An episode that checks all the vital signs.Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Today, our hosts dive into part two, a follow-up to our previous episode on autistic medical needs.* Autistic people often experience comorbid conditions, many of which stem from the distressing effects of navigating a neurotypical world. These can include POTS, MCAS, PMDD, PCOS, PTSD, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, among others. On the bright side, we’re at a lower risk for cancer!* Living in a world designed for neurotypicals is inherently traumatic for autistic people, often leading to chronic stress that impacts our physical health. This distress can contribute to comorbid conditions like POTS, MCAS, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, making medical advocacy a crucial but often exhausting necessity.* We discuss the pathological demand compliance that neurotypicals seem to exhibit, blindly following societal expectations without questioning them. This tendency contrasts with autistic people's need to understand the why behind demands, making medical self-advocacy even more challenging.* Bottom-up processing means we're constantly researching and analyzing potential medical issues, often coming to our own conclusions before seeing a doctor. However, the medical system doesn’t always operate this way, making it frustrating when our self-advocacy is dismissed or misunderstood.* Neurotypical doctors, due to the intensity and nature of their training, can carry a lot of internalized ableism. As a result, they don't always react well to autistic patients who have done their own research and come prepared with information about their condition.* We talk about the issue of medical gaslighting and how it happens frequently to autistic people, where our symptoms and concerns are dismissed or belittled by healthcare professionals.* Additionally, systemic racism remains rampant in the medical field alongside ableism, further complicating the already difficult experience for multiply marginalized autistic people seeking proper care and recognition of their needs.* Our hosts discuss the issues with medication, highlighting how it's often more hit or miss than many would like to believe, especially when it comes to finding the right treatment for autistic individuals.* We talk about how frustrating it is when you have to be assertive about your needs at the doctor’s, only to have it perceived as aggression, even though you're just advocating for your health.* There is an importance now more than ever to teach neurotypical healthcare providers how to properly interact with their neurodivergent patients, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and respected in their medical care.* We discuss the struggle of having to mask in doctor's offices and the importance of doing your own research to accompany doctor’s visits, as it’s often necessary to ensure your concerns are taken seriously.* Going to the doctor’s is a masterclass in masking—showing just the right amount of emotion and care to avoid being seen as too detached or overly emotional, all while trying to communicate your needs effectively.* Our hosts discuss how to "fake" being neurotypical by understanding the intricacies of top-down processing, where we learn to mimic expected behaviors and responses, even if they don't come naturally to us.* Having autistic connections is so important because when we find a provider who is autism-affirming or discover medical information that could help our community, we need to shout it from the rooftops to ensure everyone has access to that support.* In times like these, especially with medical situations and the ongoing DEI crisis, we need to lean on our communities more than ever for support, knowledge, and solidarity.“We like to be in the background. We like to be in the shadows. We like to not be judged, because it’s safer there. Because otherwise, there is a chance that we will be judged, we will be left out, people will actively dislike us. But, if we are invisible, there’s no chance for that to happen.” - Matt“Living in a neurotypical world is inherently traumatic for us. The CPTSD rate is so high for autistic people that neurotypical people can’t tell what’s CPTSD and what’s autism traits. That’s the thing about the anxiety and the depression and the gastrointestinal distress and all of this stuff. It’s not normal autistic stuff. It’s autistic distress cues.” - Matt“The bias is that, ‘if there’s a way to fix it easily, then let’s fix it easily.’ And I don’t think that’s wrong, but it ends up feeling a whole lot like gaslighting and being pushed away when we know real things are happening.” - Angela “But here’s the thing, because you don’t know you as well as this doctor knows you, because this doctor has a degree and went to school and they know all the things. They are God-like.” - MattDid you enjoy this episode? We dive into the challenges of navigating a neurotypical world with a neurodivergent brain, exploring the medical hurdles and advocacy we face. From medical gaslighting to the struggles of masking in doctor’s offices, we discuss how these issues impact our health and well-being. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your experiences and connect with others on social media!Related Episodes: Autistic Medical NeedsReady 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 Anne'-swers all your questions!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * We kick off this episode by diving into autism misdiagnoses and the controversy surrounding Kanye West.* We explore how neurotypical stigmas surrounding autism contribute to misdiagnoses, leading to misunderstandings, overlooked diagnoses, and incorrect labels that impact autistic individuals' lives.* Autistic people are often the best at recognizing and diagnosing other autistic people—real recognize real.* We then dive into the heart of our episode—Anne of Green Gables—and explore how this beloved story is delightfully autistic in all the best ways.* Anne, our protagonist, is the quintessential outsider—she doesn’t fit in and doesn’t care to. Sound familiar?* Anne Shirley is constantly told she's 'too much'—too talkative, too dramatic, too imaginative, and always just a little outside the norm* The original Anne of Green Gables was written in 1908, during the Industrial Revolution—an era of chaotic transition for many, including autistic individuals, who were beginning to adjust to life in a rapidly changing capitalist society.* A lot of autistic people are drawn to turn-of-the-century fiction, like Anne of Green Gables or Little House on the Prairie, because it evokes a time when life felt less complex and the world seemed more predictable.