Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity!

In this episode of Autistic Culture 101, Dr. Angela Kingdon explores Pillar 6: Game-Changing Innovation—the autistic drive to question assumptions, reimagine systems, and create from sensory truth and moral clarity.Autistic innovation isn’t about chasing trends or applause. It’s about paradigm shifts. From Isaac Newton’s invention of calculus to Richard Branson’s rebellious business model to Angela’s father building his own Hot Rod kit cars—this episode shows how autistic game changers build entirely new systems when old ones fail.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy autistic thinkers often notice problems no one else seesHow emotional intensity, deep focus, and sensory perception drive innovationThe difference between trend-following disruption and authentic paradigm-buildingHow masking stifles game-changing potential—and how to lean into your visionStories of iconic game changers like Isaac Newton, Steve Jobs, Hannah Gadsby, and Martha Stewart📚 Resources Mentioned🎤 Angela’s TEDx Talk at TEDx Tamworth — on Newton as an autistic game changer📘 Make ‘Em Beg to Work for You – Angela’s Hiring Book📖 Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert📺 Lessons in Chemistry (TV series featuring autistic-coded innovation)Related Episodes:Industrial Light & MagicLessons in Chemistry is AutisticFreddie Mercury🌟 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🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autistic Culture 101, Dr. Angela Kingdon is joined by Jodi Britcha-Coyne, author, life coach, and systems-thinker, to explore Pillar 5: Pattern Matching—the cultural superpower at the heart of autistic insight, organization, and perception.Autistic pattern matching isn’t robotic—it’s deep, human, creative, and emotionally charged. From recognizing micro-patterns in conversation to creating vast knowledge maps across disciplines, autistic people don’t generalize—we observe. We track anomalies. We notice what others miss. And in a world built on noise and guesswork, this precision is transformative.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy autistic people are data-hungry, detail-oriented, and insight-drivenHow monotropic focus and repetition build meaning and emotional groundingWhy pattern matching isn’t about cold logic—it’s about finding order, comfort, and connectionExamples of real-world pattern thinking: board games, Kinsey’s research, Wikipedia editing, Magic the Gathering, and moreHow to embrace your “pattern brain” in a world that often mislabels it as “too much”👤 Featured Guest: Jodi Britcha-CoyneJodi is a Certified Life Coach, Strategic Interventionist, and author of Are You Still There God? It’s Me, Jodi—a witty, honest look at midlife, motherhood, and systems-thinking.📘 Buy Jodi’s BookResources Mentioned:🧠 “The Predictive Coding Account of Psychosis and Autism” – Frontiers in Psychiatry📖 “The Prehistory of Autism” – Rounded Globe📘 “Understanding Autism” – IntechOpen Chapter🎓 Monotropism Slides – Dr. Damian Milton🌐 Monotropism.org – Wellbeing & FocusRelated Episodes:Sex/Alfred KinseyBoard Games🌟 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🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autistic Culture 101, Dr. Angela Kingdon welcomes Dr. Scott Frasard, autistic author and advocate, as they dive into Pillar 4 of Autistic Culture: World-Building—the powerful autistic drive to construct immersive systems, structures, and stories, both real and imagined.In his essay “The World We Built: A Future Where Autistic People Are Respected, Not Repaired”, Dr. Frasard envisions a future (set in 2075) where diagnosis has given way to identity co-creation, and neurodivergence is celebrated—not pathologized. This episode explores how autistic people don’t just survive systems—we reimagine them.👉 Read the full essay here → here.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy world-building is more than fantasy—it’s how autistic minds make meaningHow mental mapping, systems thinking, and SPINs shape autistic cultureWhy tools like timelines, frameworks, and rituals are forms of self-preservation, not inflexibilityHow world-building starts in childhood and evolves into leadership, creativity, and advocacyWhat it looks like to lean in to your vision instead of hiding it to blend in👤 Featured Guest: Scott FrasardDr. Scott Frasard is an outspoken critic of behaviourist interventions in autism treatment and a fierce advocate for strengths-based, identity-first approaches. He’s a published author and long-time learning strategist.🔗 Connect on LinkedIn📖 The World We Built – Buy the book on AmazonRelated Episodes:George LucasRen FestsDisney🌟 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🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the transformative power of norm challenging within autistic culture. Delve into the importance of authenticity and truth-telling, inspired by Emily Dickinson's legacy. Explore how autistic perspectives enrich the arts and literature, breaking stereotypes about autism. Personal anecdotes highlight emotional honesty, while discussions on neuroqueering and gender fluidity challenge societal expectations. The conversation emphasizes the significance of embracing individuality and the power of deep connections over surface-level interactions.

In a vibrant exploration of autistic culture, the podcast delves into rhythmic communication, showcasing unique forms like echolalia and infodumping. Listeners discover the beauty of scripting and how music can encapsulate authentic self-expression. Personal anecdotes about Taylor Swift highlight the intersection of fandom and autistic identity. Throughout, the significance of embracing one's individuality and the joy found in stimming are celebrated. The conversation is a rich tapestry of creativity, connection, and the power of diverse communication styles.

Discover the intricacies of bottom-up processing, where detail-first thinking shapes understanding. Dive into how monotropism and hyperfocus drive autistic creativity and decision-making. Explore the representation of autism in characters like Sherlock Holmes, highlighting their strengths and struggles. Engage in lively discussions about the joy of stimming and gemstone collecting, while celebrating the unique euphoria felt by autistic individuals. This exploration unveils the rich tapestry of autistic culture, fostering deeper connections and understanding.

