Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity!

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.