* Anne Shirley is an orphan, and many autistic people can relate to that feeling of being an outsider or disconnected, much like the concept of Wrong Planet Syndrome that Angela discusses—where autistic individuals feel as though they’re from a different world entirely.* The book experienced massive critical and commercial success over the years, spawning sequels, a Disney movie, an anime adaptation, and more.* Anne of Green Gables holds a huge cultural impact and status in Japan, a country that embodies many facets of autistic culture, from its deep appreciation for routine and order to its rich traditions of storytelling and introspection.* We discuss Anne's author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, and how she based the character of Anne on her own life, highlighting the autistic-coded traits that are reflected in Anne's personality and experiences.* In addition, we also analyze some of Anne's inherently autistic traits, like her use of echolalia, infodumping, and her intense "spins"—those passionate, often over-the-top moments where she loses herself in her thoughts and imagination.* Matt and Angela dive into the concept of internalized ableism, exploring how it often takes significantly more effort and output for autistic people to achieve success, as they navigate societal expectations that aren’t built for neurodivergent minds.* We discuss how unschooling often gets bad PR, while also examining how factory schools were created during the Industrial Revolution to train students to work for 8 hours a day in factories, shaping the education system we know today.* Next, we explore the neurodivergent friendship dynamics in the series, such as the unique bond between Anne and Gilbert, which is built on an intellectual connection with little to no small talk, showcasing other neurodivergent tendencies like deep, focused conversation and mutual understanding.* Additionally, talk about the importance of echolalia and neurodivergent-coded language processing in Anne’s character and how it shapes her communication style.* Autistic people have a different structure of language; we use the same words but approach concepts in unique ways. When we communicate with other autistic people, there’s a shared understanding that transcends typical language norms.* We talk about Anne’s physical stimming and how people in her town of Avonlea were not pleased with it, often misunderstanding or criticizing her behavior.* Anne has sensory issues aplenty, including ones that influence her choice of dress and what she wears, highlighting her sensitivity to certain fabrics and styles.* Finally, we touch on how Anne struggles with masking and is constantly pressured to fit in, highlighting the challenges of trying to conform to societal expectations while staying true to herself.“This is the thing - the people who are good at diagnosing autism might not be as neurotypical as they think they are. The neurotypicals tend to be very bad at diagnosing autism.” - Matt“When I picture Anne of Green Gables, I picture her surrounded by Kermit the Frog dressed as Clark Gable.” - Matt“It’s all very well to read about sorrows and imagine yourself living through them heroically - but it’s not so nice when you really come to have them, is it?” - Anne Shirley“There’s such a lot of different ands in me. I sometimes think that is why I’m such a troublesome person.” - Anne Shirley“I have always lived in a world of imagination; I kept it shut up within myself for fear of ridicule.” - Lucy Maud Montgomery“This is why we get thrown into ‘social skills groups’ and ‘social skills training’ - because neurotypicals want us to be like them instead of acknowledging that we are different and accepting our differences because it’s colonization b******t.” - MattDid you enjoy this episode? We dive into the neurodivergent themes in Anne of Green Gables, exploring Anne's traits, sensory issues, and the challenges she faces in Avonlea. We discuss how her unique communication style and physical stimming set her apart, while also reflecting on how society views neurodivergence. In the comments, let us know what resonated with you, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with other listeners!Show Notes:Reddit Discussion: Anne Shirley—Anne of Green Gables and AutismA Reddit thread where users discuss the possibility of Anne Shirley being autistic, citing her creativity, emotional experiences, and social interactions.https://www.reddit.com/r/FanTheories/comments/w1om6v/anne_shirleyanne_of_green_gables_and_autism/YouTube Video: Autism in Anne of Green GablesA video analysis exploring the autistic traits of major characters in Anne of Green Gables.Article: Autistic-Coded TV and Film CharactersAn article that includes Anne Shirley-Cuthbert from Anne with an E among characters interpreted as autistic-coded.https://thewyrdsisters.co.uk/autistic-coded-characters/Medium Article: Characters That Ping Our NeuroScopesA piece discussing various characters, including Anne Shirley, who exhibit traits that resonate with neurodivergent experiences.https://medium.com/@autisticlouzanna/characters-that-ping-our-neuroscopes-2c42437410efPubMed Article: Lucy Maude Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables: An Early Description of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderAn academic article analyzing Anne Shirley’s behaviors in the context of ADHD, which shares overlapping traits with autism.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28697270/Facebook Post by Kristy Forbes—Autism & ND SupportA post discussing the portrayal of Anne in the series Anne with an E, highlighting traits that may align with autism.https://www.facebook.com/inTunePathways/posts/recently-i-started-watching-anne-with-an-e-its-a-series-based-on-the-novel-by-lu/985985522010541/Related Episodes: Dimensions of Autistic CultureOnly Murders is AutisticCommunity 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 plays around with the rules!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Our hosts, Matt and Angela, kick off the episode by discussing the current state of the world, the chaos surrounding it, and how they navigate through it.* We discuss the importance of community and ongoing advocacy, emphasizing the need to stay strong and keep pushing forward for autistic children.* Our special guest, Meghan Ashley, LPC-S, is an autistic licensed professional counselor and the author of Blueprint to Behavior, a practical guide for parents looking to better understand their autistic children’s communication and needs. * Meghan's supervisory practice is neurodivergence-affirming, and she teaches clinicians worldwide about autism assessment.