In this episode of Autistic Culture 101, Dr. Angela Kingdon kicks off a brand-new chapter by reintroducing the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture—the foundation for how we understand and celebrate the richness of autistic identity. This remastered episode revisits the original conversation that first defined the 10 pillars back in January 2024, now with updated insights and refined language to match how this framework has evolved.Whether you’re just discovering the show or have been with us since the beginning, this is your starting point for the cultural model that grounds everything we do.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy autistic traits aren’t symptoms—they’re cultural signpostsHow the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture offer a strengths-based model for identityWhat’s changed since the original episode first airedWhy we’re remastering one pillar each week for the next 10 episodesHow to use the pillars to better understand yourself, your community, and autistic historyHow each pillar maps to the domains of arts, lifestyle, and justice💡 The 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture (Updated for 2024)Bottom-Up Processing (formerly “Logic & Strategy”) - Detail-first cognition. Pattern before conclusion. Think: Sherlock Holmes, chess masters, system builders.Rhythmic Communicating (formerly “Linguistics & Accents”) - Scripting, echolalia, tangents, infodumping. Communication as rhythm, poetry, and flow.Norm Challenging (formerly “Deep Thinking & Insight”) - Authenticity over politeness. Insight over illusion. Questioning over compliance.World Building - Narrative universes built from imagination and logic. Think: Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars.Pattern Matching (formerly “Data Gathering & Analysis”) - SPINs, trivia, research, and structured inquiry. We find meaning in what others miss.Game Changing (formerly “Innovative Ideas”) - System redesigners. Trendsetters. Rethinkers. From Eadweard Muybridge to Questlove.Boldly Creating (formerly “Artistic Expression”) - Art as regulation. Performance as communication. Stim as aesthetic.Predictably Comforting (formerly “Consistency & Reliability”) - Rituals, repetition, routines. These aren’t constraints—they’re comfort, safety, and power.Justice Seeking (formerly “Justice & Honesty”) - Fairness as instinct. Truth as obligation. Emotional intensity as ethical compass.Passionate Superfanning (formerly “Fictional Friends”) - Lore, fandoms, and parasocial joy. Star Trek. Doctor Who. My Little Pony. Fandom is family.🧭 The Framework Going ForwardThese 10 Pillars will guide the next phase of The Autistic Culture Podcast—each episode will highlight one of them, offering deep dives into their cultural meaning, emotional resonance, and pop culture representation.The pillars span across three domains:🎭 Arts & Entertainment🪴 Lifestyle & Leisure🏛️ Society, Values & KnowledgeAnd at the centre of them all: Autistic joy, identity, and truth.So whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or someone who loves and respects autistic people—you are welcome here. You are part of Autistica.Related Episodes:Autistic Culture for Teens and TweensMy Chemical Romance is AutisticTaylor Swift 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🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jude Mills, an autistic theologian and host of Fkd Up By Faith, shares insights on cults within autistic culture. They discuss why many autistic individuals are drawn into cults and the traits that make them vulnerable. Mills also explores the emotional toll of losing faith and the complex journey of recovery. They highlight the manipulative tactics like love bombing used by cults, and how these experiences can deeply affect one's sense of identity. Expect a heartfelt discussion on spirituality, belonging, and the healing process.

Mady Snyder, a neuroaffirming therapist based in Pasadena, specializes in grief and neurodiversity. In this heartfelt discussion, she highlights how grief goes beyond the loss of a person, encompassing routines, relationships, and expectations. Mady shares insights on the unique ways autistic individuals experience and express grief, emphasizing the significance of special interests in the healing process. The conversation also touches on the impact of societal norms, personal rituals, and the need for understanding diverse expressions of grief, including the challenges of internalized ableism.

In this powerful and sombre episode of Autistic Advocacy, Angela is joined by Black autistic advocates Faith Clarke and Darren Calhoun to confront the tragic police killing of 17-year-old autistic Puerto Rican teen Victor Perez—and the systemic failures that made it possible. Centering voices from the Black neurodivergent community, this conversation demands a reimagining of autistic justice beyond white-centred narratives.🎧 What You’ll LearnVictor’s story — On April 5th, Victor Perez was shot by police in his own front yard. A non-speaking, autistic, disabled Puerto Rican teenager, Victor’s life was cut short, leaving his family to grieve in a system that failed him at every level.Intersectional perspectives — Darren Calhoun, a justice advocate, worship leader, and photographer based in Chicago, shares his work bridging communities across race, gender, and neurodivergence. Faith Clarke, business owner, author, and mother to a non-speaking autistic son, reflects on her lived experience and the urgent need for systemic change.The impact of advocacy — How Tiffany Hammond’s (@fidgets.and.fries) public response to Victor’s death sparked deeper reflection on the role of autistic spaces in BIPOC justice.Connecting the patterns — Victor’s killing is not isolated. We remember Stephon Watts, Elijah McClain, Ryan Gainer—and the growing list of Black and Brown neurodivergent lives lost to police violence.What needs to change — From community safety to dismantling ableist and racist systems, we explore what justice for all autistic people truly requires.Related Episodes:Monster High Is Autistic (Episode 117)🌟 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🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.