Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity!

* Tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons cater to many autistic people's strengths, such as:* Appreciation for intricate rule systems, statistics, and logic* Monotropic focus and special interests* Pattern recognition and world-building skills* D&D provides a structured, inclusive environment for autistic individuals to socialize and engage in shared storytelling with confidence.* The game design encourages players to embrace differences rather than mask them, including the recent introduction of a canonically autistic character.* Historic moral panics around D&D illustrate misunderstandings and ableism towards autistic interests, but the game's recent mainstream popularity signals a shift towards greater acceptance.* Families of autistic individuals can recognize intense gaming interests as valuable tools for connection and community-building.* Embracing neurodiversity, the tabletop roleplaying experience allows autistic people to thrive by playing to their unique strengths.Who’s your character in D&D? Do you have a multi-year game going?* Superheroes are Autistic - Episode 28 which discusses Conan the Barbarian* The Trouble With Temple - Episode 24 which discusses Temple Grandin* D&D players save the world on Netflix’s Stranger Things* Little Wars: A Game for Boys of Twelve Years of Age to One Hundred and Fifty and for that More Intelligent Sort of Girl Who Likes Boys' Games and Books* Study: Screen time and diagnoses of anxiety and depression in autistic versus neurotypical youth* The Ancient Origins of Dice * A Dice Tower from Richborough * Dice History, Invention & Games* Rise of the Dungeon Master - Gary Gygax and the Creation of D&D: graphic-novel biography* Inside the 40 Year-Long Dungeons & Dragons Game : Youtube(10 mins 44 secs)* Dungeons & Dragons introduces its first canonically autistic character* How autism powers my D&D: D&D allows me to connect with my friends in a way I couldn’t before * Therapeutic social confidence building game: Critical CoreRelated episodes…Want to learn about more Autistic activities popular among children and adults? Episodes 16: Pokémon is Autistic and Episode 31: Chess is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

Explore the contradictions between traditional productivity models and the realities of autistic individuals. Discover why the self-help book 'Atomic Habits' misses the mark for neurodivergent minds. The hosts share personal experiences, emphasizing the unique challenges of forming habits and the importance of breaks and self-compassion. Delve into societal pressures and how they harm autistic mental health. Uncover strategies tailored for neurodiversity that celebrate individual productivity styles and promote genuine well-being.

Eadweard Mybridge, a 19th century English photographer, was a pioneer in studying motion and capturing moving images.Mybridge was likely Autistic, exhibiting traits like monotropism, attention to detail, data gathering, and artistic integrity. He had intense interests like studying horse gaits and photographing motion.He invented the zoopraxiscope, which projected motion pictures and allowed him to study and capture animal and human movement in sequences of photos taken in quick succession. This led to the development of motion pictures and cinematography.Mybridge’s big emotions led to him being at the center of his own true crime murder plot line, with a surprise twist ending!“He was defined as, quote, ‘impassive indifference and uncontrolled explosions of emotion,’ because he went from being very matter-of-fact—as we tend to do—to being very passionate, also as we tend to do.” —MattIn his lifetime, Mybridge took hundreds of thousands of photographs, including many controversial nude studies to analyze motion, and published collections like Animal Locomotion.He led an adventurous life, traveling extensively to photograph in the American West and invented photographic techniques and equipment like a mobile darkroom.Angela: You know, like autistic people generally have like less money, on average, than neurotypical people. But if we just like got rid of money, and everybody could have anything they wanted, how much crazy shit would autistic people be doing?Matt: Oh, God, yes.His work was influential on many later creations like stop-motion animation, the Matrix bullet time effect, and more. He brought a scientific approach to analyzing motion.Podcast hosts Matt and Angela discuss how his apparent "unmasking" after a near-fatal accident allowed him to fully pursue his interests without regard for social conventions. They tie his dedication and focus to Autistic traits. Join us as we dive into the extraordinary life of this Autistic celebrity.Do you love motion pictures? What do you love about them?* Eadweard Mybridge’s wet plate collodion pictures* Ponies are Autistic* Eadweard biopic* Eadweard Muybridge Wikipedia pageRelated…Episode 41: Tim Burton is Autistic and Episode 04: Industrial Light & Magic Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