* We discuss the importance of having a secure accommodation plan after a diagnosis and how receiving a diagnosis means doing the necessary work to care for yourself in order to live your best autistic life.* Matt shares the unfortunate experience his son had with his autism diagnosis and emphasizes the need for the diagnostic process to evolve into a more comprehensive and supportive experience.* Meghan's mission is to ensure that this is the last generation of autistic kids whose parents feel lost or unsure about how to understand and support them.* We discuss Meghan's experience delivering a TED Talk, where she passionately shared her mission to change the landscape of autism understanding and support. She reflects on the impact of her message, emphasizing the urgent need to equip parents with the knowledge and resources to better support their autistic children.* Meghan shares the overwhelmingly positive response her TED Talk received within the autism community, highlighting how her message resonated deeply with both parents and autistic individuals. She reflects on how especially meaningful it was to hear that an autistic audience member felt affirmed and seen through her words.* We discussed TED Talk preparation with Meghan and how, in true autistic fashion, she was the only speaker that day who opted to forgo a coach, choosing instead to craft and deliver her talk entirely on her own.* Our hosts chat with Meghan about her book, Blueprint to Behavior, and dive into the experiences of neurodivergent parents—many of whom may not even recognize their own neurodivergence while navigating parenthood.* Meghan's book embraces the theme that autistic kids are whole just as they are, emphasizing that parents must take the time to truly understand their children's wants and needs rather than trying to change them.* Themes in Meghan's book include showing grace as a parent of an autistic child, while also maintaining accountability. It focuses on how to parent and love your autistic child in the best way possible, honoring their individuality and unique needs.* Meghan and our hosts discuss the impact of autistic parenting styles, with Meghan describing it as, "your house is chaotic until you figure out what you need it to do for you." She emphasizes how, for neurodivergent parents, creating a home environment that works for everyone often involves trial and error, but ultimately leads to a more harmonious and supportive space.* We discuss how internalized ableism can play a role in this process, acknowledging that neurodivergent parents may sometimes struggle with societal expectations or their own preconceived notions about what "normal" parenting should look like. This internalized ableism can impact how they approach both their own needs and those of their autistic children.* The target audience for Meghan's book is parents who believe that ABA is the only effective route for their child. Meghan encourages them to explore alternative approaches that honor their child's autonomy, emphasizing that there are other, more respectful methods to support their child's growth and well-being.* We talk about how to better understand your kids' sensory needs, especially when they don’t yet have the language to express them. Meghan emphasizes the importance of observing behaviors and triggers, and learning to interpret nonverbal cues to meet their sensory requirements effectively.* As autistic people who are late diagnosed, sometimes we find ourselves needing to parent both our autistic child and ourselves. Meghan discusses how this dual responsibility can be challenging, but also a path to greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and the ability to better support our children.* Meghan's autism assessment process involves a deeply reflective approach, where individuals bring in childhood photos of themselves, especially ones with their special interest. She encourages apologizing to your younger self for any past misunderstandings and thanking them for helping you get to where you are now. From there, Meghan guides individuals to let go of past struggles and learn coping skills that allow them to live authentically.* As an autistic person, it's important to always have your accommodations present wherever you go. Whether it’s sensory tools, communication aids, or strategies for self-regulation, having these supports readily available helps ensure you can navigate the world in a way that honors your needs and promotes your well-being.* We have to adapt to a mostly neurotypical world while also accommodating ourselves and our children. Despite the challenges, we're going to live and thrive, whether society wants us to or not. It's about asserting our place and creating spaces where we and our children can be fully ourselves.* Finally, we discuss Meghan's experience being Black and autistic in America, and how this adds unique layers to her advocacy work. She highlights the extra challenges Black autistic children face, especially when it comes to safety, and how the traditional ABA approach can be particularly predatory to the Black autistic community. Meghan stresses the importance of culturally competent support and the need to advocate for alternative, more respectful approaches.Meghan Ashley, LPC-S (She/Her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Texas. She prides herself on providing a space where people can be their full selves and explore who they are destined to become. Meghan focuses on empowering people to understand their own beliefs, thoughts, and actions to help them to learn to better understand themselves.Meghan received her Master of Science in Counseling psychology from Louisiana State University Shreveport. Throughout her career Meghan has worked with clients identifying, celebrating, and maintaining their authenticity. Working with Autistic adults has been Meghan’s passion from the beginning.Outside of therapy, Meghan loves photography, reading historical fiction, designing t-shirts and exploring cities with her family. If you catch her at a stoplight, she is most likely rocking out to a Disney movie soundtrack. Meghan values the psychology of different cultures and studies life like the forever student she hopes to always be.Book link and synopsis:https://a.co/d/9KblB09Blueprint to Behavior is a book rich with practical answers to the question "what is my Autistic child communicating to me with their behaviors?". From the worksheets to the enriching examples, this book covers the spectrum on an everyday at-home vibe of how Autism presents and needs to be cared for. Meghan Ashley, MSCP, LPC-S serves as a fountain of parental knowledge perfectly blended with therapeutic expertise which shines a light on rarely talked about Autistic family dynamics. This book is for you if you want to take the guess work out of figuring out your child's wants and needs and instead have tools to know how to parent an Autistic child. Autistic people have a different way of thinking, expressing, and processing information from the world around them. They need a different way of parenting that matches their unique worldview and needs.