Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity!

An episode that explores the impact of My Chemical Romance through an autistic and neurodivergent perspective. Matt, Angela, and our sound engineer Simon Scott break down how the band’s emotional intensity, justice themes, and outsider energy have made them a lasting icon within the autistic community.Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Today, we’re taking a deep dive into My Chemical Romance and exploring how they reflect and embody elements of the autistic experience.* Our podcast producer, sound engineer, and behind-the-scenes magic man, Simon Scott, steps in front of the mic today to talk about his special interest.* We kick things off with the ultimate lore deep dive—tracing the butterfly effect from 9/11 all the way to Ellen DeGeneres getting canceled (yes, it is connected to My Chemical Romance, and yes, it makes sense… eventually).* After witnessing the Twin Towers fall from the Hudson River on 9/11, Gerard Way felt a deep urge to create something bigger than himself—something that could connect people through shared emotion and purpose. Out of that moment, My Chemical Romance was born.* We then dive into how bottom-up processing and autistic hyper-empathy may have influenced Gerard’s decision—how taking in overwhelming sensory and emotional details of the moment could have sparked a need to respond in a deeply personal, creative, and connective way.* The band went on to write, produce, perform, and publish their entire first album within a week—a hyperfixation-fueled feat that no neurotypical could realistically pull off with the same intensity, focus, and urgency.* Their albums are deeply narrative, with each one following characters that symbolically represent the band members themselves. The first two albums build a layered universe that culminates in their third release—Welcome to the Black Parade—widely regarded as their magnum opus and a defining moment in emo and alternative music history.* We unpack the imagery in the “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” music video and how it resonates with many autistic traits—highlighting themes of social rejection, masking, sensory overwhelm, and the desperate need to be understood in a world that constantly misunderstands you.* Next, we explore themes of justice sensitivity woven throughout MCR’s lyrics—a trait commonly linked to the autistic experience—and how the so-called “autistic accent” subtly shapes the cadence, rhythm, and emotional delivery of their songs, adding layers of urgency, vulnerability, and authenticity.* Our hosts and Simon dive into the rich subculture that’s emerged from the band’s work—a world built by and for the outcasts, the overly emotional, the neurodivergent, and those who never quite fit in. MCR didn’t just create music—they created a movement, a safe haven, and a language for people who feel everything too much.* Finally, we dive into expectation sensitivity, unpack the reasons behind the band’s 8-year hiatus, and reflect on their powerful return—why their message hits harder than ever in today’s world and why we still need MCR now more than ever.“I’d rather be a creature of the night than just some old dude.” - Gerard Way“I disappoint a lot of people. They expect me to be one way. If I spend a minute with them, they end up saying, ‘Oh, you’re actually just a really nice person. They hate me when they catch me out of my makeup.” - Gerard Way“Neurotypical people tend to do things for power, prestige, and profit. He’s not doing it because he wants to maintain the My Chemical Romance empire. He’s not doing it because he wants to be famous. He’s not doing it because he wants all the money. He has a story to tell. He has a reason for doing the thing.” - MattDid you enjoy this episode? We took a deep dive into the world of My Chemical Romance and how their music, message, and aesthetic embody key aspects of the autistic experience. From the butterfly effect of 9/11 to the cancellation of Ellen (yes, really), we trace the band’s origins, explore autistic hyper-empathy and justice sensitivity in their lyrics, and analyze how the “autistic accent” shows up in their sound. Plus, we break down the iconic “I’m Not Okay” music video and the subculture that’s made MCR a safe haven for neurodivergent weirdos everywhere. Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!Show Notes:My Chemical Romance on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Chemical_RomanceBlack Parade in Musical Order - Neurodivergent Experience -Na Na Na Music Video: Welcome to the Black Parade Music Video: Related Episodes:Chess is AutisticFreddie Mercury is AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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

