Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity!

Autistic hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry LPP, delve into the incredible world of Doctor Who and its significant impact on the Autistic community. The Doctor's unique way of perceiving and interacting with the universe, and their tendency to form deep connections with their companions resonates with people on the autism spectrum. The show's ability to tackle complex moral and ethical dilemmas also speaks to autistic people’s passion for justice and understanding.“We have to do what is right regardless of what the rules are because that's the thing—if the rules do what is right then we have no problem with it because it's fair and just. If the rules go against what is right, we have to get creative and do what is absolutely morally right. And that's—that is—the way of our people.” —MattLong-time Doctor Who fans, Peter Capaldi and David Tennant, eventually got to play the Doctor, fully realizing their childhood dreams and bringing an autistic sense of kindness and morality to the role. The show allows for examining details and obscure trivia, which appeals to autistic data hunger. It also features time travel, aliens, and complex world-building.“We do love a little arcane trivia. I think that's part of what makes the Doctor Who world partly part of our Autistic culture is there is more arcane trivia than you can shake a stick at.” —AngelaThe Doctor's regeneration allows for different portrayals, making it easier for autistic individuals to see themselves in different iterations of the show's protagonist. Doctor Who's emphasis on embracing diversity and celebrating differences has fostered a safe space for autistic fans to connect, share, and grow.Join Angela and Matt on this week’s virtual culture trip as they celebrate the extraordinary connection between Doctor Who and Autistic Culture, examining the profound impact this iconic show has had on countless lives and why it holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Autistic community.Which Doctor best represents Autistic Culture to you? Tell us in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!* Biopic about Doctor Who * Peter Capaldi’s drawing of Tom Baker* The Doctor’s Speech in the Zygon Inversion* Silence in the Library | Doctor Whohttps://www.doctorwho.tv › stories › silence-in-the-library* Doctor Who: 10 Things You Never Knew About Peter Capaldi* The Transformation Of David Tennant From Childhood To Doctor Who* Peter Capaldi: I Turned Down Doctor Who | DVD Launch Q&A | Doctor Who* Things Only Superfans Know About Doctor Who* Doctor Who Secretly Introduced The 45th (& Final) Doctor* 'I watched him on TV as the hero': David Tennant's adopted son Ty, 17, relives moment he met his dad aged 5 and why he would love to be the third Doctor in the familyEpisode 10: Star Trek is AutisticEpisode 04: Industrial Light & Magic is Autistic (the company that made Star Wars)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

Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry LPP, dive into the fascinating world of musician, producer, and DJ—Questlove (Amir Khalib Thompson)—who briefly shared his childhood autism diagnosis in his 2013 memoir. Questlove’s special interests in Soul Train and Black music history, and his stim of watching records spin, intertwine to create his unique perspective and career. Questlove has a massive record collection, encyclopedic music knowledge, and amazing ability to instantly identify the beats per minute of songs. His special interests led him to amass a huge collection of Black music memorabilia that will be housed in the National Museum of African American History and Culture after he dies. He sees himself as a “walking Blacksonian” historian preserving Black music history. The Autistic artist’s passion for social justice drives his mission to ensure Black music takes its rightful place in history. Angela: So when one collects data, especially when one is a linguistic Autistic like me and Questlove, one wants to write a book about all the data we have collected.Matt: Once you collect the data, you have to share the data. That's the other half.Angela: Must share data. So good. Yes.The podcast hosts analyze how Questlove's Autistic traits like stimming, special interests, attention to detail, pattern recognition, and monotropism all interconnect and contribute to his creative successes. They see his story as representing what can happen when autism is not pathologized but instead allowed to flourish. Questlove embraces and celebrates his Autistic identity and life on the autism spectrum through his passions and work.“‘My mom said it was a blessing because I never gave her trouble. It was the opposite. They knew exactly how to sedate me, which was to sit me in the front of something that held my interest and then just leave.’ This is the way. This is how we roll.” –MattJoin Matt and Angela on this week’s virtual culture trip as they explore Questlove's Autistic journey, his amazing accomplishments, and the important role that his unique mind plays in the world of Autistic culture.Do you SPIN on music? Tell us about it in the comments!* Mo' Meta Blues: The World According to Questlove* Questlove's Roots: A 'Meta' Memoir Of A Lifetime In Music* The Passion of Questlove* Wikipedia: Questlove* Questlove Reflects on A Tribe Called Quest’s Iconic ‘People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm,’ 25 Years LaterEpisode 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