“That is the purpose of all this bombardment - to disrupt us, to disrupt communities, to disrupt functioning so that people can’t formulate a way to stand up for themselves, because it’s much easier to control people if you don’t have community. If you disrupt community, if you disrupt basic human rights, it’s much easier to control people.” - Matt“[When you get an autism diagnosis], choirs of angels don’t show up on your doorstep when you get home. You actually have to do something with the diagnosis. You don’t get a prescription.” - Angela “I absolutely don’t say you should be more normal. You should be more autistic is what I say. If the world was more autistic, then things would probably run better, and it wouldn’t be as, you know, *dumpster fire*.” - Meghan Ashley, LPC-S“[Having gone through therapy school], we are not taught anything about learning about autistic people or how to address autistic family issues, because we’re taught about neurotypical families. We’re taught about how to establish these neurotypical hierarchies and triangles and all this other stuff. But everything I’ve learned about autism comes from other autistic people, comes from my own experience as a therapist, my own experience as a father, my own experience working with autistic people.” - Matt“As an autistic person, you take my experience as fact and that’s it. It’s not up for debate.” - Meghan Ashley, LPC-S“When I do my assessments, I have my clients bring in pictures of them when they were kids, pictures of them with their special interests and all of these amazing ways that have made up this entire human who is an autistic person. And we apologize to that baby, because nobody knew. Nobody knew how to help them. They found these coping skills that sometimes work, sometimes don’t, that got them to where they are today. And then, we let that go. Because now, we’re in a different place where we can figure out what we actually want and need. And we can actually live more authentically and artistically and happily in this space.” - Meghan Ashley, LPC-SDid you enjoy this episode? Our special guest, Meghan Ashley, shares her insights on parenting autistic children and embracing neurodivergence. We explore the challenges of understanding sensory needs, creating accommodations, and how to live authentically as neurodivergent individuals. Meghan also reflects on her experience as a Black autistic person in America and the importance of safe, respectful support for Black autistic children. In the comments, let us know what resonated with you, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with other listeners!Show Notes:https://www.instagram.com/mperfectconsulting/Ted Talk: Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blueprint-Behavior-Adapting-Understanding-Behaviors/dp/B0D83L3MJYToolKits: https://adaptingtoautism.com/Related Episodes:Bad Autism DiagnosisChild-to-Parent Diagnostic PipelineReframing DSM Autism CriteriaSunglasses 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’s packing its bags and info-dumping along the way.Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Amidst the chaos in America, Matt and Angela, with special guest Abigoliah Schamaun, dive into why being an expat is inherently autistic.* Today's special guest, Abigoliah Schamaun, is a stand-up comedian who’s been all over the game show circuit—including Pointless, a wonderful little quiz show where the goal is simply to get the wrong answer.* Abigoliah moved from Ohio to the UK, hosts the neurodivergent podcast Neurodivergent Moments, and has gained TikTok fame—along with a touch of international recognition.* Our guest, Abigoliah, moved to New York at 18 to study musical theater—but ended up falling in love with the world of stand-up.* Angela and Abigoliah trade expat tales and unpack Angela’s very scientific theory that moving abroad is just autism with extra passport stamps.* We chat about how being neurodivergent can get totally upstaged by being American—especially when being American is the main event!* Angela and Abigoliah discuss how podcasting toes the line between freelancing and running your own business, and how burnout can totally mess with posting on socials and creating content.* We dive into post-diagnosis clarity and the importance of giving yourself grace while navigating burnout.* Our hosts and guest chat about cultural differences, especially the contrasts between the UK and the USA—particularly when it comes to gun violence.* We also address the elephant in the room—the glaring differences between the healthcare systems in the UK and the USA.* In addition, we explore the neurodivergent podcast landscape and dive into the challenges and benefits of cross-neurotype communication.* We also discuss the trouble with professional autism diagnoses and segue into a surprise promotion for our new book (you’ll have to listen to the episode for all the juicy details!)* Finally, we chat about Abigoliah’s upcoming spring comedy tour, which you should definitely check out if you're in the UK!New York comedian, actor and writer, Abigoliah Schamaun is frank, funny, and unapologetic. Her unbridled charisma and comedic skill have taken her all over the world cementing her place as one of the top female headliners on the UK comedy scene. Having cut her teeth gigging in America she moved to the UK where she immediately placed as a finalist in the Funny Women Awards and has since focussed on growing her large fan following. On TikTok her stand up and comedy cooking clips have amassed over 10 million views and she has hundreds of thousands of followers.Abigoliah lives with ADHD and is very open in talking about her neurodiversity which she does with co-host Joe Wells on their Neurodivergent Moments Podcast.“As an autistic person, there’s the whole ‘you’re born on the wrong planet.’ I walked around the US feeling like I didn’t fit in, but there was no real good reason, because I actually was born there. Here, I feel like I don’t fit in and I’m like awkward and do these really embarrassing things, but it’s always attributed to me being American.” - Angela “I hate it when comedians do bits in conversation, I really want to empathize, but this was my reaction - ‘You’re not autistic, you’re just English.’ Cause like, he’s quiet. He’s emotionally subdued. He likes bland food. And when he was like, ‘you’re ADHD’, I was like, ‘no, you don’t understand. These are my people. We’re loud. We’re talkative. It’s just being an American. You don’t get it.” - Abigoliah “The one thing that I would say the diagnosis has given me is it has just allowed me to give myself some grace. Like if I’m in burnout, if I can’t function one day, I’m like, ‘if I just give myself 24 hours, I’ll be okay tomorrow. If I rest today, I’ll be okay tomorrow.’” - Abigoliah“I just find that my nervous system is so much more relaxed without guns and with national healthcare.” - Angela Did you enjoy this episode? Our special guest, Abigoliah Schamaun, takes us through her journey from Ohio to the UK, where she fell in love with stand-up comedy. We dive into cultural differences between the UK and the USA, especially regarding gun violence, and discuss the challenges of freelancing, burnout, and how it affects content creation. We also touch on post-diagnosis clarity and the importance of giving yourself grace during tough times. In the comments, let us know what resonated with you, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with other listeners!Show Notes:https://www.patreon.com/neurodivergentmomentspodUk Tour in the spring on sale now. "Legally Cheeky" abigoliah.com/tourhttps://shows.acast.com/neurodivergent-momentsNeurodivergent Moments on any podcast app@abigoliah on all socialsPointless Celebrities Series 16. Episode 17Pointless Celebrities - Series 16: Episode 17BBC23 Mar 2024Related Episodes:Comedy 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

The podcast dives into the challenges of internalized ableism faced by autistic individuals. It highlights the societal pressures that make some question their identities and capabilities. The struggle between pushing limits through masking and the threat of burnout is explored, emphasizing self-acceptance. Personal stories reveal the exhaustion from navigating a neurotypical world and the importance of recognizing individual needs. The conversation also touches on the significance of community support and inner child healing, promoting understanding and self-forgiveness.

An episode that’s out of this world!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In this episode, Matt and Angela explore the autistic coding in the sci-fi series The Orville and the role its showrunner, Seth MacFarlane, plays in shaping this representation.* Seth MacFarlane may be one of us—his intense special interests and strong sense of justice are hallmark autistic traits.* As MacFarlane's popularity in Hollywood grew, so did his willingness to speak out. He called out Kevin Spacey’s crimes before they were widely known to the public and also publicly condemned Harvey Weinstein.* Seth MacFarlane had a deep special interest in Star Trek: The Next Generation, even featuring its stars as guest actors in episodes of Family Guy. He aspired to be a showrunner for Star Trek: The Next Generation and pitched reboot concepts, but they were either denied or not picked up. While his 2017 show The Orville is technically unrelated to Star Trek, it feels like MacFarlane’s own take on the franchise.* Everyone on The Orville has a more or less direct counterpart in Star Trek: The Next Generation, with numerous interdimensional links and hidden Easter eggs woven throughout the show.* We explore the show's themes of gender identity, including the rampant misogyny within Moklin culture, where women are so despised that they are forcibly altered to become male. We also discuss the show's gay coding and its deeper implications.* Matt and Angela discuss how The Orville features many of the same cast members from Seth MacFarlane’s other projects, much like the signature casting styles of Tim Burton or David Lynch. They also touch on how MacFarlane’s Ted TV series is another standout work.* We discuss autistic pretty privilege and how Seth MacFarlane may be leveraging it to his advantage in Hollywood.* We explore the possibility that Seth MacFarlane uses monotropic focus to write The Orville and his other works, honing in on specific interests and themes with intense attention.* Our hosts talk about autistic-coded characters in The Orville, like Isaac, who displays autistic traits such as a focus on accuracy and a strong sense of self-awareness.* Season three of The Orville highlights Isaac's justice sensitivity, as he is ostracized and treated like a pariah for refusing to support genocide, in contrast to the rest of his race.* The move from Fox to Hulu proved to be beneficial for the show, allowing it to further explore social justice themes and highlight the autistic-coded traits in its characters.* The show features a character on Krill who manipulates a cult of personality to stir up frenzy against the Union, echoing the tactics of a certain orange man. Fox, with its religious ties, was hesitant to prioritize storylines like this, but after switching to Hulu, MacFarlane was able to dive deeper into these themes.* The show offers remarkable autistic-coded representation, with the Moklins and the Zileans being very by-the-book, Bortus and Klyden forming the perfect autistic-coded gay couple, and Seth MacFarlane’s showrunning tying all the autism representation together.* Finally, we discuss the upcoming season 4, which has been teased, and share our thoughts on what’s in store for the future of this incredibly autistic program.“If you haven’t seen The Orville, if there’s anything that I can say to convince you to see The Orville - four words: Dolly Parton laser fight. It’s a thing that happens.” - Matt “A lot of people consider autistic people to be devoid of social characteristics, but he [Seth MacFarlane] is very, very good at socializing. He’s very, very good at telling jokes. He’s very good at being open and himself.” - Matt“I think when you add the hyper-connected brain and the smart and talented, people want to be around us, and then they’re around us for a few minutes and they’re like, ‘these people are f*****g annoying. Let’s get them off the project and take full credit for their work. That’s it. If you are hearing this and a light bulb is going off, just know you’re normal. That’s part of our culture. They take our ideas and run with them and kick us off the project. But somehow, Seth stays in there. You go, my guy.” - AngelaDid you enjoy this episode? We talk about autistic coding in The Orville, the impact of monotropic focus, and how the show reflects themes of justice, gender identity, and more. In the comments, let us know what resonated with you, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with other listeners!Show Notes:Seth’s Star Trek fan Film:Related Episodes:Star Trek is AutisticTransformers is AutisticDinosaur 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 advocates for social change!