*Trigger warning: This episode discusses ableism, discrimination, and some challenging topics related to autism diagnoses. It is intended for a mature audience. Please listen/read with care.*Matt Lowry, LPP shares a first-hand account of a problematic autism diagnosis experience. Matt and his co-host, Dr. Angela Lauria, discuss red flags to watch out for when choosing a diagnostician such as:* affiliations with ABA therapy* affiliations with Autism Speaks * pathologizing language* including an IQ test in autism evaluationsA bad diagnosis can lead to harmful recommendations such as 40 hours per week of ABA “therapy,” which has roots in gay conversion therapy.“If they support Autism Speaks, if they support ABA, what they're telling you is we are going to approach the diagnosis from a medicalized or a pathological perspective…This guy dehumanized my son from the very moment we walked in.” —MattMatt contrasts the pathologizing view in the diagnosis report his son received with a more affirmative, neurodiversity-embracing perspective. They discuss pros (accommodations) and cons (discrimination) of formal diagnosis, as well as valid alternatives like self-diagnosis and peer review. Angela shares about her personal experience with doubt and imposter-syndrome following her diagnosis—a common struggle (especially among those who are self-diagnosed) stemming from a life-time of being told one is “too sensitive” compounded with internalized ableism.“So we're going to get louder, we're going to get clearer, we're going to get stronger, because this leads to very negative outcomes for our people, and we are not going to stand for it.” —AngelaOn this week’s virtual culture trip, podcast hosts aim to expose problematic diagnoses in order to push for more affirmative, empowering experience that prioritize the mental health of the Autistic individuals and their families.Was your diagnosis (or self-diagnosis) experience helpful or harmful?* The DSM on Autism* Matt’s reframing of Autism Criteria* The Feminine Boy Project (root of ABA)* Autistic Centered Therapy (AUCT)Related episodes…Episode 13: Labels & Autism, Episode 31: Chess is Autistic, Episode 35: Sex is Autistic, Episode 24: The Trouble with TempleReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

In this short announcement episode, Angela gives an update on the plan to double down on making The Autistic Culture Podcast the best podcast out there.Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.  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

Hosts Matt Lowry and Angela Lauria discuss the life and work of Alfred Kinsey, a groundbreaking researcher who studied human sexuality in the 1940s-1950s. Kinsey's love for data collection and his advocacy for sexual openness challenged societal norms. His findings on sexuality existing on a spectrum foreshadowed modern understanding of gender and sexual diversity.

Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry LPP explore how Beauty and the Beast parallels the Autistic experience, focusing on themes of individuality, empathy, and embracing differences. They discuss the history of the tale, the misunderstood Beast, the fierce protagonist Belle, and the importance of representation in media. The podcast challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding of Autistic Culture.

Autistic podcast hosts discuss artist Andy Warhol through the lens of Autistic culture. While he never had an autism diagnosis, Warhol had many Autistic traits like monotropic focus, sensory differences around food, echolalia in interviews, and dyslexia. Fortunately, his "eccentric" persona was permitted as part of his mystique as an artist.Warhol embraced repetitive subjects like soup cans and celebrities in his pop art. People on the autism spectrum tend to enjoy consistency and visual thinking. He threw costume parties where guests took on characters, which allowed for authentic self-expression while avoiding small talk. Warhol was gay but downplayed it publicly. He balanced masking with being an art world "outsider."“Because he's an artist and eccentric, people are like, ‘what does it mean?’ Nobody's like, ‘It means he's Autistic and he's using his communication skills.’” –AngelaAfter being shot, Warhol's health and sensory differences shaped his limited diet. He only ate foods he knew were safe and gave him comfort—what Autistic people call, “safe foods.”Warhol obsessively collected "pointless trinkets" and art materials. The hosts see Warhol as creatively leveraging his natural traits to succeed in business and art on his own terms.“That's why we need space to show off our wonderful collections and to have validation from other people to say, my, that is a fine collection you have.” —MattAs one of the most influential artists of the 20th century—his style recognizable to many adults and children—Warhol was known for his unique perspective and innovative creations that revolutionized the art world. Matt and Angela examine the ways in which his distinctive style and approach to art resonate with Autistic individuals, shining a light on the beauty of neurodiversity and wearing the same brand of underwear every damn day.Do you resonate with Warhol’s story? Tell us about your same-foods in the comments!* Was autism the secret of Warhol's art?* 'Andy Warhol' (NY Times)* Will We Ever Really Know Who Andy Warhol Was? A New Docuseries Digs Into His Private Life* Andy Warhol Eating a Hamburger* Andy Warhol & Edie Sedgwick INTERVIEW 1965Related episodes…Episode 29: Questlove is Autistic, Episode 03: Poetry is Autistic, Episode 19: Eminem is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

