Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity!

In this episode of Autistica, Matt and Angela explore the autistic coding in the sci-fi series The Orville and the role its showrunner, Seth MacFarlane, plays in shaping this representation.🎧 What You’ll LearnSeth MacFarlane’s autistic-coded traits – Intense special interests, justice sensitivity, and monotropic focus that shine through his creative work.Why The Orville may be the most autistic-coded show on TV – From characters like Isaac, Bortus, and Klyden to entire alien cultures reflecting neurodivergent experiences.Star Trek connections – How MacFarlane’s lifelong passion for Star Trek: The Next Generation informs The Orville’s tone, storytelling, and layered Easter eggs.Tackling big topics – How the show addresses gender identity, toxic masculinity, and social justice in ways that resonate deeply with autistic audiences.Season 3 expansions – From Isaac’s refusal to support genocide to deeper explorations of anti-fascism, cult behaviour, and autistic-coded narratives.Behind the scenes – MacFarlane’s early public condemnations of Hollywood abusers, his use of recurring cast members, and what Season 4 might hold.Related Episodes:Star Trek is AutisticTransformers is AutisticDinosaur 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 Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela welcome special guest Halina Brooke, a licensed professional counsellor and changemaker, to explore what truly autism-affirming social skills look like—beyond the harmful norm of “teaching autistic people to act neurotypical.”💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeAutism-affirming social skills – How Halina’s non-ABA, neurodiversity-affirming groups for autistic adults over 25 help participants enjoy social experiences, connect with their nervous systems, and heal from trauma.Lived experience in therapy – Why autistic self-advocates must lead the conversation, and the tension that exists between neurotypical clinicians and autistic perspectives.Life after diagnosis – Navigating post-diagnosis grief, the demands of masking and code-switching, and burnout from constantly adapting to neurotypical expectations.“Neurotypical packing peanuts” – Understanding filler interactions and how tools like ChatGPT can help decode social dynamics.Changing the system – Ethical use of labels, rejecting harmful practices like ABA, and creating safer, more inclusive spaces for autistic people.Featured Guest: Halina BrookeHalina Brooke is a licensed professional counsellor based in Arizona with a practice dedicated to supporting misfits, creatives, highly sensitive individuals, and those who don’t quite fit the mould. Through Recourse Counselling, Halina blends therapeutic insight with lived experience to offer affirming, individualized care—especially for neurodivergent adults.With expertise in ethics, policy, and community advocacy, Halina is also a passionate changemaker, working to shift mental health systems toward more compassionate, inclusive, and neurodiversity-affirming models. She leads innovative, non-ABA social skills groups for adults over 25 and empowers clients to connect with their nervous systems, heal from past harm, and thrive in their authenticity.📩 Contact: halina@recoursecounseling.com🌐 Website: Recourse Counselling📅 Book a Free Consultation: Schedule Here📞 Call: 602-787-0600Related Episodes:Unpacking PDAAcademia and Ableism🌟 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 Autistica, Matt and Angela dive into the new DCU series Creature Commandos and explore why sympathetic monsters often resonate so deeply with autistic audiences. From James Gunn’s intricate world-building to the outsider themes woven through his characters, this episode celebrates the beauty and power of misfits in media.🎧 What You’ll LearnThe autistic coding in James Gunn’s work – How Creature Commandos, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Suicide Squad all explore neurodivergent-friendly themes of belonging, justice, and misunderstood outsiders.World-building as autistic culture – Why Gunn’s meticulous fictional universes mirror autistic special interests and the joy of immersive detail.Monsters as mirrors – How characters treated as “less than human” reflect autistic experiences of judgment, alienation, and resilience.Outsiders uniting – The ways Gunn’s storytelling celebrates difference and shows the unique value that misfit characters bring to the group.Resources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creature_Commandos_(TV_series)Related Episodes:Taylor Swift is AutisticStar Trek is AutisticTransformers is AutisticDinosaur 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.

