Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity!

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Am I Autistic?” and searching “Autism checklist” or “Autism quiz”, Matt and Angela invite you on a virtual culture trip to Autistica—where the best way to know if you belong is to explore our culture itself.🎧 What You’ll LearnThe six cultural dimensions – How Hofstede’s framework applies to Autistic Culture, from collectivism to uncertainty avoidance.Autistic communication style – Why our directness, love of equality, and resistance to change are cultural traits (often misinterpreted by allistics).Living in chronic culture shock – How being autistic in a neurotypical world mirrors the disorientation of cross-cultural immersion.Beyond the medical model – Understanding autism as a culture, not a pathology, and celebrating its global diversity.Practical takeaways – How to navigate cultural differences while embracing autistic values.Resources: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 CultureRelated Episodes:Labels and AutismThe Legend of Autistica🌟 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 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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, Matt Lowry and Angela Lauria discuss the origins of Sesame Street, created with the goals of promoting equality, acceptance, and education through family entertainment. The podcast hosts highlight how Jim Henson's Muppets brought commercial-like musical segments to captivate kids' attention and teach letters/numbers. The character Bert displays many Autistic traits and is discussed as a positive representation of Autistic adults. The new Sesame Street muppet, Julia, was first introduced as part of an autism initiative with input from ASAN (the Autistic Self Advocacy Network) to create authentic representation. However, Sesame Street has since controversially partnered with and accepted funding from Autism Speaks—an organization criticized for promoting eugenics that is widely viewed as a hate group in the Autistic community (including promoting a 100 day kit that involves having a funeral for your very-much-still-alive Autistic child or children). Sesame Street soon faced backlash from the Autistic community who felt betrayed by the new inaccurate and harmful portrayal. Soon after, ASAN cut ties with Sesame Street. “Yeah, and this is the big difference between the Autistic community and the autism community. Because the Autistic community is comprised of Autistic people, Autistic families, and people who, again like us, see autism as a culture and something that is to be celebrated rather than fixed, the autism culture tries to separate autism from the person and…It's like a gremlin that lives in your child's brain that is to be defeated instead of to be understood.” —MattThe hosts reflect on how capitalism and corporate sponsorships can undermine even well-intentioned media like Sesame Street from fully promoting acceptance of neurodiversity. They explore the nuances of representation in media and how the Autistic community can work towards better representation moving forward. Angela: You know, love yourself, accept yourself, and learn your neurology—there's not a lot of people making money off of that.Matt: That's the thing, that's the thing. There is so much money to be made from, quote, ‘curing the autism,’ but self-acceptance is free.They also address Sesame Street’s long history of listening to and uplifting the voices of actually Autistic individuals since it’s founding. Despite not always getting it right, Sesame Street has been influenced by, and has contributed to, Autistic Culture significantly over the decades. They conclude by encouraging listeners to educate others on Autistic experiences, as many parents may not be aware of these issues. Sharing positive stories of Autistic people is key to broadening acceptance and understanding.Did you grow up loving Sesame Street? Do you find the characters relatable? Tell us about it in the comments?The Amazing SongASAN on Autism SpeaksIlluminaughtii on Autism SpeaksMore on Autism SpeaksMuppet Guys TalkingFrank Oz at Jim Hensen’s MemorialStreet Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street, appeared in 202Looking for kid-friendly Autistic characters? Check out: Episode 22: Trains are Autistic and Episode 18: Ponies 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:Podcast hosts Matt and Angela discuss the recent meme from Asperger's Syndrome Awareness that went viral, which suggested that Eminem is Autistic. While the rapper hasn’t publicly addressed the rumors surrounding his potential autism diagnosis, analysis of his lyrics (including a direct reference to “Asperger’s syndrome”) suggests that he is.The hosts discuss the contributions to Autistic Culture Eminem has made and delve into Eminem's personal history. His childhood was marked by interest in comic books and dinosaurs, being bullied and beat up in school, frequently changing schools, and finding solace through drawing and writing raps/poetry—all common to Autistic people, especially children and teens.They highlight common Autistic traits seen in Eminem like sensory overload, sensory-seeking, emotional intensity, OCD tendencies, addiction issues (caused by ableism), and a monotropic focus on rhyming lyrics as an emotional outlet. His intense special interest helped him process emotions and likely saved his life, allowing him to become globally successful as one of the best-selling music artists ever.Angela: Here is what I think is really fun about Autistic Culture is we have our special interests and if we tap into them early--and obviously comic books was a big one for him, but also writing poetry and then rapping, and a lot of people want to take away our ‘annoying’ special interests. ‘Why do you keep talking about German tanks?’ ‘Why are you doodling non-stop in class?’ And I think this is a great example of how a special interest can also save your life.Matt: Yes, yes, absolutely. Because when you have something to live for, because that's the thing, neurotypical people…They don't have the level of emotional intensity that we do and that especially doesn't lead to suicidal ideation. We have intense emotions, we are often isolated. And without something like our special interests to dive into, to give us purpose, to give us identity, the siren's call of suicide is one that far too many people succumb to.Angela: Mm-hmm. I get it. I get it.Throughout the episode, Matt and Angela draw on their own experiences as members of the Autistic community to offer insights and perspectives on what it means to be Autistic and how society can better support Autistic individuals.The hosts conclude that in his lyrics, Eminem seems to demonstrate intimate knowledge of experiences common to people on the autism spectrum. Though he hasn't openly discussed being autistic in interviews, they welcome him to the Autistic community.Do you like to express yourself through raps, songs, or poetry? Tell us about it in the comments!The Meme that Started it AllLegacy LyricsWicked Ways LyricsHeat LyricsRelated episodes…Want learn about another famous Autistic Musician? Episode 29: Questlove 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.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:Join hosts Angela and Matt as they discuss the Autistic origins and culture surrounding My Little Pony, including the involvement of Autistic creator Bonnie Zacherle (who has a delightfully strong Autistic accent) and writer Linda Woolverton (a writer on the autism spectrum).Matt: And this is a big thing, especially when you see the Autistic accent at play, and how she was marginalized among her co-workers, especially because they said, ‘You are not a real girl. This is not what girls want—nothing like this. You are a freak of nature.’ I mean, holy crap.Angela: Girls just like to cook and clean. Give us an iron. That's how we play.They talk about how the Autistic cartoon My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, created by autistic Lauren Faust, sparked a huge fandom including many Autistic fans, especially those who are sensory-seeking. The show provided relatable Autistic characters and a fantasy world that fans wanted to be part of.They explore the therapeutic benefits of horses and horse therapy for Autistic individuals (great for children and adults), allowing for co-regulation of emotions. Angela shares a personal story about how horse therapy helped her identify physical signs of dysregulation in her body before sensory overload, which has improved her mental health.Matt and Angela highlight the emergence of the Bronies subculture: a fandom of primarily young adult men who share a passion for the show and its values. They discuss the ways in which the Bronies community has fostered a sense of belonging and identity through their fandom.Overall, the show's themes and characters resonate with the Autistic community, including its focus on friendship, acceptance, and individuality. Do you love My Little Pony? Tell us who your favorite pony is in the comments!Crunch Dog episode of My Little PonyEpisode 09: Fairy Tales are AutisticMore on Autistic writer Linda Woolverton in: Episode 26: Disney is Autistic and Episode 34: Beauty and the Beast 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.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you have probably heard about Netflix’s latest show, Wednesday, and the discussion around whether or not she’s an Autistic character. Join us on this week’s virtual culture trip as TACP’s real life Autistic podcast hosts weigh in.Based on the beloved Addams Family franchise created by Charles “Chas” Addams in 1938, this series stars Jenna Ortega (not Autistic) as the titular character and has already gained tremendous success garnering 341 million hours of viewing time on its platform since its November 2022 release, overtaking a record previously set by fellow giant Stranger Things. The hosts discuss whether the titular character represents an authentic autistic woman and teen.Wednesday (sort of) displays many traits shared by those on the autism spectrum such as a “flat affect,” dislike of physical touch, focused