Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity!

In this episode of Autistic Culture 101, Dr. Angela Kingdon welcomes Dr. Scott Frasard, autistic author and advocate, as they dive into Pillar 4 of Autistic Culture: World-Building—the powerful autistic drive to construct immersive systems, structures, and stories, both real and imagined.In his essay “The World We Built: A Future Where Autistic People Are Respected, Not Repaired”, Dr. Frasard envisions a future (set in 2075) where diagnosis has given way to identity co-creation, and neurodivergence is celebrated—not pathologized. This episode explores how autistic people don’t just survive systems—we reimagine them.👉 Read the full essay here → here.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy world-building is more than fantasy—it’s how autistic minds make meaningHow mental mapping, systems thinking, and SPINs shape autistic cultureWhy tools like timelines, frameworks, and rituals are forms of self-preservation, not inflexibilityHow world-building starts in childhood and evolves into leadership, creativity, and advocacyWhat it looks like to lean in to your vision instead of hiding it to blend in👤 Featured Guest: Scott FrasardDr. Scott Frasard is an outspoken critic of behaviourist interventions in autism treatment and a fierce advocate for strengths-based, identity-first approaches. He’s a published author and long-time learning strategist.🔗 Connect on LinkedIn📖 The World We Built – Buy the book on AmazonRelated Episodes:George LucasRen FestsDisney🌟 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.

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

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

Discover the intricacies of bottom-up processing, where detail-first thinking shapes understanding. Dive into how monotropism and hyperfocus drive autistic creativity and decision-making. Explore the representation of autism in characters like Sherlock Holmes, highlighting their strengths and struggles. Engage in lively discussions about the joy of stimming and gemstone collecting, while celebrating the unique euphoria felt by autistic individuals. This exploration unveils the rich tapestry of autistic culture, fostering deeper connections and understanding.

In this episode of Autistic Culture 101, Dr. Angela Kingdon kicks off a brand-new chapter by reintroducing the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture—the foundation for how we understand and celebrate the richness of autistic identity. This remastered episode revisits the original conversation that first defined the 10 pillars back in January 2024, now with updated insights and refined language to match how this framework has evolved.Whether you’re just discovering the show or have been with us since the beginning, this is your starting point for the cultural model that grounds everything we do.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy autistic traits aren’t symptoms—they’re cultural signpostsHow the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture offer a strengths-based model for identityWhat’s changed since the original episode first airedWhy we’re remastering one pillar each week for the next 10 episodesHow to use the pillars to better understand yourself, your community, and autistic historyHow each pillar maps to the domains of arts, lifestyle, and justice💡 The 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture (Updated for 2024)Bottom-Up Processing (formerly “Logic & Strategy”) - Detail-first cognition. Pattern before conclusion. Think: Sherlock Holmes, chess masters, system builders.Rhythmic Communicating (formerly “Linguistics & Accents”) - Scripting, echolalia, tangents, infodumping. Communication as rhythm, poetry, and flow.Norm Challenging (formerly “Deep Thinking & Insight”) - Authenticity over politeness. Insight over illusion. Questioning over compliance.World Building - Narrative universes built from imagination and logic. Think: Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars.Pattern Matching (formerly “Data Gathering & Analysis”) - SPINs, trivia, research, and structured inquiry. We find meaning in what others miss.Game Changing (formerly “Innovative Ideas”) - System redesigners. Trendsetters. Rethinkers. From Eadweard Muybridge to Questlove.Boldly Creating (formerly “Artistic Expression”) - Art as regulation. Performance as communication. Stim as aesthetic.Predictably Comforting (formerly “Consistency & Reliability”) - Rituals, repetition, routines. These aren’t constraints—they’re comfort, safety, and power.Justice Seeking (formerly “Justice & Honesty”) - Fairness as instinct. Truth as obligation. Emotional intensity as ethical compass.Passionate Superfanning (formerly “Fictional Friends”) - Lore, fandoms, and parasocial joy. Star Trek. Doctor Who. My Little Pony. Fandom is family.🧭 The Framework Going ForwardThese 10 Pillars will guide the next phase of The Autistic Culture Podcast—each episode will highlight one of them, offering deep dives into their cultural meaning, emotional resonance, and pop culture representation.The pillars span across three domains:🎭 Arts & Entertainment🪴 Lifestyle & Leisure🏛️ Society, Values & KnowledgeAnd at the centre of them all: Autistic joy, identity, and truth.So whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or someone who loves and respects autistic people—you are welcome here. You are part of Autistica.Related Episodes:Autistic Culture for Teens and TweensMy Chemical Romance is AutisticTaylor Swift is Autistic🌟 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.