An episode that dives deep on the myths of giftedness and “profound autism,” two tropes that lead to bad outcomes for Autistic people. We look at conservatorship, lack of autonomy, and substance abuse and their connections to these terms. Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In today's episode, Matt and Angela dive into the controversial discussion surrounding "profound autism."* It turns out that "profound autism" isn’t a clinical term, but rather a label used by the ABA industry to restrict the number of autistic advocates who can speak for themselves.* Calling it "profound autism" is more profitable than saying "level 3 autism" because it creates a sense of urgency, making it easier for the ABA industry to secure funding and promote more intervention-based services.* In this episode, we explore the connection between giftedness and autism, and how gifted individuals face higher rates of addiction and substance abuse.* The autism levels are directly tied to capitalism—how much money you can make often depends on how well you can mask your symptoms.* Our hosts also discuss how terms like "indigo children" and "highly sensitive persons (HSPs)" are often just euphemisms for being autistic.* Then, we dive into the ABA industry, the issues with Autism Speaks, and the impact of helicopter autism parents who prevent their children from learning and growing.* We also talk about autistic pattern recognition and how it can sometimes feel like we're psychic, picking up on details others might miss.* Matt and Angela discuss how pattern recognition can also serve as a survival skill, and how burnout manifests in everyone who is autistic.* We elaborate on how autistic individuals can be more prone to substance abuse, often as a way to cope with sensory overload, social challenges, or unmet needs.* Then, we dive into the concept of being a functional alcoholic and explore the connection between substance abuse and giftedness.* We discuss Dan Harmon, creator of Rick and Morty, and how his autistic burnout led to struggles with alcoholism and missed deadlines.* Finally, we explore reframing autism in terms of "masking levels" rather than outdated "functioning" labels.“What people don’t understand is that, when it comes to the autism, we just have the autism. It might have some comorbid characteristics with other stuff - for instance, ‘profound autism’ might have some intellectual disability. But it doesn’t change the nature of the autism, it just changes the operating system that you’re working with. It changes the hardware that you’re working with.” - Matt“The autism is the autism. It is the hyper-connected brain. It is the hyper-connected brain. It is the genetic underpinning that changes everything about us.” - Matt“You could be gifted, but God forbid the word ‘autistic’ with no qualifiers just comes out of your mouth. I don’t know what happens. I think God throws Zeus a bolt of lightning. Something must happen.” - Angela“I have had periods in my life where I actually thought I must be psychic because these things would happen. I’d be like, ‘my god, I think I’m psychic. And then I realized, ‘shit, I’m just pattern matching.” - AngelaDid you enjoy this episode? We explored the controversial label of "profound autism" and how it's used to limit autistic self-advocacy. We also dove into the connection between giftedness and substance abuse, the role of pattern recognition as a survival skill, and the cycle of burnout and underemployment in the autistic community. Plus, we break down the issues with Autism Speaks, the ABA industry, and helicopter autism parents. Tune in and share your thoughts using #AutisticCultureCatch!Show Notes:Harmontown Movie - Related Episodes:Sherlock is AutisticCommunity is AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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

An episode of giant proportions!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * To kick off the episode, we’re diving into the origins of They Might Be Giants back in 1982 in Brooklyn—and of course, we have to talk about their legendary Dial-A-Song fan hotline, which they kept running all the way until 2008!* TMBG is entirely supported by their fan club rather than a record label—and as a special perk, they create a personalized song for each paying member!* Also, their whole fan base is definitely 90% autistic. * Both Johns of TMBG have openly identified as neurodivergent, with John Linnell specifically describing himself as autistic.* Next, we dive into the autistic coding in certain TMBG songs—like Upside Down Frown, which seems to be about masking, and Dr. Worm, which is absolutely a special interest anthem.* Rejection sensitivity, pattern matching, burnout, info-dumping, and sensory overload are all major autistic themes that show up throughout their music, woven into their lyrics in a way that feels both deeply personal and incredibly relatable.* A lot of their work also features history-infodumps, with one of the most famous examples being their 1990 hit Istanbul (Not Constantinople)—a perfect example of their love for educational, hyper-specific storytelling.