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Today, Matt and Angela are joined by Halina Brooke, MS, LPC, to discuss autism-affirming social skills.* Halina is an LPC from Arizona whose practice is entirely focused on supporting misfits, oddballs, highly sensitive individuals, and creatives.* We discuss challenges in the clinical autism world, including the discomfort neurotypicals often feel when autistic voices with lived experience challenge their preconceived notions about autism.* We dive into the slippery slope of neurodivergence and labels, exploring how to use labels in a way that feels right for you.* Most social skills groups for autistic individuals focus on "teaching your children to be normal," but Halina's approach is different and stands out by being truly autism-affirming.* Halina's social groups and approach are centered on helping autistic individuals enjoy their environment and experiences, rather than focusing on making neurotypical people feel comfortable.* The goal of Halina's therapy and social group is to help individuals find ways to enjoy whatever context they’re in, while also understanding their nervous system's signals and learning how to cope with them.* We discuss the trauma that can result from ABA therapy for survivors and how this group can offer support and healing for those individuals.* Halina's mission in her therapy practice is to challenge the status quo by creating innovative, non-ABA, neurodiversity-affirming social skills groups specifically for adults over the age of 25.* We also talk about how ChatGPT can assist us as autistics in improving our social skills by helping us assess how our words or mannerisms might be perceived by outsiders or neurotypicals.* Our hosts also dive into the concept of "neurotypical packing peanuts" – the idea of having to "pack" an accomplishment with hardships or details that downplay it, so it doesn’t come across as bragging.* We discuss autism advocacy, highlighting how neurotypicals aren't advocating for themselves, but rather for the preservation of social norms, and the need to challenge an entrenched system.* Matt talks about the concept of code-switching—having to switch between masked and unmasked situations—and the impact that can have on our nervous systems as autistic individuals.* As we know, autistic masking can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even near-death experiences. Yet, neurotypicals often focus on urging us to stop masking at all costs, without fully understanding the consequences.* We discuss post-diagnosis or discovery grief, the missteps of our parents, and the process of forgiveness.* Finally, we discuss how, as neurodiversity-affirming advocates, we can make the world safer for autistic people. This includes speaking out about the problematic nature of ABA, while also being cautious, as some ABA programs have co-opted neurodiversity-affirming language.“And that’s the big thing about autism and ADHD, because the DSM doesn’t allow for internal experience. It’s always about how we impact the neurotypicals around us. It’s all about how the doctor can observe you and how irritated the doctor is with your choice of conversation topics or how you don’t make eye contact or how offputting you are to the observer.” - Matt“You know, the folks who are diagnosed [autistic] and were diagnosed as children, this is the generation that kind of came up with that huge wave of ABA, and when you are constantly told that your way of being is wrong and needs to be fixed, it can leave you with a really ingrained feeling of self-doubt. And so even if you’re doing a situation ‘right’, like if you have a special interest for a certain kind of book and you come to that book club and everyone else is like you in that way, if you went through ABA as a kid, you’re still gonna walk in there with crippling self-doubt wondering if you’re doing it right. But these might be your people.” - Halina“If you’re very happy and very comfortable being unmasked and then you have to go back into an intensely masked situation, it almost makes it worse because when you’re used to having to mask all the time and that’s just the norm, then you become accustomed to the chains that you wear.” - Matt“You become acutely aware of the trauma that you’ve had instead of normalizing it and dissociating and just saying, ‘yeah, everyone gets punched in the gut on Thursdays. That’s just how it happens.’” - Matt (on autistic code-switching and cognitive dissonance)Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about Autistic-affirming social skills, the challenges of masking, post-diagnosis grief, and how we can make the world safer for autistic people. In the comments, let us know what stood out to you, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with other listeners!Show Notes:Halina Brooke, MS, LPChalina@recoursecounseling.comMy Therapeutic Approach ~ Recourse CounselingBook your free consultation here.Call ~ 602.787.0600Ready 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 commands your attention (pun intended).Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In today's episode, Matt and Angela explore the show Creature Commandos and discuss why sympathetic monsters can resonate with autistic individuals.* We delve into the history of the DC Cinematic Universe and examine the autistic coding in James Gunn's other projects, most notably Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad.* Creature Commandos, the first project of the DCU, follows a black ops team of monsters and sets the stage for Suicide Squad.* James Gunn is known for his intricate world-building—an aspect that closely aligns with the importance of world-building in autistic culture.* We explore the autistic coding of characters from The Suicide Squad, beginning with GI Robot—an autistic-coded machine with a monotropic focus on one thing: killing Nazis.* Our hosts dive into the history of the eccentric and iconic Bride of Frankenstein character, exploring her autistic-coded quirks.* Each monster in the show carries a notoriously tragic backstory, and none exhibit neurotypical social skills. They are shunned by society and dehumanized—just as autistic people often are in real life.* We discuss the autistic-coded traits of the show's villains—for example, Clayface, whose directness and behavior can be interpreted (or misinterpreted) as manipulation.* Matt and Angela talk about the future of the DC Universe and how Superman, with his strong sense of justice, is inherently autistic-coded.