Jude Mills, an autistic theologian and host of Fkd Up By Faith, shares insights on cults within autistic culture. They discuss why many autistic individuals are drawn into cults and the traits that make them vulnerable. Mills also explores the emotional toll of losing faith and the complex journey of recovery. They highlight the manipulative tactics like love bombing used by cults, and how these experiences can deeply affect one's sense of identity. Expect a heartfelt discussion on spirituality, belonging, and the healing process.

Mady Snyder, a neuroaffirming therapist based in Pasadena, specializes in grief and neurodiversity. In this heartfelt discussion, she highlights how grief goes beyond the loss of a person, encompassing routines, relationships, and expectations. Mady shares insights on the unique ways autistic individuals experience and express grief, emphasizing the significance of special interests in the healing process. The conversation also touches on the impact of societal norms, personal rituals, and the need for understanding diverse expressions of grief, including the challenges of internalized ableism.

In this powerful and sombre episode of Autistic Advocacy, Angela is joined by Black autistic advocates Faith Clarke and Darren Calhoun to confront the tragic police killing of 17-year-old autistic Puerto Rican teen Victor Perez—and the systemic failures that made it possible. Centering voices from the Black neurodivergent community, this conversation demands a reimagining of autistic justice beyond white-centred narratives.🎧 What You’ll LearnVictor’s story — On April 5th, Victor Perez was shot by police in his own front yard. A non-speaking, autistic, disabled Puerto Rican teenager, Victor’s life was cut short, leaving his family to grieve in a system that failed him at every level.Intersectional perspectives — Darren Calhoun, a justice advocate, worship leader, and photographer based in Chicago, shares his work bridging communities across race, gender, and neurodivergence. Faith Clarke, business owner, author, and mother to a non-speaking autistic son, reflects on her lived experience and the urgent need for systemic change.The impact of advocacy — How Tiffany Hammond’s (@fidgets.and.fries) public response to Victor’s death sparked deeper reflection on the role of autistic spaces in BIPOC justice.Connecting the patterns — Victor’s killing is not isolated. We remember Stephon Watts, Elijah McClain, Ryan Gainer—and the growing list of Black and Brown neurodivergent lives lost to police violence.What needs to change — From community safety to dismantling ableist and racist systems, we explore what justice for all autistic people truly requires.Related Episodes:Monster High Is Autistic (Episode 117)🌟 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.

Dive into the contrasting portrayals of autism in two iconic sitcoms. Discover how 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' embraces neurodivergent themes through characters like Charlie Kelly, who brings a relatable, chaotic energy. In contrast, the discussion critiques 'The Big Bang Theory' for its neurotypical framing and inaccuracies. Unpack the importance of authentic representation and how humor can resonate with autistic audiences. Overall, it’s a spirited examination of how TV shapes societal perceptions of neurodiversity.

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry LPP are joined by Jess Lewis — a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming functional medicine advocate — to explore the deeply intertwined connections between Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), autism, and POTS.This conversation blends science, systems thinking, and lived autistic experience to unpack how chronic stress, sensory overload, and a dysregulated nervous system can trigger and worsen MCAS symptoms — and what we can do about it.🎧 What You’ll LearnHow sensory overload, chronic masking, and autistic nervous system differences can contribute to MCAS.Why mold exposure and infections like COVID often trigger mast cell activation in neurodivergent bodies.The overlap between MCAS, autism, and POTS — and why these conditions often coexist.How to advocate for yourself in medical settings, even in the face of dismissal or gaslighting.Practical strategies for mast cell stabilization, including calming protocols and low-histamine diets.How functional medicine offers a holistic, neurodivergent-affirming approach to managing complex chronic illness.🎤 Featured Guest: Jess LewisJess Lewis (she/they) is a former Chief Technology Officer turned MCAS researcher, functional medicine advocate, and founder of the Mast Cell Support community. After reversing a severe case of MCAS triggered by mold exposure and COVID-19, Jess now supports others through an evidence-based, neurodivergent-affirming approach rooted in functional medicine and trauma-informed care.🔗 Follow Jess:Threads, Instagram, Substack → @jesslewis💻 Website → jesslewis.com🤝 Community → mastcellsupport.comResources:MCAS-Friendly Food Guide: Download Jess Lewis's curated list of low-histamine, mast-cell-friendly foods designed to support MCAS management with a neurodivergent-affirming lens.🔗 Food Guide Pharmacy – subscribepage.io/MCASfoodlist🌱 What Is Quercetin? Learn more about Quercetin, a plant flavonoid known for its natural antihistamine and mast cell stabilizing properties, often used as part of MCAS and allergy support.📚 Quercetin on WikipediaRelated Episodes:Autistic Medical Needs (Episode 14)Meat Body Maintenance (Episode 53)Autistic Medical Needs, Part 2 (Episode 108)🌟 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.