* Finally, we explore the deep autistic connection and sense of community built through music—especially how TMBG’s fan club structure fosters that, creating a space where like-minded fans can bond over their shared love for the band’s unique, neurodivergent-friendly artistry.“I can’t ignore music when it’s in a room. If I’m in a restaurant and I hear music, I feel oppressed by it.” - John Linnell“I have a latent desire for maximum efficiency of movement, which is motivated by laziness. I spend a fair amount of time thinking of the easiest way to do things.” - John Linnell“Yeah, that’s an autistic song right there. That’s the kind of song you come up with after reading Wikipedia at three in the morning.” - MattDid you enjoy this episode? We explored the deep autistic coding in They Might Be Giants' music, from themes of masking, rejection sensitivity, and sensory overload to their love of history-infodumps and special interest anthems. Tune in as we break down fan favorites like Dr. Worm and Upside Down Frown, and discuss how TMBG’s fan club structure fosters autistic connection and community. Share your thoughts using #AutisticCultureCatch!Show Notes:Angela’s TMBG is Autistic companion playlist: Musical References of TMBG: Stuff is the Way: ​​Favorite TMBG Quotes: https://www.reddit.com/r/tmbg/comments/189sult/what_are_sole_of_your_favorite_lyrics_from_they/Best TMBG Songs: https://www.buzzfeed.com/jeanlucbouchard/they-might-be-giants-best-songshttps://www.moonhooch.com/Related Episodes:QuestLove is AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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

Delve into the intricacies of executive functioning as it evolves with age. Discover the pressures on autistic individuals, from navigating daily tasks to tackling modern technology demands. Explore the inadequacy of typical advice and the concept of autistic inertia. Hear personal journeys of unmasking in the workplace and the challenges of maintaining authenticity. The discussion touches on comorbid health conditions and the impact of trauma on autistic lives, stressing the need for understanding and self-advocacy in the face of societal expectations.

An episode that’s spooky and spectacular! Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Today's episode is all about the Monster High franchise! It’s a perfect topic since, as autistic people, we often relate to monsters—feeling different and set apart, just like they do.* Our special guest for this episode is Tiffany Hammond from the Fidgets and Fries Instagram account! An autistic mother and advocate, her activism is deeply rooted in intersectionality and challenging mainstream perceptions of autism.* We dive into all things advocacy, from the complexities of the “autism mom” narrative to the unique challenges of navigating the advocacy space as a Black autistic person.* We discuss the realities of autistic individuals encountering law enforcement and the often terrifying challenges that come with these interactions. From misunderstandings and sensory overload to the potential for dangerous outcomes, we explore why these situations can be so distressing and what needs to change to make them safer.* Tiffany also shares her experience teaching her Black autistic children about race, highlighting the unique challenges and nuances that come with discussing identity, privilege, and discrimination with neurodivergent kids.* Additionally, Tiffany then shares her experience consulting with Mattel on Twyla Boogeyman, the first canonically autistic Monster High character. She discusses the process of ensuring authentic representation, the importance of neurodivergent voices in media, and what this milestone means for autistic fans.* From body language to stim objects, every detail was carefully considered to ensure an authentic and meaningful portrayal of autism in Twyla’s character.* Finally, we explore the many forms of autism representation in media and the importance of diverse portrayals. While no single character can represent every autistic person, authentic representation can still make a powerful impact—helping even one autistic individual feel seen and understood.