Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity!

Dive into a captivating analysis of Taylor Swift's music and its rich connection to autism. Explore how her lyrics reflect outsider feelings, masking, and the search for belonging. The hosts discuss the cultural significance of songs like 'Shake It Off' as anthems for the autistic community. They also touch on her family's potential links to neurodivergence and the intersection of privilege and creativity in her career. Personal stories about fandom and shared interests reveal how Swift's artistry resonates deeply with listeners, creating a unique sense of belonging.

The discussion highlights Lena Dunham's health struggles and how they intersect with autism, particularly through her series 'Girls.' Themes of clothing sensitivities and rejection-sensitive dysphoria are examined. The show is celebrated for its neurodivergent storytelling approach. Personal anecdotes reveal the hidden challenges of high-functioning autism and the importance of community in navigating social isolation. The podcast also explores creative collaborations within neurodivergent circles, emphasizing the joy found in passionate interests.

Simon Scott, a passionate producer and host in the neurodivergent community, dives deep into the world of superfanning. He shares how fandom becomes a vital part of identity and emotional regulation for many autistic individuals. Their intense interests create connections that are both comforting and community-building. Scott reflects on various fandoms, from Doctor Who to wrestling, describing how they enhance personal relationships and foster engagement. He also discusses the evolving landscape of podcasting as a unique way to explore and celebrate these cultural ties.

Part of our 12-Week Writing Series for autistic creatives and late-diagnosed adults.In this episode of Writing Unmasked, guest host and producer Simon Scott spotlights top submissions from Week 10 of our Neurodivergent Narratives Series. From self-acceptance to unmasking, these powerful micro-narratives highlight how advice functions as a cultural transmission tool in the autistic community. Because when we tell our truths, we help others find theirs.🎧 What You’ll HearOur top two listener-submitted advice pieces from Week 10Reflections on how storytelling builds shared identity and emotional fluencyHow autistic writers use short-form storytelling for healing, voice reclamation, and radical self-acceptanceWhy advice-giving is not about fixing—but about cultural resonance🏆 Week 10 Winners🥇 First Place:“Oh, Darling One. This is Big. But Here's What You Need to Do”by Cat Blyth🥈 Runner-Up:“Perfectly Imperfect”by Emily BurgessCongratulations to our featured writers, and thank you to everyone who submitted! Want to see their full entries? Read them 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:Autism And The Myth of Success (Episode 146) - Writing Prompt #34Advice for Autistics (Episode 148) - Writing Prompt #35🌟 Connect With Us📱 Follow us on Instagram🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare Kumar, a productivity speaker and late-diagnosed autistic advocate, dives into justice-seeking within autistic culture. She redefines traits often seen as flaws, like black-and-white thinking, as strengths that drive moral clarity and fairness. Clare shares her journey of unmasking and how her sensitivity to injustice shapes her advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for everyone and the impact of standing up for truth in personal and professional arenas.

