Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity!

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry LPP are joined by show producer Simon Scott — stepping in front of the mic to share his lifelong autistic special interest: My Chemical Romance (MCR).Together, they unpack how the band’s origin story, lyrics, and aesthetic reflect core autistic cultural traits like justice sensitivity, emotional intensity, and creative hyperfocus — and why MCR remains a safe haven for neurodivergent fans decades later.🎧 What You’ll Learn:How MCR’s themes of social rejection, masking, hyper-empathy, and sensory overload resonate deeply with autistic experiencesThe band’s origin story — born from Gerard Way’s intense emotional processing of 9/11 — as an example of autistic trauma response and urgencyHow recording their debut album in a week showcases autistic hyperfocus and creative intensityThe narrative arcs in MCR’s albums, exploring identity, grief, burnout, and transformationWhy “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” became an anthem for misunderstood neurodivergent teensHow bottom-up processing and the “autistic accent” influence MCR’s lyrical style, delivery, and authenticityThe neurodivergent-coded subculture that grew around MCR as a form of autistic community-building🎤 Featured Guest: Simon ScottSimon Scott is the producer of The Autistic Culture Podcast and co-host of The Neurodivergent Experience Podcast, a passionate advocate for autistic creative expression. His lifelong SPIN (special interest) in Music and My Chemical Romance has informed his work in storytelling, podcasting, and autistic community-building.Resources:My Chemical Romance on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Chemical_RomanceBlack Parade in Musical Order - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3C9lpecSL1wW8s2X8hRFue?si=467d34e55173494fNeurodivergent Experience - https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ia5o6nDiR5mgGIXJNtyZ7?si=eecb525303994957Related Episodes:Chess is AutisticFreddie Mercury is Autistic🌟 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, Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry LPP celebrate the legendary alt-rock band They Might Be Giants—a group whose quirky, clever, and community-driven music has been unintentionally (or very intentionally) autistic-coded since the early 1980s.From masking anthems to special-interest deep dives, TMBG has built a decades-long career on lyrical loops, info-dumping, and unapologetic weirdness—making them a perfect example of Pillar 2: Rhythmic Communicating and Pillar 10: Passionate Superfanning.🎧 What You’ll LearnHow They Might Be Giants began in 1982 with their cult-classic Dial-A-Song hotline and a fiercely independent, fan-supported modelWhy an estimated 90% of their fan base identifies as unapologetically autisticJohn Linnell’s open identification as autistic and the band’s neurodivergent creative processAutistic themes in TMBG lyrics:“Upside Down Frown” → masking and emotional labour“Dr. Worm” → special interest anthemRejection sensitivity, burnout, and pattern recognition woven into storytellingHow songs like Istanbul (Not Constantinople) showcase autistic hyperfocus, educational infodumps, and joyful pattern playWhy their fan club structure fosters authentic autistic community and belongingThe sensory and lyrical precision that makes TMBG an autistic cultural touchstoneResourcesAngela’s “TMBG is Autistic” Companion PlaylistMusical References of TMBGStuff is the WayFavourite TMBG Lyrics – 🔗 Read the discussion on RedditBest They Might Be Giants Songs – 🔗 Check out the list on BuzzFeedBonus Artist: Moon Hooch – Looking for more neurodivergent-friendly music? Check out Moon Hooch🔗 Visit moonhooch.com🌟 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.

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.