* James Gunn's work is profoundly autistic-coded, often emphasizing themes of belonging, justice, and the complexities of social interaction. His characters—many of whom are outsiders or misfits—reflect autistic traits like strong focus on specific values, difficulty navigating social norms, and being misunderstood by society. Gunn's storytelling unites these "outsiders," celebrating their differences and showing how their unique qualities make them crucial to the narrative.“That’s the thing - we are often judged. We are often blamed. We are often criticized by people who don’t understand us. And therefore, when we find an appealing monster, we really, really latch onto that.” - Matt“We [autistic people] are so dehumanized that we’re robbed of basic human traits. People think that we don’t have empathy. People don’t think that we have theory of mind. People don’t think that we are capable of making eye contact. And if we do have any of those, there’s lots of people who believe that we can’t be autistic because they believe that we have to be subhuman in some way. So this is a big reason why we relate to monsters, because we are treated as monsters. We are treated as something less.” - MattDid you catch all the Autistic-coded traits in Creature Commandos? In the comments, tell us which characters or themes stood out to you, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with other listeners!Show Notes:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creature_Commandos_(TV_series)Ready 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 keeps it 100. Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * It’s our 100th episode! A huge thank you to our incredible supporters for joining us on this journey and uplifting our conversations about autistic culture and advocacy.* Our hosts kick off this episode by revisiting the topics they brainstormed when the podcast first began—like Lewis Carroll, James Joyce, and Steve Jobs—and reflecting on whether they've covered them all or if there's still more autistic culture to explore!* We discuss how episodes featuring autistic-coded people and characters with esoteric, autistic-coded lives often provide more content than those about openly autistic public figures because there’s more room for interpretation, deeper cultural analysis, and a richer exploration of autistic themes in storytelling.* Matt and Angela also discuss Sir Isaac Newton and how, if he had masked his autism, we might not have groundbreaking innovations like bridges, gravity, or space travel.* We discuss the problematic figure of Temple Grandin, examining how much of her controversial platform is rooted in her support for eugenics practices and her reliance on neurotypical name recognition.* In addition, we explore neurotypical bias and how neurotypicals often react defensively to speculation that a public figure might be autistic, revealing their own inherent ableism and rigid, preconceived notions of autism.* We also dive into Hans Christian Andersen—an autistic icon—and his story The Ugly Duckling, exploring its autistic coding and the deeper message that we are not "ugly ducklings" to be fixed but neurodiverse and beautiful swans.* Matt and Angela then read heartfelt testimonials from listeners who have found comfort, validation, and a sense of belonging through the podcast. These messages highlight how the discussions on autistic culture, advocacy, and representation have resonated with the community, helping listeners feel seen, understood, and empowered in their own journeys.* Thank you all—we love you, and we’re so grateful that this podcast helps you feel seen! Here’s to many more episodes ahead. If you’ve enjoyed the journey so far, please consider leaving us a positive review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to help us keep spreading autistic joy and advocacy!“There’s a lot of gloom and doom out there [about autism] because it’s profitable. To say autism is this horrible, horrible condition that needs to be cured, instead of - it’s a way of life. It’s just how our people do things. It’s totally natural. It is just us. This is our way.” - Matt“Every once in awhile, I meet somebody out in the real world who is a listener. And it always amazes me because I know that you [Angela] and Simon are here because I can see you and I’m talking to you directly, but I never really expect that other people out there hear anything that I say.” - MattDid you catch all 100 layers of autistic culture in our milestone episode? In the comments, tell us which topics resonated with you the most, and use #AutisticCulture100 and #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with fellow listeners!Show Notes:How to Wirte a Review: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/promotion/how-to-write-podcast-reviews/"We also want to remind you about two ways to get directly involved with the podcast.BE A GUEST/ SUGGEST A SHOW: If you’d like to be a guest, fill out our Guest Form.Help behind the scenes: Check out our Volunteer Form.Related Shows:Bad Autism DiagnosisReframing DSM 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

An episode with all the right ingredients!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In today’s episode, Matt and Angela, joined by special guest Melanie Deziel, delve into the legendary Martha Stewart and the fascinating autistic-coded traits that set her apart.* After watching the recent Martha Stewart Netflix documentary, Melanie noticed countless traits in Martha that could suggest neurodivergence.* We explore the ethics of speculating whether public figures are autistic and how reluctance to do so can stem from internalized ableism—implying that reacting negatively to the idea suggests autism is something undesirable.* Being autistic is a source of pride—it's not just who we are, but a culture with its own ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world. Embracing autism means recognizing its value, celebrating our strengths, and rejecting the idea that neurodivergence is something to be "fixed."* We discuss the genetics of autism, how it is inherited, and why this gives us reason to speculate that Martha Stewart may be neurodivergent. Her father’s strong need for routine and order—an autistic trait—deeply shaped the way she navigates the world.* The discussion shifts to the misogynistic media coverage of Martha Stewart and the criticism she faced for selling her cookware line at Kmart, which was dismissed as “low culture” in America. This connects to justice sensitivity, as she openly stated her belief that lower-income people still deserved access to quality cookware.* From her show to her media empire and the many now-commonplace innovations she pioneered, we discuss how Martha Stewart is a media genius—and how that level of brilliance can be deeply threatening to many people.