Part of our 12-Week Writing Series for autistic creatives and late-diagnosed adults.In this episode of Writing Unmasked, Dr. Angela Kingdon shares her most powerful personal advice for newly identified autistic adults—and invites you to do the same.As part of our Neurodivergent Narratives Writing Series, this episode explores how advice, in just 100 words or fewer, becomes a cultural artifact—a way to say:✨ “You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And yes, your weird, wonderful brain is welcome here.”We also announce the winners of our Week 9 writing prompt contest!🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy advice-giving is one of the fastest ways autistic people build culture and connectionHow writing short-form advice can help process identity shock, grief, and unmaskingThe difference between self-diagnosed vs. self-identified in autistic discourseHow special interests can serve as healing rituals, not guilty pleasuresA behind-the-scenes look at how we design this journal-therapy-inspired podcast seriesInsight into the upcoming Neurodivergent Narratives MasterclassHow to contribute your voice to future episodes and community anthologies🏆 Week 9 Winners🥇 First Place:“At Least Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie Got Warned”by Elena Kay Greenwell🥈 Runner-Up:“Greyworld”by Katherine StewartCongratulations to our featured writers, and thank you to everyone who submitted! Want to see their full entries? Read them here.📝 Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Got A Tip’ ContestPrompt:In 100 words or fewer, share your best advice for someone newly identified as autistic.When you're late-identified, the world can feel overwhelming. Advice from lived autistic experience cuts through the fog—it’s not therapy, it’s voice reclamation.🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, July 16 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 per winner📘 Publication: Winners featured on Substack and in our Neurodivergent Narratives anthology🔗 Submit your entry here →✅ Rules at a Glance:No plagiarism or hate speechNo explicit or graphic contentMultiple entries allowedNo subscription or attendance requiredFinal decisions are final📢 Use #gotatip on social media to spread the wordThis isn’t therapy. This is voice reclamation.Submit entry. Let Your Voice Be Heard.💌 Good luck, writers. We’re saving you a seat.🔗 Featured Links & References:🎤 Joe Wells – “I Am Autistic” (Comedy Set on YouTube)🎵 Jude Perl – “The Label Song” on Bandcamp📘 Am I Actually Autistic? – A guide to processing late autism discovery→ Free preview on Substack🎙️ Related Episodes:Autistic Head Cannon (Episode 144) - Writing Prompt #33Autism And The Myth of Success (Episode 146) - Writing Prompt #34🌟 Connect With Us📱 Follow us on Instagram🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autistic Culture 101, Dr. Angela Kingdon explores Pillar 8: Predictably Comforting with special guest Daria Brown, author of We Chose Play: Raising an Autistic Child to Thrive and Feel Understood. Together, they unpack how predictability, routine, and familiarity are not about rigidity—they’re about emotional safety, sensory regulation, and identity coherence.This conversation is essential for autistic adults, parents, and advocates who want to better understand the soothing power of sameness in autistic lives.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy routine and repetition are cultural strengths in autistic communitiesHow sensory regulation and emotional grounding depend on predictabilityThe difference between rigidity vs. self-protectionHow repetition (like rewatching shows or eating the same foods) supports well-beingCultural icons—from Thomas the Tank Engine to Andy Warhol—who exemplify this traitTools for supporting autistic children and adults through comfort-based design👤 Featured Guest: Daria BrownDaria holds a Master’s in Personality and Social Psychology and brings over 30 years of experience in research, education, and neurodiversity advocacy.🌐 Affect Autism Website📖 We Chose Play – Buy the Book🎧 Affect Autism Podcast📺 Affect Autism YouTube Channel📸 Instagram: @affectautism📘 Facebook🐦 Twitter/X: @affectautismRelated Episodes:Andy Warhol (Ep 33) - Repetition as art, ritual, and groundingThe Law (Ep 115) - Predictability through rules, order, and structure🌟 Connect With Us📱 Follow us on Instagram🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part of our 12-Week Writing Series for autistic creatives and late-diagnosed adults.In this episode of Writing Unmasked, Dr. Angela Kingdon is joined by poet, nonfiction writer, and fiber artist Christina Socorro Yovovich for a conversation that redefines what “success” means for autistic creatives.Together, they explore how writing can be both a healing modality and a radical act of self-definition—especially for neurodivergent people navigating ableist ideas of productivity. From fiber arts to memoir, Christina shares how sensory-soothing practices support creativity, and how success isn’t always publication—it’s peace, expression, and connection.We also announce the winners of our Week 8 writing prompt contest!🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy “write every day” advice often clashes with neurodivergent energy rhythmsHow knitting, journaling, and pets provide sensory grounding for creativityThe difference between external success (money, recognition) and internal success (healing, self-trust)Why spoon theory matters in sustaining creative energyHow autistic writers benefit from concrete audiences and predictably comforting environmentsThe impact of internalized ableism on creative self-worth🏆 Week 8 Winners🥇 First Place:“Goldilocks – Girl Misunderstood”by Bragitta Ozhga🥈 Runner-Up:“Konstantin Levin”by Louise LomasCongratulations to our featured writers, and thank you to everyone who submitted! Want to see their full entries? Read their stories here.