An episode that keeps it 100. It’s our 100th episode! A huge thank you to our incredible supporters for joining us on this journey and uplifting our conversations about autistic culture and advocacy. Thank you all—we love you, and we’re so grateful that this podcast helps you feel seen! Here’s to many more episodes ahead. If you’ve enjoyed the journey so far, please consider leaving us a positive review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to help us keep spreading autistic joy and advocacy!Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode: * Dr Angela and Matt are revisiting the topics they brainstormed when the podcast first began—like Lewis Carroll, James Joyce, and Steve Jobs—and reflecting on whether they've covered them all or if there's still more autistic culture to explore!* They discuss how episodes featuring autistic-coded people and characters with esoteric, autistic-coded lives often provide more content than those about openly autistic public figures because there’s more room for interpretation, deeper cultural analysis, and a richer exploration of autistic themes in storytelling.* Matt and Angela also discuss Sir Isaac Newton and how, if he had masked his autism, we might not have groundbreaking innovations like bridges, gravity, or space travel.* They discuss the problematic figure of Temple Grandin, examining how much of her controversial platform is rooted in her support for eugenics practices and her reliance on neurotypical name recognition.* In addition, we explore neurotypical bias and how neurotypicals often react defensively to speculation that a public figure might be autistic, revealing their own inherent ableism and rigid, preconceived notions of autism.* We also dive into Hans Christian Andersen—an autistic icon—and his story The Ugly Duckling, exploring its autistic coding and the deeper message that we are not "ugly ducklings" to be fixed but neurodiverse and beautiful swans.* Matt and Angela then read heartfelt testimonials from listeners who have found comfort, validation, and a sense of belonging through the podcast. These messages highlight how the discussions on autistic culture, advocacy, and representation have resonated with the community, helping listeners feel seen, understood, and empowered in their own journeys.“There’s a lot of gloom and doom out there [about autism] because it’s profitable. To say autism is this horrible, horrible condition that needs to be cured, instead of - it’s a way of life. It’s just how our people do things. It’s totally natural. It is just us. This is our way.” - Matt Lowry LPP“Every once in a while, I meet somebody out in the real world who is a listener. And it always amazes me because I know that you [Angela] and Simon are here because I can see you and I’m talking to you directly, but I never really expect that other people out there hear anything that I say.” - Matt Lowry LPPDid you catch all 100 layers of autistic culture in our milestone episode? In the comments, tell us which topics resonated with you the most, and use #AutisticCulture100 and #AutisticCultureCatch to share your thoughts on social media and connect with fellow listeners!Show Notes:How to Write a Review: https://www.thepodcasthost.com/promotion/how-to-write-podcast-reviews/"We also want to remind you about two ways to get directly involved with the podcast.BE A GUEST/ SUGGEST A SHOW: If you’d like to be a guest, fill out our Guest Form.Help behind the scenes: Check out our Volunteer Form.Related Shows:Bad Autism DiagnosisReframing DSM DiagnosisReady 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Autistica, Matt and Angela welcome special guest Melanie Deziel to explore the legendary Martha Stewart through an autistic cultural lens. From rigid routines to obsessive attention to detail, we examine the traits that set her apart—and the complex conversation around speculating on public figures’ neurodivergence.🎧 What You’ll LearnMartha Stewart’s autistic-coded traits – Precision, pattern recognition, direct communication, and unwavering standards.Media bias & misogyny – How Martha was vilified for traits celebrated in men, and how the media shapes perceptions of powerful autistic-coded women.The ethics of public speculation – Why discussing possible autism in public figures can be both culturally important and ethically challenging.Passion as power – How Martha’s drive to share knowledge mirrors autistic info-dumping, and how her post-prison transformation revealed a more authentic self.Neurodivergence in the spotlight – Parallels between Martha Stewart, Taylor Swift, and other public figures whose traits clash with allistic norms.Featured Guest: Melanie DezielMelanie Deziel is a keynote speaker and award-winning branded content creator who helps individuals, teams, and organizations unlock and organize their creative potential. She is the Co-Founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind for creatives and the author of The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas and Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust.Resources:📺 Netflix Documentary – Martha Stewart 🔗 Watch hereMelanie Deziel – Mini Masterclasses | Advocacy WorkMelanie’s Books – The Content Fuel Framework & Prove ItRelated Shows:Trivia is AutisticTaylor Swift is AutisticLessons in Chemistry 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 Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela welcome special guest Richard Woods—leading authority on Demand Avoidance Phenomena and author—for a conversation about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also known in affirming circles as Persistent Drive for Autonomy, and its complex relationship with autism and other forms of neurodivergence.