* Other autistic hallmarks of Martha Stewart include her direct, straightforward communication style and the way she speaks with precision and a matter-of-fact tone.* What’s fascinating about Martha Stewart is how she’s often perceived as icy or cold by outsiders, yet those who truly know her—friends and longtime employees—describe her as warm, caring, and kind. This aligns with the autistic experience, where direct communication and a focused demeanor can be misinterpreted as aloofness, while deep loyalty and genuine care shine through in trusted relationships.* Her crafting reveals specific methods and attention to detail—like always using double-sided tape to wrap presents for that perfect, crisp finish—showcasing the kind of structured, methodical approach often associated with autism.* People often saw her as a tyrant, but there was intention behind her methods—she was using her encyclopedic knowledge to help others refine their craft and achieve excellence. Her high standards and structured approach reflect a deep passion for mastery, a trait often linked to autism.* She was constantly seeking ways to improve things and generously sharing her knowledge—much like penguin pebbling, where autistic people share information as a form of care and connection.* We discuss Martha’s uncanny ability to recognize potential, which likely stems from strong pattern recognition—an ability often associated with autism that allows her to see possibilities others might overlook.* We also dive into her insider trading case, how she was used as a scapegoat, and how the media skewed the narrative against her—further cementing her reputation as a "horrible rich lady," despite the nuanced reality of the situation.* Her five-month stint in prison was an eye-opening experience, leading her to actively support the prison community by teaching skills, helping fellow inmates access resources, and advocating for their rights—showcasing her deep sense of justice and desire to uplift others.* After leaving prison, Martha Stewart seemed to fully embrace her true self—allowing herself to make mistakes, show more of her personality, and lean into the authenticity that had always been there beneath her polished image.* At this point, she formed an unexpected but beloved friendship with Snoop Dogg, marking a renaissance in her public image as people got to see the true, unmasked Martha Stewart—authentic, witty, and unapologetically herself.* Another autistic trait of Martha Stewart is her deep appreciation for sensory experiences—she has a keen interest in different fabrics, textures, and foods, often focusing on the details that make something feel just right.* Martha Stewart’s entire brand and media empire are built on info-dumping—sharing her vast knowledge and passion for her special interests, from cooking to crafting to home design, in a way that’s both meticulous and immersive.* She also had a passion for building communities of unlikely yet talented individuals, bringing together experts in their craft—a form of hyper-connectivity often seen in autistic people who naturally create networks based on shared interests and skills.* We discuss how autistic or presumed autistic people—like Taylor Swift—are often unfairly perceived and frequently targeted with hate in the media, largely due to misinterpretations of their behaviors and a deep-seated discomfort with neurodiversity.* We explore how the media's portrayal of neurodivergent public figures often distorts their true nature, focusing on how traits like directness and emotional expression are unfairly criticized, leading to negative perceptions and widespread bias.About Today’s Guest:Melanie Deziel is a keynote speaker and award-winning branded content creator who is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their creative potential and organize their creative efforts.She is the Co-Founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind for creatives, and the author of both “The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas” and “Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust.”“You’re autistic way before you get a medical diagnosis. Your parents were autistic, your grandparents were autistic, your great-grandparents were autistic. You don’t need some neurotypical with a degree to come along and pronounce you autistic. “ - Matt“That’s always my favorite - the diagnostic domino effect. After my diagnosis, my mom is going through the paper and she’s like, ‘that’s not weird, I did that. That’s not weird, I did that.’ And I was like, have I got news for you, mama? Welcome.” - Angela“Her whole thing, which was setting off my justice sensitivity alarms, was that people who don’t have a lot of money also deserve to live well. They also have taste. They also want their homes to be beautiful. She got a lot of flack for that decision, but she saw the gap in the marketplace. She’s like, ‘just because someone doesn’t have a lot of money, doesn’t mean they don’t like nice pots and pans or want beautiful curtains or whatever else.” - Melanie“It’s only the people who have sort of passing interactions with her and take one offhanded comment and they’re like, ‘she’s horrible, she’s a b***h, she’s icy, she’s cold’, whatever. But the people who are around her say like, no, she’s deeply caring. She loves the people around her. She just has high expectations and is very straightforward in the way she speaks. She will say to you, ‘I appreciate this thing you’ve given me. It’s poorly constructed. Let’s fix it.’ She’s just very straightforward, and you’re like, ‘I didn’t mean to offend you. I thought we were all aware of this reality right in front of us.” - Melanie In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of Martha Stewart, exploring how her traits align with autistic characteristics and the media’s often skewed perception of her. From her intense need for control to the challenges she faced in a world that misunderstood her, we break down the real Martha Stewart—and the misconceptions surrounding her. Join Matt, Angela, and special guest Melanie Deziel as they discuss how her unique personality and approach to life shaped her empire, and how she became a target of unfair media scrutiny. Have you noticed these traits in Martha or other public figures? Share your thoughts with us using #AutisticCultureCatch on social media!Show Notes:Netflix Martha Stewart Netflix Documentary link - please findhttps://www.melaniedeziel.com/minishttps://www.melaniedeziel.com/advocacyRelated Shows:Trivia is AutisticTaylor Swift is AutisticLessons in Chemistry 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