing Fables! What lessons, values, or morals would you pass down as an Autistic person?All this, and we announce our amazing winners from our sixth writing contest!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇Lindsee Garlock-Thornton:-Sparkly Brain-The greatest treasureGolden playground of the mindNo bland thoughts in here-Knowledge Thirst Trap-I learn something newPupils dilate, purview swellsLet’s do that again!-Sensational Senses-I must touch the thingSmooth, fluffy, bumpy, or slickHungry fingertips-Visual Disturbance Rumination-The anomalyHighly visible to meRinse and repeat and repeat-Call Me Sal- (Sally, witch, Practical Magic)Pattern recognizedWe can see around cornersMagic to your eyes-Welp, Found My People-Autistic cultureTalking it out fills me upEverything makes sense!THE RUNNER UP 🥈Allyson Hogan:Comfort episodeWatch ‘til you know it by heartRecite every wordSpin reemergingHello again, my old friendI sink into youPlay the song againMedicine to scratch awayThe itch in my brainCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* An update on what to expect from the Autistic Culture podcast over the summer hiatus and what to look forward to in Season 4.* Dr Angela provides an update on her upcoming book ‘Am I Actually Autistic?: Dr. Angela Kingdon's Memoir and Self-Identification Guide to Processing the Identity Shock of a Late Autism Discovery & Living Unmasked’.* Discover the mission behind the Autistic Culture Institute and get early details on Neurodivergent Voices Live, a UK-based celebration of autistic authors, artists, podcasters, and performers coming in June 2026.* Explore how writing can help process late-diagnosis identity shock and unmasking in a world that wasn’t built for neurodivergent minds.* Masking refers to the conscious or unconscious suppression of natural autistic traits to conform to neurotypical expectations. While masking can aid short-term social acceptance, long-term masking may lead to exhaustion, anxiety, identity confusion, and burnout.* Unmasking allows space for joy: in sensory play, deep interests, honest expression, and bodily autonomy. It invites curiosity, creativity, and playfulness, not just survival.* Fables belong essentially to the oral tradition; they survive by being remembered and then retold in one's own words. When they are written down, particularly in the dominant language of instruction, they lose something of their essence. A strategy for reclaiming them is therefore to exploit the gap between the written and the spoken language. Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Moral of the Story’ ContestWhat’s the moral you want to pass on to our younger neurokin? Start there!PROMPT: If you were to write a fable in the style of Aesop’s fables about friendship, what would the moral be?⚠️Your fable 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, June 25th 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 #moralofthestory on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSes-dR34WBtfe7VYGx7wZRvqNhV8ykEGr4L9CHzNSjN5HVfFQ/viewformResources:Matt telling the Wind and the Sun parable is at 10:43 on the Neurodiversity PodcastBBC article on Aesop’s fables: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/articles/z73s6v4Aesops fables: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesop%27s_FablesThe Miller, his Son, and their Donkey: https://www.shortkidstories.com/story/miller-son-donkey/Detailed list of morals: https://www.litscape.com/indexes/Aesop/Morals.html#google_vignetteLindsee Garlock-Thornton Haiuk Instagram: haikuwouldntyouSubstack link to ‘Am I Actually Autistic?: Dr. Angela Kingdon's Memoir and Self-Identification Guide to Processing the Identity Shock of a Late Autism Discovery & Living Unmasked’ - https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/t/bookBuy a physical copy of the book here: https://books.by/autisticcultureRelated 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 #30Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31Follow 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