“We [autistic folks] tend to have an affinity for monsters because we are often misunderstood. We are often persecuted, villainized, & made out to be the bad guy because we are different. So, we often want to extend courtesy to monsters, because we say, ‘that beast surely is misunderstood. Perhaps there’s good things there.’” - Matt"“That’s a big problem with the world in general, because a lot of the world, especially neurotypical people, operate with sound bytes and hashtags and making things as simplistic as possible. But when you have the complex intersectionality of racism and colonialism and ableism and all this stuff contributing to make a real, massive threat, a danger to your existence, it’s so much bigger than that.” - Matt“She [Twyla Boogeyman] represents one kind of representation of what autism can be. This is just an invitation for the audience to learn more, for you to see that there is disabled representation, even in animated, made-up shows.” - Tiffany Hammond Did you enjoy this episode? We explored the impact of autism representation in media, from Monster High's canonically autistic character to the power of seeing ourselves reflected in pop culture. Tune in as we dive into how these portrayals shape our identities, creativity, and connections with others. Share your thoughts in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with us and share your experiences!Show Notes:Tiffany Hammond (she/her) is the voice behind the Fidgets and Fries platform. She is an Autistic mother, advocate, and storyteller who uses her personal experiences with Autism and parenting two Autistic boys to guide others on their journey. Tiffany has a Masters in Developmental Psychology and spends her time teaching, coaching, and mentoring others in Disability Justice issues. Her activism is rooted in challenging the current perception of Autism as a lifelong burden, cultivating a community that explores the concept of Intersectionality and inspiring thought leaders through storytelling, education, and critical discourse. Tiffany was born and raised in Texas and grew up on deep dish pie and stories from her grandmother. She is a dreamer by day and a cereal killer at night. You can usually find Tiffany writing in the light of the moon or thinking about what to write in the light of the day. When she isn’t writing, she is building epic pillow forts with her two sons or going on long road trips with her family.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Highhttps://www.instagram.com/fidgets.and.fries/https://bsky.app/profile/fidgetsandfries.bsky.socialSPELLRBOARD APP:Listener Julie Kazaks wanted to share that my oldest son released an app in the AppStore- a digital letterboard made for people who aren’t able to reliably use their voice.He created this app originally for his brother who has autism and is non speaking.I am helping him spread the word to help give a voice - everyone deserves to be heard.If you'd like to learn more and watch a demo- please check out the website.https://www.spellrboard.comShow notes:https://www.amazon.com/Day-No-Words-Tiffany-Hammond/dp/1736949799Related Episodes:Beauty and the Beast is AutisticX-Men are AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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

An episode that hyperfixates on SPINS!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In this episode, we dive into autistic special interests (SPINS) and the joy they bring us.* Our hosts start off by talking about how fiction can be an escape for autistic individuals from challenging childhoods.* Matt and Angela dive into their first SPINS—Frankenstein and Star Wars for Matt, and Bob Geldof and philanthropy for Angela.* We talk about director’s cuts of movies and the autistic tendency to look up films on Wikipedia or IMDb while watching.* Additionally, we dive into Angela's SPIN for the band Crowded House and explore how touring for a band can radiate autistic energy.* We then discuss how the early internet was super autistic and how it helped us find our people to hyperfixate on our SPINS with.* ABA culture suggests we can only have our special interests if we're "good" and earn them, but that's not true. Our special interests are a natural part of who we are and shouldn't have to be earned or justified.* We talk about having a career built around special interests and how This Is The Way for autistic people.* Our special interests help us enter flow states, where we become deeply focused and productive, unlocking creativity and success.* Finally, we discuss how autistic SPINS can foster deep, meaningful connections, creating beautiful mutual friendships where shared passions and understanding strengthen bonds.“[My special interests] were the things that got me through it. I identified more with the fictional world than the real one because of friends, family, and fictional characters.” - Matt“Now, why would you wait and watch the whole movie while instead, you could be looking things up on IMDb or Wikipedia and making your own director’s cut in your mind?” - Angela“We train our children young. You must train your children in your special interests to increase emotional regulation through special interests. The children we love most accept our special interests as their own. These are the rules.” - Angela“Back in the day, the Internet was limited to the people who were really, really autistic as hell. Because you were like, ‘I absolutely need to talk about Star Wars with somebody. I will find people to talk about Transformers with, all this. And you found your people.” - Matt“We cannot enter a flow state through coercion. We cannot enter a flow state when people