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Matt Lowry LPP and Dr. Angela Kingdon celebrate one of the most joyful and identity-defining aspects of autistic life—special interests (SPINS).From Frankenstein to Bob Geldof, Crowded House to the early internet, this episode dives into how SPINS offer comfort, connection, and career possibilities—and why they’re an essential part of autistic culture, not a “reward” to be earned.🎧 What You’ll LearnHow SPINS provide escape, identity, and emotional regulation—especially during challenging childhoodsThe hosts’ personal SPINS and how they’ve evolved over timeWhy autistic people thrive on deep media dives, director’s cuts, and IMDb explorationsThe role the early internet played as a haven for autistic connection and fandom cultureHow ABA’s approach to “earning” special interests is harmful and rooted in deficit thinkingWays to build a fulfilling career around your SPINSHow mutual info-dumping creates powerful, lasting autistic relationshipsResources:🧠 Angela’s SPIN Study – Exploring Autistic Special Interests in Intimacy🔗 bit.ly/spinstudyRelated Episodes:The Orville is AutisticBoard games are Autistic🌟 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 captivating conversation, Dr. Sonya Freeman Loftis, a Shakespeare expert and M. Mitchell chair at Morehouse College, reveals how the Bard's characters reflect neurodivergent traits. She discusses the Globe Theatre's adaptations for disabilities and the power of Shakespeare therapy in diverse settings. Hamlet's introspection and Coriolanus's strong justice sense are highlighted as emblematic of autistic experiences. The discussion also touches on ableism in the plays and the relevance of Shakespeare's complex language to autistic comprehension, offering a fresh lens on his timeless works.

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela welcome special guest Meghan Ashley, LPC-S—an autistic licensed professional counsellor, speaker, and author of Blueprint to Behaviour—for a conversation about neurodivergent parenting, autistic self-understanding, and creating advocacy that starts at home.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy autism advocacy begins at home – Creating affirming environments, building accommodations plans, and dismantling internalized ableism in both kids and parents.Meghan Ashley’s mission – Why she’s determined that this generation of autistic children will be the last to grow up misunderstood, and her call to move beyond ABA.Inside Blueprint to Behaviour – Practical tools for reading nonverbal cues, supporting sensory needs, and meeting autistic children where they are.Parenting as an autistic person – Navigating late diagnosis, reparenting your younger self, and building layered support for your neurodivergent family.Cultural competence & Black autistic identity – The need for culturally responsive care and the unique dangers of ABA in Black communities.Living your best autistic life – Carrying sensory tools, sunglasses, and communication supports; understanding burnout, masking, and skill regression; and embracing your full autistic self unapologetically.Featured Guest:Meghan Ashley is a proudly autistic therapist, TED speaker, and lifelong learner licensed in Texas. She empowers clients to embrace their authenticity and specializes in supporting autistic adults, parents, and families with compassion and clarity.Resources:Meghan’s TED Talk – Inspiring insights on neurodivergence and parenting. 🔗 Watch hereBook – Blueprint to Behaviour – A compassionate, practical guide to understanding autistic children’s communication and behaviour. 🔗 Available on AmazonAutism Toolkits & Resources – Practical materials for adapting environments to autistic needs. 🔗 Visit adaptingtoautism.comRelated Episodes:Bad Autism DiagnosisChild-to-Parent Diagnostic PipelineReframing DSM Autism CriteriaSunglasses are Autistic🌟 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, Matt and Angela are joined by stand-up comedian and podcast host Abigoliah Schamaun to explore why expat life might just be peak autistic behaviour. From cultural clashes to the comedy stage, Abigoliah’s journey offers insight, laughs, and plenty of neurodivergent real talk.🎧 What You’ll Learn1️⃣ Expat Life as a Neurodivergent AdventureWhy Angela calls being an expat “autism with extra passport stamps.”Navigating national identity, cultural differences, and reinvention.The joys and challenges of moving between the US and UK.2️⃣ Comedy, Creativity & BurnoutAbigoliah’s rise from Ohio to NYC to the UK comedy scene.The overlap between neurodivergence and stand-up comedy.How burnout affects creative output and content creation.3️⃣ Cross-Cultural NeurodivergenceDifferences in how autism and ADHD are perceived in the US vs. the UK.Healthcare, safety, and societal norms across the pond.How cultural context changes the way neurodivergence is experienced.4️⃣ Post-Diagnosis Clarity & Self-GraceThe relief and self-compassion that comes with an ADHD diagnosis.Strategies for navigating burnout without guilt.Why slowing down can be the key to long-term sustainability.About Abigoliah SchamaunAbigoliah Schamaun is a New York comedian, actor, and writer whose charisma and sharp comedic skill have taken her from Ohio to NYC to the UK stage. A finalist in the Funny Women Awards, she’s one of the top female headliners on the UK comedy scene. On TikTok, her stand-up and comedy cooking clips have amassed over 10 million views.She co-hosts the Neurodivergent Moments Podcast with Joe Wells and is open about her life with ADHD, sharing honest and hilarious perspectives on neurodivergence.Resources:🎧 Listen to Neurodivergent Moments Podcast shows.acast.com/neurodivergent-moments💖 Support their Show on Patreon patreon.com/neurodivergentmomentspod📱 Follow Abigoliah Everywhere @abigoliah on all social media platformsRelated Episodes:Comedy is Autistic🌟 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.