🎧 What You’ll LearnWhat PDA really is – Understanding the intense need for autonomy, how it manifests, and why it’s different from intentional defiance.Beyond childhood – How PDA presents in adults and why it often goes unrecognized.PDA vs. ODD – Why the two are frequently confused, and how a need for autonomy—not opposition—drives the behavior.Theory of Mind and labels – The problems with pathologizing demand avoidance and how labels affect self-advocacy.Lived experience – Why PDA traits don’t “fade” with age but instead evolve into self-accommodation and clearer boundaries.Post-autistic identity – Richard’s perspective on moving beyond psychiatric categories.The sensory and systemic challenge – How an inaccessible, chaotic world exacerbates PDA traits.Resources & Links MentionedPathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): Its Four Schools of Thought – 🔗 Read on ResearchGateRichard Woods’ ORCiD – 🔗 View profilePDA Society – 🔗 Identifying Features of PDAMonotropism.org – 🔗 Dinah’s workRelated Shows:Reframing DSM Diagnosis 🌟 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 Autistica, Matt and Angela explore the autistic-coded traits of SpongeBob SquarePants, diving into the autistic life and childhood of the show’s creator Stephen Hillenburg, the legendary career of Tom Kenny—SpongeBob’s iconic voice actor—and how characters like SpongeBob and Patrick provide meaningful representation that resonates deeply with many autistic and neurodivergent viewers.🎧 What You’ll LearnSpongeBob’s confirmed autism – Tom Kenny has explicitly stated SpongeBob is autistic, and his traits read like a walking DSM-5 checklist.Everyday autistic traits – From social cue struggles to meltdowns, literal thinking, and passionate dedication to his fry cook job.Special interests & joy in work – Why SpongeBob’s love of Krabby Patties is the ultimate autistic SPIN (special interest).Stephen Hillenburg’s early life – How his childhood fascinations with marine life and Jacques Cousteau shaped SpongeBob’s world.The show’s meteoric rise – From its 1999 debut to becoming one of Nickelodeon’s biggest successes, outpacing even Pokémon.Tom Kenny’s iconic voice work – How his own autistic-coded traits helped shape SpongeBob’s humour, mannerisms, and heart.Cultural impact – Why SpongeBob’s enduring popularity continues to bring comfort, joy, and representation to autistic viewers.Resources:The Intertidal Zone – Stephen Hillenburg’s original book concept for SpongeBob. 🔗 Read moreTom Kenny reveals SpongeBob is autistic – 🔗 E! Online articleStephen Hillenburg – 🔗 WikipediaTom Kenny – 🔗 WikipediaALS and autism research – 🔗 JAMA Neurology studyRelated Shows:Animation 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 Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela welcome guest Kat Flora for a deep dive into ableism within academia, navigating neurotypical-dominated spaces, and the strategies autistic people use to create change from within while protecting their well-being.🎧 What You’ll LearnAbleism in academia – How autistic students and professionals are pressured to conform to harmful narratives about autism just to pass.Burnout & self-care – Why driving change from within must be balanced with protecting your mental health.Addiction & alcoholism – Exploring why autistic people may be more predisposed to these challenges.The harm of behaviorism – The triggering reality of being required to study approaches that dehumanize autistic people.Overcoming academic gatekeepers – Strategies for entering the system, surviving it, and “fucking shit up” from the inside.Disability services – Why current university supports often fall short for autistic and disabled students.Resources:The Autistic Postgraduate Woman: Navigating the Neurotypical University by Sophie Phillips – 🔗 Amazon link“Ableism in Academia” – 🔗 Frontiers in Psychology articleRite of Ascension – 🔗 Memory Alpha entryKat Flora on Instagram – 🔗 @kat__floraRelated Shows:Protecting Kentucky KidsProductivity 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 Autistica, 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 Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela explore a fan-suggested topic: autism culture for teens and tweens. From the struggles of navigating neurotypical school systems to the importance of finding your people, they share advice, insights, and encouragement for autistic youth who feel out of place in the mainstream.Hello, I am a listener of your podcast and an undiagnosed autistic. My 12 year old daughter is a diagnosed autistic who has had some traumatic experiences in the educational system since they use the medical model of autism. She is very likely twice exceptional (our school has no gifted program to offer her), but she thinks that her brain is broken because so many things are hard. She probably also has social anxiety. I am writing to ask if you and Angela would consider doing a short podcast episode aimed at teens and tweens about the wonderful ways their brains work, what autistic culture is, why it is so hard to fit into mainstream culture/school, how to make it a little better now, and how it can become SO much better later, especially once you find friends who you click with. She feels pretty hopeless at the moment, and does not have any friends to rely on yet. Thank you for reading.- Autistic Culture Listener🎧 What You’ll LearnWhy school can feel like a nightmare for autistic kids – The clash between conformity-focused systems and individual needs.The truth about “broken brain” myths – Understanding your strengths, creativity, and hyper-connected mind.Social hierarchies decoded – How neurotypical group dynamics operate (and how to survive them).Masking as research – Using a Jane Goodall approach to navigate neurotypical culture without losing yourself.Gendered expectations – Why autistic girls are often pressured to blend in more than boys.Finding your weirdos – Building friendships with people who appreciate the real you.The long game – How adulthood often brings more autonomy, control, and the ability to shape your environment.Resources & Links MentionedGalaxy High – 🔗 Watch on YouTubeThe Muppets (2011 film) – 🔗 Wikipedia EntryRelated Shows:Apple is AutisticGeorge Lucas is AutisticAlternative Schooling Options🌟 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.