say, ‘Hey, read this thing. ’ We cannot squeeze this into our heads, partially because of PDA, partially because we just can’t do it, because that’s not how our brains work. But if we have some sort of breadcrumb that gets us interested, we will go all the way and learn everything there is to know about it.” - Matt“When you find the thing that really, really comes together for you, you just kind of fall into it and that becomes your thing.” - Matt“It feels like unlocking a secret code when you meet somebody and you’re able to mutually info dump about the thing that you’re really passionate about, because you just hype each other up. And it is a type of relationship that I don’t think neurotypicals understand.” - MattDid you enjoy this episode? We explored the power of autistic special interests (SPINS) and how they shape our lives, from hyperfocus to creating mutual friendships. Tune in as we dive into how our SPINS fuel creativity, career paths, and deep connections with others. Share your thoughts in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with us and share your experiences!Show Notes:Angela’s SPin Studybit.ly/spinstudyRelated Episodes:The Orville is AutisticBoardgames are AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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

An episode that lays down the law!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * In today’s episode, Matt and Angela sit down with retired judge, late-diagnosed autistic, and host of the Meet My Autistic Brain podcast, Susan, also known as The Autistic Woman.* We discuss how the field of law draws many autistic individuals, yet it often requires a high level of masking.* It’s our strong sense of fairness and justice that often draws us to law—but when we realize the system isn’t always just or fair, it can lead to disappointment and, ultimately, burnout in this career.* We discuss how higher education and academia, including law school, can be challenging for autistic individuals, but we often persevere due to our relentless determination and refusal to give up.* On the other hand, autistic individuals are often drawn to the law field because of its structure and clear rules.* However, our tendency toward black-and-white thinking can sometimes mislead us, as the law often operates in complex gray areas.* That said, certain areas of law do align with this way of thinking, such as working as a prosecutor or specializing in contract law, where rules and interpretations tend to be more clear-cut.* Law also involves one of autistic people's favorite pastimes—research!* Problem-solving and strategic thinking, both strengths for many autistic individuals, can also make us highly effective in the legal field.* Our hosts and Susan delve into the hierarchy within the legal system and explore the role of autism in judicial decision-making.* Autistic individuals often leave the legal field due to burnout, as well as the unpredictability and instability that can arise from differing interpretations of the law.* Finally, we discuss popular autistic-coded lawyer characters and how they reflect the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals in the legal field.“We unconsciously process so much data. We are in a swirling cauldron of chaos all the time, and just getting rid of this visual clutter is meaningful. There are so many things that we can do as autistic people to live healthier autistic lives. And we don’t even know that [some of those] things are options.” - Matt“We [autistic folks], because of our neurology, we don’t develop habits - we develop strategies. Neurotypical people do things on autopilot - like wake up, brush your teeth, go for a walk, all this other stuff, but we can’t do that. We have systems.” - Matt“When we go nonverbal out of stress, when we don’t make eye contact, neurotypicals are led to believe that that’s because we’re shifty or we’re lying. So, our inherent way of being might serve as a disadvantage in a legal system.” - MattDid you enjoy this episode? We explored the intersection of autism and the legal field, discussing the challenges autistic individuals face in law careers, from burnout to navigating the gray areas of the law. Tune in as we dive into the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals in the legal profession. Share your thoughts in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to connect with us and share your experiences!Show Notes:Listen to our producer, Simon’s, podcast, The Neurodivergent ExperienceMy favorite episodes is episodes 33 - Living with Alexithymia and Dyspraxia Go listen to Meet My Autistic Brain - theautistiwoman.comInstagram @anautisticwomanTwitter @anautisticwomanRelated EpisodesStar Trek is AutisticApple is AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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