Matt Lowry, LPP tells co-host, Dr. Angela Lauria, all about the Autistic origins and characteristics of popular superheroes. Topics include:* The mystical realms of Doctor Strange, the dark alleys of Batman's Gotham City, and the soaring heights of Superman's Metropolis! * Superheroes' unique abilities, struggles, and triumphs mirror the experiences of Autistic individuals. Examining their origin stories and the challenges they face, reveals how these beloved characters (and the Autistic celebrities and writers behind them) can inspire and empower Autistic children, teens, and adults. * The origins of superheroes, tracing back to early 20th century pulp fiction writers like Robert E. Howard, who created Conan the Barbarian. Howard had a strong moral compass and desire for justice—sound familiar?* Iconic superheroes created by Jewish writers in the 1930s-1940s, who often drew from their cultural heritage for story elements to create Superman, Batman, and Captain Marvel/Shazam.* Tim Burton's Batman film’s focused on Batman's need for order versus the Joker's chaos. Burton incorporated German expressionist influences.* James Gunn’s several Autistic-coded superhero characters, including ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ The Guardians form an Autistic “found family.”* How Superman appeals to Autistics with his monotropic focus on truth and justice. Jerry Seinfeld (himself, Autistic) is a huge Superman fan.Quotes from this episode:“Batman's real identity is Batman. He camouflages—he masks—as Bruce Wayne, in order to fit into the world around him.”Matt: They did this study and they had autistic people and allistic people play a card game. In this card game, you could win fake money and there was a way to cheat to get more fake money. Inevitably, all of the allistic members cheated to get more fake money because getting money was the point of the game.Angela: Maybe not all, science check.Matt: Well, no, no, no, all actually, yeah. Legitimately, it shows in the study, all of the allistic people cheated and none of the autistic people cheated. And that's where the researchers came up with the conclusion that autistic people have, quote, ‘a rigid moral inflexibility that prevents us from succeeding.’Which super hero best represents Autistic Culture to you? Looking for more discussions about beloved Autistic characters? Check out…* Episode 02: Ghostbusters is Autistic* Episode 10: Star Trek is Autistic* Episode 41: Tim Burton is Autistic* Episode 67: X-Men are 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

Did you know that approximately 20% of Jeopardy fans are autistic? Trivia is a favorite special interest in Autistic Culture, and for the final April episode, podcast hosts, Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, celebrate with a game of Autistic Culture Jeopardy! In this episode, you will meet inclusivity expert and activist, Faith Clarke who challenges co-host Matt Lowry as the two play for charities that support Autistic Acceptance with their work. The game includes trivia questions related to famous Autistic people, advocates, books, entrepreneurs, film and television, and myths/facts about autism. Categories include: Advocates, History, Books, Myth or Fact, Entrepreneurs, Screens. They emphasize enjoying and celebrating Autistic interests and strengths, moving beyond just "awareness" of autism to true acceptance and inclusion of Autistic individuals.“Tolerance says who you are is different…but I will conditionally allow your unpleasant existence to go on…But acceptance says who you are is valuable because you're a precious human being who deserves the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.” –AngelaMany trivia answers relate to previous podcast episodes, showing the breadth of Autistic contributions throughout history. “Getting to teach people about our culture, getting to teach people how we are a unique people unto our own, and that people need to learn about all the cool things that make us who we are. That was fun. And I unintentionally studied for all of this.” –MattJoin Matt, Angela, and Faith for a fun and informative episode as they test their knowledge of all things Autistic Culture through the lens of Autistica's favorite quiz show.What’s your favorite kind of trivia? Tell us about it in the comments!* Go to Kaiser’s Room and click Donate to give to Faith's Charity* Autism Acceptance Month* How does an autism diagnosis lend itself to being good at trivia?Want more conversations about other popular Autistic activities? Check out…* Episode 39: Dungeons & Dragons are Autistic* Episode 31: Chess is Autistic* Episode 16: Pokemon 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