The podcast dives into the challenges of internalized ableism faced by autistic individuals. It highlights the societal pressures that make some question their identities and capabilities. The struggle between pushing limits through masking and the threat of burnout is explored, emphasizing self-acceptance. Personal stories reveal the exhaustion from navigating a neurotypical world and the importance of recognizing individual needs. The conversation also touches on the significance of community support and inner child healing, promoting understanding and self-forgiveness.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Matt and Angela dive into the world of board games—a structured, sensory-rich hobby beloved in the autistic community. With research showing that 7% of autistic people enjoy board games (compared to just 1% of neurotypicals), it’s no wonder they hold such a special place in our culture.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy board games resonate with autistic players – The draw of clear rules, predictable structure, and logical systems.Social connection through play – How board games reduce pressure, foster comfort, and create a shared focus.Autism-affirming skill building – Turn-taking, collaboration, communication, and fairness through structured interaction.SPINs & monotropic focus – How games align with special interests to boost emotional regulation.Sensory joy – Why the tactile, “stim-tastic” aspects of board games can be soothing and engaging.Healthy focus vs. catastrophizing – How pattern recognition in games offers a positive outlet for autistic brains.Resources:Autism and Board Games – 🔗 Game in Lab PresentationBoard Gaming on the Spectrum – 🔗 Liam Cross TalkPsychology Today – 🔗 How Games Can Help Autistic ChildrenPubMed – 🔗 Board Games and Autism StudyRelated Shows:Chess is AutisticCareers are AutisticPokemon is AutisticParks and Rec is Autistic🌟 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, Special guest Hunter Hammersen joins Matt and Angela to share how knitting blends a stim, a special interest, and a sensory joy all in one. From the textures of yarn to the meditative repetition of stitches, Hunter explains why knitting is a perfect autistic pastime—both deeply personal and socially connective.🎧 What You’ll Learn:How knitting offers a socially acceptable way to stim while connecting with like-minded enthusiasts.The wonderfully literal magic of turning yarn and two sticks into something tangible.Why autistic bottom-up processing enhances the joy of noticing yarn textures and quality.The sensory benefits of knitting and how it can regulate and soothe the mind.How yarn can hold emotional meaning and become part of your personal story.Choosing the perfect yarn to suit your sensory needs.The intersection of knitting, community, and social justice.How to create autism-friendly systems for organizing projects and completing patterns.Featured Guest: Hunter HammersenHunter is a self-described weirdo who left grad school (ABD in the history of science and medicine) to create her own knitting patterns. In the past fifteen years, she has published a dozen books, written hundreds of patterns, and built a thriving community of knitters. Now, she shares her creativity, sensory joy, and curiosity on Patreon—often from the comfort of her pajamas.📚 Resources & Links Mentioned🌐 Hunter’s Website📷 Hunter on Instagram💌 Hunter on PatreonShow Notes:Website: https://tinynonsense.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HunterHammersenPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/tinynonsenseRelated Shows:Questlove is AutisticRoller Derby is Autistic🌟 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.