An episode that uncovers the intimate side of autism.Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Our hosts explore autistic intimacy in this episode, beginning with the unique challenges of dating as an autistic person.* There are countless preconceived notions about autistic people and intimacy—that’s why we’ve invited autistic sex and relationship therapist Kate McNulty to join us for this episode!* Autistic adults have only recently begun speaking out and being taken somewhat seriously. Before this, parents were the ones speaking for their autistic children, which has left autistic sexuality largely unexplored and misunderstood.* It seems that autism parents focus on teaching life skills—but understanding sexuality and relationships is one too.* Much of the lack of research into autistic sexuality is, unfortunately, rooted in eugenics.* On the other hand, 5% of the autistic community is asexual, meaning they experience intimacy in a different way.* We also dive into the idea of couples therapy and how it can support autistic relationship dynamics.* In addition, we discuss the unfortunate reality of masking in relationships—how many autistic individuals feel pressured to suppress their true selves to meet societal or partner expectations, and the emotional toll this can take over time.* Autistic people tend to be much more accepting of unconventional relationship structures—an interesting contrast, given that they also highly value sameness and consistency.* We also explore how SPIN sharing—bonding over special interests—can be a crucial component of autistic intimacy.* In addition to this, we also discuss the diversity of autistic intimacy and the strong presence of LGBTQ individuals within the community.* Sensory overwhelm can be a real challenge in the bedroom for autistic individuals, so we discuss effective strategies for managing it.* Plus, we talk about how to create a sensory-friendly bedroom environment to help facilitate a more comfortable and intimate experience.* There’s nothing sexier in an autistic relationship dynamic than a partner who is accommodating and flexible.* Finally, we explore autistic joy and the profound impact it has on our intimate relationships. We discuss how embracing the things that bring us joy—whether it's special interests, shared experiences, or moments of connection—can deepen emotional bonds and create a more authentic, fulfilling dynamic in relationships.“The majority of the people that I’ve worked with are adults. I’ve worked with some teenagers who are now in their 20’s. And every once in awhile, I get a parent who signs their teenager or 20 something or 40 something up for therapy. And they want their autistic child to have ‘life skills’. But when you come into relationships and sex, all of a sudden, it’s like ‘my God, no, we can’t do that!”, because they’re still under the impression that their kid who has trouble making food or getting a job or something is never going to have a healthy relationship.” - Matt “It is a major turn-on to see someone very intensely sorting and categorizing their rock collection.” - Matt“We want to do all we can to make the bedroom a sensory-friendly environment. That oftentimes means getting clutter out of the way, making sure the sheets are clean, getting rid of any fragrances from laundry or soap or body products, anything that’s gonna interfere. It’s important to be candid with one another about that and not take it personally.” - Kate“There are some things about autistic nervous systems that are unlikely to change. We don’t become desensitized. We can try to be flexible and match our partner’s desires, but we can only take it so far. And that’s a can’t, not a won’t.” - Kate “I will confirm that there’s nothing sexier than a flexible partner.” - Matt“Part of autistic intimacy is knowing that there’s room for all kinds of imaginative play, sharing weird fantasies or quirky ideas, and being in that space together, that psychological space you share of imagination and anything being possible.” - MattDid you enjoy this episode? We explored the intersection of autism with various aspects of life, diving into the unique experiences of autistic intimacy and relationships. Tune in as we discuss the challenges of sensory overwhelm, the diversity of autistic experiences, and how couples therapy can support autistic relationship dynamics. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your experiences!Show Notes:Angela’s SPin Studybit.ly/spinstudyLook for a KINK MUNCH - Find a MunchFind a Munchhttps://findamunch.comCarol Queen - Exhibitionism for the Shyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/0940208350I Love You, Don't Touch Me: Sex and Sensory Processing ...YouTube · Pink Therapy690+ views · 4 years agoKate McNulty LCSWGottman Certified Relationship Therapistwww.portland-counseling.comAASECT Certified Sex Therapistwww.sexpositivetherapist.comAutistic Therapistwww.autistictherapist.comScheduling link:https://kate-mcnulty.clientsecure.me/Related Episodes:Kink is AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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