Matt Lowry and Dr. Angela Lauria delve into the life and legacy of Walt Disney, exploring his potential Autistic traits. They discuss Disney's challenging childhood, his obsession with theme parks, struggles with creative control, alleged controversial associations, and his visionary plans for Disneyland and EPCOT. The podcast delves into the complexities of Disney's legacy, his unique personality traits, and the inclusive nature of spaces like theme parks for individuals with diverse sensory needs.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:Matt Lowry reads his original story "The Legend of Autistica," which serves as an origin myth for Autistic culture. Designed for children, the story appeals to teens and adults too!The story depicts a land ruled by Emperor Nero Typicles, where people are forced to mask their true selves and “Always Behave Always”—a metaphor for the harms of prescribing ABA for autism.“He issued clay masks to be worn at all times. These masks bore the rictus grins of the dead, and every citizen of the empire was expected to wear these heavy smiles in every situation, every single day.” —MattAn Autistic warrior named Autismix, aided by a dragon named Thundercore, leads a rebellion to create the land of Autistica where neurodiversity is embraced. Autismix eventually grows old, and Thundercore vows to continue his mission of finding and welcoming Autistic individuals from across the world.The podcast hosts reflect on the story's themes of authentic self-expression, community, representation, and embracing the autism spectrum and other neurological differences. They encourage listeners to share the story to increase positive portrayals of autism and provide healing counter-narratives to dominant medical model views.“We are often judged by the allistic people for these very reasons. And there's so much pathology about autism as being a quote ‘medical diagnosis’ instead of as a culture, as a way of our people. And I do see us as a people.” —MattThis episode centers around the oral telling of an allegorical Autistic origin story, intended to empower the audience through its imagery and messaging.What does the Legend of Autistica mean to you? Tell us in the comments!The Legend of Autistica on Matt’s website.Episode 23: Dimensions of Autistic CultureWant more kid-friendly Autistic characters? Check out Episode 22: Trains are 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

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:On this week’s virtual culture trip, hosts Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry discuss the first autistic celebrity: Temple Grandin. Although Grandin has indelibly changed the way Americans think about autism and what it means, her prominence on the world stage has brought to light several issues. “We can't talk about Italian American culture without talking about Christopher Columbus, and Temple Grandin in Autistic Culture may be our Christopher Columbus. We're going to talk about colonialism, capitalism, ableism, and a lot of not good things.” –AngelaTemple was diagnosed with "brain damage" as a child in the 1950s. Her privileged upbringing provided resources and opportunities that help her "pass" as neurotypical. Temple went on to become an animal science PhD, prolific author, and sought-after speaker at autism conferences. She is considered the most famously Autistic person.However, the hosts argue much of Temple's messaging is problematic. She advocates autistics must learn to act "normal" and mask to get jobs and function in society. Temple draws a line between "high functioning" autistics who are valuable to society, versus "low functioning" who should be cured or prevented from existing. Temple aligns with capitalist, ableist values, (similar to Autism Speaks and advocates for ABA for autism) and her fame gave her an outsized influence on autism narratives. She is embraced by the autism community, but is often seen as problematic by the Autistic community. Her story erases much of the diversity among Autistic people.“But holy God! The advocation for not allowing non-speaking people or people with higher levels of care to not survive…So, if I was to use the phrase, ‘kiss my ass please,’ Would that make me high-functioning or low-functioning?” –MattPodcast hosts, Angela and Matt see Temple’s “success” as only possible due to privilege. Most autistics couldn't access the supports she did as a child and the resulting financial independence and respect she’s gained as an adult. Still, she made positive contributions like raising awareness of sensory issues and (along with her family) ending the institutionalization of many Autistic individuals. She broke through many ceilings and paved a path (after all, she was the first to say “different, not less”) but also furthered stigma and advocates for eugenics. Temple Grandin's legacy shows the complexity within Autistic culture. *Trigger warning: This is a complex episode that discusses troubling viewpoints and ableism. Listen with care. How do you view Temple Grandin’s role in Autistic Culture? Share with us in the comments!Show notes and resources:The Oliver Sacks PieceTemple Grandin’s booksTemple Grandin Ted talkTemple Grandin BioPicMore on Types of ThinkingEvolution of the DSM perspective on AutismRelated episodes:Want to learn more about the controversy between the autism and the Autistic communities? Check out: Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnosis and Episode 20: Sesame Street 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