interests, not socially accepted etc., but the show's portrayal is ultimately an allistic perspective of autism. The creators use Autistic coding and tropes rather than casting an actually Autistic actor. Wednesday is compared to caricatures like Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, they say the show engages in "Autistic face" rather than authentic representation. The podcast hosts criticize the show's apparent goal of "fixing" Wednesday to be more socially accepted. The hosts discuss the role of relative physical attractiveness and conventional/allistic story arcs that might make her character more universally palatable and not nearly as “Autistic” as it might appear. Angela: She's not weird—she needs to be fixed. And great news: we have designed this TV show to fix her.Matt: I discovered way back with Tom Hanks playing Forrest Gump that this country loves disabled characters as long as they're played by conventionally attractive, abled actors.While allowing that some Autistic individuals find representation in the character, the hosts conclude that Wednesday does not fully encapsulate authentic Autistic experiences and culture. They see it more as an allistic interpretation for mass appeal than an inside perspective.Do you think that “Wednesday” represents Autistic Culture? Tell us about it in the comments!HERE WE WOE I’m neurodivergent and here’s my issue with Netflix’s Wednesday15 Ways Wednesday Addams is Cool and AutisticWednesday's neurodivergent coding is both good and badAs more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and autism, here's why neurodivergent characters like Wednesday Addams are so importantAutistic Connections Facebook GroupDemystifying The Autism Spectrum & Autistic People ClassesMaisie SoetantyoEpisode 11: Sherlock is AutisticEpisode 30: Doctor Who is AutisticEpisode 41: Tim Burton 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.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:Hosts Matt and Angela share why so many Autistic people have an affinity for Pokémon (one of the most beloved franchises in history) and its characters. Pokémon not only taps into natural Autistic skills, it also helps to build authentic community around a shared interest.Creator of Pokemon, Satoshi Tajiri (officially diagnosed on the autism spectrum), was obsessed with collecting and cataloging bugs as a child, which later inspired his idea for a hugely successful series of games that has since become iconic around the world. The need to collect, categorize, and understand all the different Pokémon appeals strongly to autistic adults and children alike.Podcast hosts go on to talk about the concept of "Flow": a state of complete absorption in an activity. They relate this to Tajiri's intense focus in creating the original Pokémon games. Autistic individuals are prone to entering Flow states when engaged in their special interests. Pokémon's vast, intricate world taps into an Autistic person's curiosity and persistence.M: I went to this training led by a neurotypical person about autism.A: Oh my favorite.M: I will never forget this.A: My favorite. Autistic trainings run by allistic people. Mmm! Bring it on!M: Exactly…He said, and I quote, “There's a special place in hell for the person who created Pokemon because of the obsession it causes in children with autism. And being an Autistic person...A: And by obsession, you mean joy and fun? Is that...M: That's the thing.A: No more joy and fun for Autistic people!Pokémon is representative of Autistic Culture because of the ability to collect and analyze data, follow intrinsic motivations, and achieve Flow states. Pokémon provides a world where Autistic skills are celebrated and Autistic socializing is supported. On this culture trip, the hosts praise it as an immersive special interest that encapsulates the Autistic experience.Do you, “Gotta catch ‘em all?” Tell us about it in the comments!See MewFlow: The Psychology of Optimal ExperienceWant more Autistic cartoons? Check out Episode 18: Ponies are AutisticEpisode 39: Dungeons & Dragons is AutisticEpisode 32: Animation 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.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:All cultures have icons and one of our favorite living Autistic Culture icons is climate activist, school striker, and Davos rabble-rouser, Greta Thunberg! In this episode, podcast hosts Angela and Matt discuss all things Greta - and yes, that includes her recent one-liner takedown of misogynist poster boy, Andrew Tate!