👤 About Christina Socorro YovovichChristina is a poet and nonfiction writer whose work has been featured in River Styx, Blue Mesa Review, MUTHA Magazine, and more. She writes with emotional honesty and sensory depth, often exploring mental health, motherhood, and the autistic lived experience.📸 Instagram: @cyovovich📚 Published Works🎧 Therapeutic Knitting Podcast – “Discovering a Grounded Joy”🧶 Ply Magazine Article – “The Woolly Animal of Dawn”📺 YouTube: Knit & Chat Series🕊️ Guest Sermon at UU ChurchNeurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Who Can It Be Now?’ ContestTap into the mystery genre or let your imagination run wild—just keep it under 500 words.🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, July 9 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 per winner📘 Publication: Winners featured on Substack and in the Neurodivergent Narratives anthology🔗 Submit your entry here →✅ Submission RulesNo plagiarism, hate speech, or graphic contentMultiple submissions welcomeNo subscription required to participateAll decisions final📢 Use hashtag #WhoCanItBeNow on social mediaRelated Episodes:The Art of Unmasking (Episode 142) - Writing Prompt #32Autistic Head Cannon (Episode 144) - Writing Prompt #33🌟 Connect With Us📱 Follow us on Instagram🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autistic Culture 101, Dr. Angela Kingdon explores Pillar 7: Boldly Creating with special guest Nina Danon—composer, sound artist, and doctoral researcher whose work focuses on the rich intersections between autism, music, sensory experience, and creativity.This episode is about making art that’s true, not palatable. It’s for every autistic person who has ever created from a place of emotional intensity, sensory immersion, or special interest—and wondered if it “counts.”Together, Nina and Angela discuss how stimming, repetition, texture, and rhythm form the basis of autistic artistic practice, and how creative expression becomes a radical act of self-regulation, connection, and authenticity.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy autistic creativity often rejects genre, structure, and perfectionismHow bottom-up processing fuels invention and form-breaking in autistic artHow stimming, fandom, and fiber arts like knitting function as bold creative actsNina’s upcoming publication on Musical Neuroqueering and her Stimming Wheel toolkitHow autistics create to regulate, connect, and process the world through sensory-emotional fusionThe power of embracing creative process—not just polished outcomesFeatured Guest: Nina DanonNina’s work centers autistic creativity as embodied, non-linear, and radically expressive. Her Musical Neuroqueering research will be published in Neuroqueer Theory and Practice (2026, edited by Dr. Nick Walker).📧 Contact Nina: ncdanon@gmail.com🩵 Nina on BlueSky: @ninadanon.bsky.social🎵 “Volcano” – A Neurodivergent Sonic Experience (with Francesco Cassino)🎤 “Composing Neurodivergence” – King’s College Talk (Feb 2025)Further Reading Recommendations from Nina:📘 Designing an Autistic Space for Research – Bertilsdotter Rosqvist et al., Neurodiversity Studies (Routledge, 2020)🎭 Look, I Made a Hat – Stephen Sondheim (Knopf, 2011)Related Episodes:Eminem (Ep19) - Bold lyrical precision & emotional vulnerabilityQuestlove (Ep29) - Rhythmic innovation through sensory hyperfocus🌟 Connect With Us📱 Follow us on Instagram🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part of our 12-Week Writing Series for autistic creatives and late-diagnosed adults.In this episode of Writing Unmasked, Dr. Angela Kingdon is joined by writer and editor Jo Case to explore the hidden neurodivergent depths of beloved book characters. Together, they dive into the emotional power of autistic-coded characters, the experience of late autism discovery, and how fiction helps autistic readers find identity, resonance, and belonging.From Anne of Green Gables to Harriet the Spy, this conversation celebrates the moment we finally saw someone like us—on the page.We also announce the winners of our Week 7 writing contest on that very theme!🎧 What You’ll LearnHow Jo Case's late diagnosis reshaped her relationship with literature and selfThe emotional significance of autistic-coded characters in identity developmentHow fiction becomes a lifeline for autistic readers navigating masking and self-doubtActionable advice for autistic writers ready to move from journaling to publishingA live reading of the winning entry from our Someone Like Me writing contestHow to name and honor your childhood book “mirror”—that character who saw you🏆 Week 7 Winners🥇 First Place:“The Armadillo and the Cactus”by Genya Vasilov🥈 Runner-Up:“The Runt and the Kitten”by Fiona Baker👏 Congratulations to our featured writers, and thank you to everyone who submitted! Want to see their full entries? 👉 Read their stories here.👤 About Jo CaseJo is the editor of Someone Like Me, an upcoming anthology of creative non-fiction by Autistic, gender-diverse, and women writers. She’s also deputy books and ideas editor at The Conversation and author of the memoir Boomer and Me, which explores autistic motherhood and late identification.📘 Boomer and Me – Published by Hardie Grant📚 Anthology Info: Someone Like Me (2025)Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Someone Like Me’ ContestPrompt: Write about a childhood book character you now read as Autistic.🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, July 2 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 per winner📘 Publication: Winning entries featured on Substack and in the Neurodivergent Narratives anthology🔗 Submit your entry here →✅ Submission RulesNo plagiarism, hate speech, or explicit contentMultiple entries allowedNo subscription requiredAll decisions are final📢 Share with #SomeoneLikeMe on social mediaRelated Episodes:Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31The Art of Unmasking (Episode 142) - Writing Prompt #32🌟 Connect With Us📱 Follow us on Instagram🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.