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:If you’ve been asking yourself, “Am I Autistic?” and Google searching “Autism checklist” and “Autism quiz,” then, this is a great episode for you! More effective than a quiz designed by allistics, join us on a virtual culture trip to Autistica and see if you feel belonging in our culture!People on the autism spectrum are known for their straight forward communication style, but what’s behind that approach? There are six cultural dimensions that create our directness (sometimes called rude by allistics), our rebellion against change (called rigidity by allistics), and our passion for equality. Angela and Matt dive into established science on what makes a culture a culture. Most cultural studies are focused on nations, but in this episode, the podcast hosts look at how the six core dimensions of culture apply to Autistic Culture as a diaspora. Based on the work of Gert Hofstede, a Dutch social psychologist, the hosts explore how culture shapes our understanding of the world and our communication styles as Autistics. They go through 6 main cultural dimensions: individualism vs collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity vs femininity (now called gender egalitarianism), long term orientation vs short term orientation, and indulgence vs restraint.“ So, I love comparing Autistic people across cultures to see what this base, what is at its center, what does it mean to be Autistic? If we had our own country of Autistica, what would our language be? What would our values be? What are the commonalities across all of these cultures that you find on every single continent—because again, I guarantee you that there are autistic people in Antarctica doing research right now.” –MattFor each dimension, they analyze where Autistic culture seems to fall on the spectrum compared to national cultures. For example, autism appears more collectivist than individualistic. Other dimensions explored include assertiveness, orientation to time, gender roles, and outcome vs relationship focus.Understanding autism through a cultural lens provides an alternative to the dominant medical model focused on deficits and pathology. Looking at autism as a culture with its own dimensions allows celebration of neurodiversity and the many contributions of Autistic individuals throughout history. “Japanese people have trouble understanding American people. American people have trouble understanding Japanese people. And when we have cultural exchanges or extended travel, we talk about culture shock. Imagine living every day, all day, your entire life in culture shock over and over and over again. You can see how that might be traumatizing and lead to what look like ‘symptoms of autism’ that are symptoms of what I would say are culture shock—repeated chronic culture shock.” –AngelaThroughout the episode, Matt and Angela discuss the challenges that cultural differences can create and offer practical advice on how to work through the differences while celebrating the unique nature and dimensions of Autistic Culture. Do you agree with Matt and Angela’s assessment of the dimensions of Autistic Culture? Tell us why or why not in the comments!Cultural Inclusion Fundamentals: Eight Core Cultural Differences | Include-Empower.ComCompare countries - Hofstede InsightsCultural Differences in Communication [With Examples]A Guide for Cultural Differences in Communication4 Types of Communication Styles | Alvernia University OnlineCultural DifferencesThe 6 dimensions model of national culture by Geert HofstedeCore set of autism traits shows up in diverse cultures | Spectrum | Autism Research NewsShould Autists Have Cultural Rights? | SpringerLinkAutism as CultureEpisode 13: Labels and AutismEpisode 25: The Legend of AutisticaReady 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 episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry delve into the fascinating world of trains and their special relationship with the Autistic community. “So it looks like we're talking about trains, or it looks like we're talking about Pokemon, but we're really talking about how autistic joy is found, how we invent things as autistic people, how we create.” –AngelaThomas the Tank Engine was created in 1945 by a father based on his Autistic son's love of trains. Thomas has been popular with Autistic kids (and adults!) since it aired on TV in the 1980s. Studies show strong affinity in the Autistic community.The new Thomas series introduces Bruno, an Autistic brake car. Bruno was carefully crafted with input from Autistic writers, Autistic actors, and ASAN (Autistic Self-Advocacy Network) to prove an accurate fictional representation and neurodivergent role model for kids.