An episode that dives deep into the neurodivergent narrative!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * We kick off this episode by discussing Lena Dunham's EDS diagnosis, a condition frequently co-occurring with autism.* The reason HBO's Girls resonates with us so deeply is simple—it’s an autistic show created by an autistic mind.* We start by discussing Lena Dunham's art school background and creative writing degree—writing is a special interest for many of us here at Autistica.* Lena Dunham's character in Girls constantly faces rejection as a writer and exhibits classic traits of rejection-sensitive dysphoria.* Additionally, her film Tiny Furniture highlights the challenges with transitions that autistic people often experience.* We discuss her memoir, Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s Learned, exploring how its pages lend themselves to neurodivergent coding and how certain passages have been misinterpreted.* After being canceled over the passage in her memoir, Lena Dunham’s career trajectory began to decline—coinciding with the time she started experiencing symptoms of chronic illness.* At this point, what happened to Lena Dunham was essentially autistic burnout—she hit a wall, just as many of us do!* Our hosts discuss how autistic people thrive when we have the freedom to do our own thing and maintain a high level of control over our work environments.* When we can’t control our environments, it leads to conditions like EDS and POTS—often comorbid with neurodivergence—because of the heightened stress we experience.* In the show, which is loosely based on Dunham’s own life, her character discusses sensitivities to clothing and struggles with transitions with her therapist—both hallmark autistic traits.* Lena Dunham has undoubtedly been misinterpreted—she has expressed taboo ideas in her work because she doesn’t naturally pick up on social cues, which is inherently autistic.* The quirks Lena Dunham exhibits in certain episodes of Girls and in her personal life often come across as distinctly autistic-coded.* Another main character in the show, Shoshanna, is actually referred to as canonically autistic in Girls—and, well, we tend to stick together!* We also discuss the part of Girls where Dunham’s character attends the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and how these programs often trigger rejection-sensitive dysphoria and aren’t designed to be neurodivergent-friendly.* This leads to a tie-in with our Neurodivergent Narratives writing workshop program for our paid members of Autistica, which offers a PDA-affirming and neurodivergence-affirming approach to writing workshops.* We talk about Lena Dunham's marriage to songwriting genius Jack Antonoff and how he exhibits neurodivergent coding in the songs he's written for his bands, Fun. and Bleachers.* Finally, we discuss the autistic connection between Lena Dunham and Taylor Swift, and what happens when autistic people recognize and understand each other.“When I tell people I’m autistic, they say, ‘I don’t see it.’ Then I say, ‘well, I’m a Taurus’, and they say, ‘that makes sense.’” - Matt“A minute ago, we were talking about how exciting it is that she went to college, made a movie, went to South by Southwest, and got a film greenlit by HBO. Does this sound like an autistic thing that happens? Works 24 hours a day, wins every award, is a media darling, and then is fucking hated by everyone?” - Angela“This is a common thing among autistic people, because when you’re young and vital and stuff, you put a lot of energy out there and then, for some reason, we expect that we’re going to be able to maintain that level of energy throughout our lives. We cannot.” - Matt“We experience far more stress than neurotypical people, because we live in a world that constantly bombards us with sensory information, with data. We have to mask all the time. We have more stuff that stresses us out than neurotypicals do. So, we are more likely to have all of these things, but again, we don’t know if it’s a 1:1 ratio that, just plain being autistic means it’s more common.” - MattDid you enjoy this episode? We delved into how autism intersects with various aspects of life, from Lena Dunham's neurodivergent-coded characters to the struggles of navigating rejection-sensitive dysphoria and burnout. Tune in as we explore the nuances of being neurodivergent in creative spaces and the connections between autistic individuals, like Lena Dunham and Taylor Swift. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your experiences!Show notes:Aaron and Taylor: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lena-Dunhamhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Antonoffhttps://people.com/jack-antonoff-discusses-his-ocd-rituals-and-late-sister-8654926https://www.threads.net/%40oakleyjohansen/post/C8VvoEfS-54?utm_source=chatgpt.comYouTubeLena Dunham: Short Biography, Net Worth & Career HighlightsOctober 20, 2017 — Complete biography: http://celebritynetworth.wiki/lena-dunham-net-worth/ American actress, director, producer, screenwriter and author Lena ...Lena Dunham Reveals Her Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Diagnosis - Lena Dunham on Body Image, Clothing, and Sensory Sensitivities - Lena Dunham Discusses Chronic Illness and EDS in CNN Interview - https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/03/entertainment/lena-dunham-ehlers-danlos-trnd/index.htmlLena Dunham’s Passion for Writing and Storytelling in HBO’s Girl- https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/315/oa_monograph/chapter/2319659Lena Dunham’s Blunt Communication Style and Public Controversy - https://medium.com/@isabellarosario/lena-dunhams-comments-on-chronic-illness-in-the-cut-draw-criticism-8c865d1ba3f9Lena Dunham on Her OCD, Anxiety, and Mental Health Struggles - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lena_DunhamLena Dunham on Routine, Structure, and Creativity in The New Yorker- https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/lena-dunhams-change-of-paceRelated Episodes:Taylor Swift is AutisticMeat Body MaintenanceReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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

An episode that tosses and turns!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Autistic people struggle greatly with sleep, and while it’s not in the DSM, it definitely should be.* Many autistic traits overlap with factors that could contribute to sleep issues.* For example, sleep apnea is common in autistic individuals but often goes undiagnosed. Factors like muscle tone differences, sensory sensitivities, and co-occurring conditions may contribute, yet research on this connection remains limited.* A major factor leading to autistic burnout is not getting the physical rest we need, which ultimately contributes to exhaustion and burnout.* Autistic individuals also often experience delayed sleep phase onset, meaning we tend to be naturally late risers and stay up later as well.* Sleep issues are a common part of everyday life for autistic individuals, but they can be even more challenging for autistic children, who have less control over their routines.* One of the most common sleep problems is simply taking more than two minutes to fall asleep after lying down, a struggle that many autistic people face.* Additionally, both insomnia and hypersomnia are very common among autistic individuals.* Our interoceptive abilities are impaired, so while they may signal that something is wrong, they don’t always let us know when we’re tired.* Also, our bodies are also hypersensitive to environmental factors, making sleep even more difficult.* Autistic people struggle with transitions, making it difficult to both fall asleep and wake up.* One of the best ways for autistic people to reduce sleep problems is by embracing a low-demand lifestyle.* Sleep isn’t optional—it’s essential. Prioritizing good, healthy sleep is crucial to supporting your needs.* The best way to combat autistic sleep troubles is by creating a lifestyle that aligns with your needs—this means reducing unnecessary demands, honoring your natural sleep-wake cycle, managing sensory inputs, and building routines that support rest rather than force it.“We autistic people have meat bodies that just fall apart. And without good, restorative sleep, our bodies don’t get the rest they need in order to rebuild. ” - Matt“Without good sleep, our bodies deteriorate, we might get fibromyalgia, it raises our cortisol levels, it can lead to epigenetic changes, it can be a factor that leads into POTS and lupus - a decreased immune response, or an increased immune response because we’re on high alert all the time.” - Matt“It’s not the kid’s fault. It’s not the parent’s fault for how you wake up. It’s society’s fault for waking you up when you should not biologically be awake.” - Matt“I could have gone to a doctor’s appointment every day for my narcolepsy, and they would have tried to find a cure. The cure was creating a low-demand lifestyle where I was unmasked and accepted that I am a part of a beautiful, rich tapestry of autistic culture. And then my narcolepsy went away, no drugs included.” - Angela “God, the obsession with melatonin. How about a life that you don’t need melatonin from?” - AngelaDid you enjoy this episode? We explored how sleep challenges impact autistic individuals, from delayed sleep phases to sensory sensitivities and struggles with transitions. Tune in as we unpack why sleep issues are so common in autism and how they contribute to burnout. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your experiences!Related Episodes:Fairy Tales are AutisticChess is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our Autism-affirming 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