Animation is popular among Autistic children and adults alike. Listen in, as Matt Lowry, LPP gives his co-host Dr. Angela Lauria a delicious infodump on voice over actors featured on Futurama, Ren and Stimpy, Ghostbusters, Transformers, DragonballZ, Street Fighter, Rick & Morty, and more!Many famous voice actors are officially in Club ‘tism!Hyperconnected mirror neurons and echolalia often results in impressive skills at copying people’s accents and movements which, along with bottom up processing, leads autistics to being great actors and replicators of all things.Specific voice actors like Corey Burton, Frank Welker, Billy West, and Kyle Hebert are highlighted as on the autism spectrum. Their prolific roles in cartoons and anime are mentioned. The community of voice actors is described as close-knit and supportive, which creates a neurodiversity-supportive environment that allows Autistic talents to thrive.“I think one of the big payoffs of having a special interest and having a monotropic focus and being able to really master an art. And there are a lot of autistic people in this space who have mastered the art of voiceovers and animation.” —AngelaThe podcast hosts discuss animators like Tim Burton, Jorge Gutierrez, and Genndy Tartakovsky are discussed as openly (or just likely) Autistic. Their singular focus aids in animation. Burton struggles working within the neurotypical Hollywood system while producing Autistic-coded films like Edward Scissorhands.“We are taught all the way through school that we need to sit down and be quiet and fit in. We are taught our entire lives that we need to fit in, but we spend the rest of our lives trying to stand out.” —MattOn this week’s virtual culture trip, hosts emphasize the importance of special interests in finding Autistic community, even if not as a career. Shared interests like specific fandoms can lead to meeting fellow Autistics and forming authentic and nourishing relationships.The creative fields of voice acting, animation, and related passions are discussed as areas where Autistic traits are beneficial and abundantly represented within the culture.Do you love animation? Tell us about it in the comments!* Frank Welker* Billy West* Dan Harmon* Gilbert Gottfried’s Podcast - Jackie Martling and Billy West* How Tim Burton's Love/Hate Relationship with Disney Shaped His Career* Tim Burton says he probably won’t work for Disney again* 13 Autistic People in Film and TV You Should Know About* 11 Great TV Characters Who Are On The SpectrumAutistic cartoons…Episode 22: Trains are Autistic and Episode 18: Trains are Autistic and Episode 16: Pokemon is AutisticAnd…Episode 26: Disney is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

Autistic podcast hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, delve into the fascinating world of chess, exploring its profound connection to the Autistic community through the story of legendary chess player Bobby Fischer and the popular TV show, The Queen's Gambit. Chess is considered a quintessential part of Autistic culture, much like trains or Star Trek. The intricate, strategic nature of chess captivates Autistic children, teens, and adults, drawing them into a realm where deep focus and pattern recognition are highly rewarded.“And I know for me, a lot of my drive to success in all things is, I've known I have this intense and eccentric and unlikable personality.  So, I'm going to prove my value with my accomplishments…That doesn't always work, and I'm always shocked.” –AngelaBobby Fischer was a chess prodigy who showed many traits common to people on the autism spectrum, like intense focus, a preference for logic/rules, and differences socializing. He became World Chess Champion in 1972, defeating the Soviets during the Cold War era.The fictional character Beth Harmon from The Queen's Gambit was loosely based on Fischer. Harmon navigates the complexities of life and chess while exhibiting traits that resonate with many Autistic individuals.Autistic traits like strong pattern recognition, bottom-up thinking, inductive reasoning, and monotropic focus lend themselves well to excelling at chess. Chess doesn’t ask players to make small talk, but instead focuses on strategy and problem solving, allowing Autistics to socialize in an authentic and culturally appropriate way.“When you find the Autistic community, when you find people who get you, you can be a delightful human being and talk about all the interesting things that you want to talk about. And they'll say, ‘Oh, my, what a wealth of information that was. I love that info dump!’” –MattHighly talented Autistic chess players exemplify the Autistic culture virtues of pursuing excellence through interests, valuing fairness and morality, and respecting an opponent's strategic skills.On this captivating virtual culture trip, the podcast hosts uncover the deep-rooted connection between chess, Bobby Fischer, The Queen's Gambit, and the Autistic community, celebrating the power and beauty of neurodiversity through the timeless game of strategy.Do you love chess or other strategy games? Tell us all about it!* The Queen’s Gambit and the Beautifully Messy Future of Autism on TV* Ten reasons your autistic child needs to learn chess* Asperger’s and Intimacy Through Chess | Organization for Autism Research* Did Bobby Fischer have Aspergers Syndrome? - Chess Forums - Chess.com* Devon Price’s bookLooking for more Autistic activities and pastimes? Check out…Episode 16: Pokemon is Autistic and Episode 39: Dungeons & Dragons is AutisticOr more Autsitic characters? Check out…Episode 12: Parks and Rec is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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