“Mattel worked with ASAN for three years and all sorts of Autistic representatives, Autistic advocates, Autistic authors, and we're going to get to all of these in just a minute, about how to develop Bruno to make him an authentically and delightful Autistic representation.” –MattBruno represents positive, authentic Autistic representation, versus a stereotype or checkbox. The hosts contrast to how how Sheldon is portrayed on The Big Bang Theory, calling it an Autistic minstrel show because of how it spreads misinformation and is offensive in many ways.They conclude quality Autistic representation is vital for autistic kids to see themselves included. Thomas sets a great example of how to do it right.The podcast hosts also share personal anecdotes and insights into the deep love and fascination Autistic people have with trains. From the sensory experiences to the repetitive patterns, there is something about trains that resonates with the Autistic mind and has a big effect on Autistic culture.Are you a train fan? Tell us about it in the comments!Autism group probes why children love Thomas the Tank EngineThomas the Tank Engine and Autism Spectrum DisorderThomas the Tank Engine helps autistic kids identify emotionsChildren With Autism and Thomas the Tank Engine‘Thomas & Friends’ Franchise Introduces First Autistic Character: Bruno The Brake CarWhy do Autistic People LOVE Trains?Why Do Autistic People Like Trains? Actually, Love Trains!?Mattel Introduces Bruno the Brake Car, First Autistic Character in Iconic Thomas & Friends FranchiseCollaboration is Key as Mattel Introduces First Autistic Character—Bruno the Brake Car—for Thomas & FriendsEpisode 38: Productivity is AutisticA favorite Autistic activity and Autistic cartoon: Episode 16: Pokemon 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

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:On this virtual culture trip, Matt and Angela take on Autistic food culture, specifically the relationship that autistic people have with food. They describe how food is important in any culture and give examples such as Cannolis for Italians, croissants for the French, and Chicken Tikka for the British. Matt: My autism comes from my mother's family and looking back on it I found a picture of my family at Easter gathered around the traditional Throckmorton McNugget platter…and they literally went out and got lots and lots and lots of boxes of McNuggets, put them on a platter, arranged with sauces around it.Angela: Wow.Matt: That was normal for my family. Yeah, yeah, and of course through the autism lens you say, ‘Yeaaaaah.’The podcast hosts explain that Autistic individuals develop personal relationships with food and often have safe foods and same foods. Safe foods bring joy, comfort, and peace when they are eaten, while same foods are foods that are so reliably satisfying to the autistic person that they eat them every day. Parents are sometimes frustrated by autistic children’s approach to food, but as Autistic adults—we get it! The podcast hosts explain that same-fooding is different from picky eating. Same foods often need to be prepared in a specific way, eaten in a ritualistic manner, or may only be a specific brand. The pathology of forcing autistics to eat certain foods or judging their choices is criticized. Letting people eat what they want leads to better physical and mental health outcomes. And like, it's not that we don't need to eat, but there are at least for me, if given the choice between eating something that I have an aversion to, and not eating, I will often pick not eating. Like it's not even like I was saying about that Deer Park water, like it's just not even an option. I mean, I guess if I was like, parched in the desert, maybe I'd have a sip, but like, not even really. —Angela Not all autistic people have the same dietary preferences, and that the relationship that autistic people have with food can be influenced by sensory aversions, intensity of flavors, and texture. While many autistics gravitate towards bland, calming foods, some autistic people have sensory seeking pallets and add strong flavors and spices to their food. The benefits of Autistic food culture are highlighted like efficiency, comfort, and the ability to focus on special interests instead of elaborate meal rituals. The hosts conclude that Autistic food culture should be celebrated for its comfort and community, not pathologized. Finding those who understand your food needs is key to feeling accepted.What are some of your same foods? Tell us in the comments! Super Taster TestsSafefood: The Medicinal Properties of Chicken NuggetsWhat Do Autistic People Cook?Autistic EmpathWhy do autistic people tend to samefood? Is it different than picky eating?Episode 23: Dimensions of Autistic CultureEpisode 33: Warhol 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