“She's just like a kid with a crazy idea, using her special interests to save her life, which is what we do…And is being trolled by world leaders of some of the biggest and most important countries.” –AngelaGreta, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and selective mutism at age 11, has become a global sensation for her work in the climate activism movement. Greta proudly displays common autism symptoms in women (which we call traits!).Greta’s Autistic traits of pattern detection, logic, and justice-sensitivity affect the way she experiences the urgency of the climate crisis. In 2018, as a teenager, Thunberg started protesting for climate action by skipping school on Fridays, which sparked a global youth climate protest movement: "School Strike for Climate.” Consequently, she was named Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2019. The hosts admire Thunberg's Autistic intense focus on her interests, honesty, and unwillingness to compromise her message to be polite or popular—qualities that are highly valued by individuals on the autism spectrum. They also discuss how Thunberg was bullied and dismissed by world leaders and others, but maintained her conviction. “We don't have the option of just going with things because we inevitably stand out. So we have a very, very different profile of strengths and weaknesses. And I present this to people like, look at Superman. Superman is strong enough to push around the moon, but his weakness is a green rock.” –MattThe podcast highlights an incident where Thunberg cleverly responded on Twitter to sexist taunts from influencer Andrew Tate, leading to his arrest. Matt and Angela praise Thunberg as an important figure in Autistic culture who models integrity, focus, and self-acceptance.Greta is proud of her autism and considers it a superpower. She is a symbol of Autistic pride and has earned the support and admiration of Autistic children, teens, and adults. Despite criticism and hate, Greta continues to spread her message of the urgency of the climate crisis and has been a voice of individualism in the movement. If you are Autistic - or love someone who is - you don’t want to miss this virtual culture trip. Does Greta inspire you? Tell us about it in the comments!Greta Thunberg Likens Autism to SuperpowerGreta Thunberg’s Asperger's diagnosis and how being different is a 'superpower’How is Greta Thunberg Affected by Autism?Greta Thunberg on Her Autism Diagnosis and Climate ActivismHow Greta Thunberg’s autism helped make her the world’s most important person for 2020Vanderbilt University - Autistic Pride MonthGreta Thunberg and Autism: Making the Most of Your DifferencesGreta Thunberg Book Details Her Autism Struggles In Childhood, Impact On FamilyTime Magazine’s 2019 Person of the Year: Greta ThunbergEpisode 03: Poetry is AutisticEpisode 12: Parks and Rec is AutisticAnd learn about one of the other most famous Autistic celebrities (the good and the bad): 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:Matt and Angela get real, discussing the discrimination and marginalization Autistics face when seeking medical care. They share about the increased likelihood of dealing with sleep apnea, gastrointestinal problems, autoimmune disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, PCOS, Hashimotos, Lupus, and headaches…but a much reduced likelihood of getting the care that’s needed.  The podcasts hosts emphasize that Autistic people often suffer from medical gaslighting and discrimination when seeking treatment. Doctors frequently dismiss or downplay their symptoms. Autistics may struggle to get medical providers to listen to them and understand them due to differences in communication styles. They advise bringing an ally to appointments when possible.Matt: Because again, if you don't refer to the doctor as yes, yes, sir, yes, ma'am, doctor, this, this, then they're going to treat us poorly because they're going to dislike us and give us second tier treatment. And that sucks. That is discrimination.Angela: Right.Matt: And that discrimination leads to the poor diagnoses, leads to not listening to us, leads to dehumanizing us, because if we don't treat them like an authority, they won't treat us like a person. And of course they blame us for it.Building accepting, informed medical practices and facilities run by and for Autistic people is a critical need which is why Matt is working to establish an culturally competent Autistic health center in his home-state of Kentucky.They recommend Autistic adults self-educate on conditions affecting the community and learn how to self-advocate. Support groups to validate experiences and build resilience are also important for avoiding Autistic burnout.The hosts aim to raise awareness of disproportionate health struggles faced by Autistics while affirming disability justice, neurodiversity, and Autistic pride. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are vital for quality of life. Fully including the perspectives of Autistic individuals is key to addressing systemic medical barriers and building acceptance. This episode is a special tribute to an Autistic friend of the show who recently passed away, in part because of the difficulties Autistic people face in traditional medical institutions.What’s your experience as an Autistic person in an allistic-centric healthcare system? Tell us about it in the comments!What is EDS?What is MCAS? POTS The POTS Facebook GroupWant some basics on Autistic Culture? Listen to Episode 23: Dimensions of Autistic CultureOr try: Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnosis and Episode 14: Autistic Medical NeedsReady 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.