Autistic Culture | Where Autism Meets Identity!

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP dive into the fascinating world of musician, producer, historian, and DJ Questlove (Amir Khalib Thompson)—who briefly revealed his childhood autism diagnosis in his 2013 memoir.🎧 What You’ll Learn:Questlove’s childhood special interests in Soul Train and Black music history, plus his soothing *stim of watching records spin.His encyclopaedic music knowledge and extraordinary ability to instantly identify the beats per minute of songs.The story of his massive record collection and historic Black music memorabilia, which will one day live at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.Questlove’s identity as a “walking Blacksonian” historian, preserving and honoring Black music’s rightful place in history.How his Autistic traits—attention to detail, pattern recognition, monotropism, and passionate data-collecting—interconnect to fuel his creativity and advocacy.Why Questlove’s story shows what happens when autism is embraced, not pathologized—a celebration of Autistic life in rhythm, culture, and justice.Resources:Mo' Meta Blues: The World According to QuestloveQuestlove's Roots: A 'Meta' Memoir Of A Lifetime In MusicThe Passion of QuestloveWikipedia: QuestloveQuestlove Reflects on A Tribe Called Quest’s Iconic ‘People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm,’ 25 Years LaterRelated Episodes:Eminem 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.

In this episode of Autistic Culture, hosts Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, explore the life and legacy of Temple Grandin—the first widely recognized autistic celebrity. While Grandin indelibly changed how America thinks about autism, her prominence also raises deep and complex issues within Autistic culture.🎧 What You’ll Learn:Temple’s childhood diagnosis of “brain damage” in the 1950s and how her privileged upbringing gave her unique opportunities to succeed.Her rise to prominence as an animal science PhD, prolific author, and sought-after speaker at autism conferences—making her the most famously Autistic person alive.The double-edged impact of her messaging: advocating for masking to fit in, promoting “high functioning vs. low functioning” distinctions, and aligning with capitalist and ableist values.Why many in the Autistic community see her views as harmful, particularly her support for ABA and eugenics-based ideas.The positive contributions she made, such as raising awareness of sensory differences and influencing deinstitutionalization.The larger conversation of privilege, representation, and how colonialist narratives shape cultural icons.Resources:The Oliver Sacks PieceTemple Grandin’s booksTemple Grandin Ted talkTemple Grandin BioPicMore on Types of ThinkingEvolution of the DSM perspective on AutismRelated episodes:Bad Autism DiagnosisSesame Street 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.

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Am I Autistic?” and searching “Autism checklist” or “Autism quiz”, Matt and Angela invite you on a virtual culture trip to Autistica—where the best way to know if you belong is to explore our culture itself.🎧 What You’ll LearnThe six cultural dimensions – How Hofstede’s framework applies to Autistic Culture, from collectivism to uncertainty avoidance.Autistic communication style – Why our directness, love of equality, and resistance to change are cultural traits (often misinterpreted by allistics).Living in chronic culture shock – How being autistic in a neurotypical world mirrors the disorientation of cross-cultural immersion.Beyond the medical model – Understanding autism as a culture, not a pathology, and celebrating its global diversity.Practical takeaways – How to navigate cultural differences while embracing autistic values.Resources:Cultural Inclusion Fundamentals: Eight Core Cultural Differences | Include-Empower.ComCompare countries - Hofstede InsightsCultural Differences in Communication [With Examples]A Guide for Cultural Differences in Communication4 Types of Communication Styles | Alvernia University OnlineCultural DifferencesThe 6 dimensions model of national culture by Geert HofstedeCore set of autism traits shows up in diverse cultures | Spectrum | Autism Research NewsShould Autists Have Cultural Rights? | SpringerLinkAutism as CultureRelated Episodes:Labels and AutismThe Legend of Autistica🌟 Connect With Us📱 Follow us on Instagram🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify🛍️Our Autism-affirming merch shop🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com🎙️ 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 The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP, dig into the rich world of Autistic food culture—exploring safe foods, same foods, and the deep comfort Autistic people find in ritualized eating.📚 What’s Inside This Episode:How food shapes culture across the world—and how Autistic food culture fits in.The difference between “safe foods” (comforting, reliable, calming foods) and “same foods” (the exact same foods eaten daily with joy).Matt’s Easter family tradition: the legendary Throckmorton McNugget Platter, complete with sauces.Why same-fooding is not “picky eating” but a valid cultural practice rooted in predictability, sensory regulation, and ritual.How sensory aversions and sensory-seeking palates shape Autistic food choices—ranging from bland comfort foods to spicy, adventurous flavors.Why forcing Autistics to eat foods they dislike is harmful, and how embracing Autistic food culture supports both physical and mental health.The joys of efficiency, comfort, and community that come with Autistic approaches to food.Resources: Super Taster TestsSafefood: The Medicinal Properties of Chicken NuggetsWhat Do Autistic People Cook?Autistic EmpathWhy do autistic people tend to samefood? Is it different than picky eating?Related Episodes:Dimensions of Autistic CultureWarhol 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.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Matt Lowry, LPP and Dr. Angela Kingdon explore Eminem’s potential place in Autistic culture—sparked by a viral meme suggesting the rapper is Autistic.🎧 What You’ll Learn:How Eminem’s lyrics, including a direct reference to “Asperger’s syndrome,” suggest lived experiences familiar to Autistic people.The Autistic traits visible in his life and work—sensory overload, emotional intensity, OCD tendencies, addiction struggles (rooted in ableism), and a monotropic focus on rhyming.How his childhood special interests in comic books, dinosaurs, poetry, and rap helped him cope with bullying, school changes, and isolation.Why special interests aren’t just “annoying habits” but life-saving passions that provide identity and purpose.How Eminem’s focus and creativity allowed him to transform pain into art and become one of the world’s best-selling music artists.Personal reflections from Matt and Angela on the role of special interests, survival, and expression within Autistic culture.Resources:The Meme that Started it AllLegacy LyricsWicked Ways LyricsHeat LyricsRelated episodes:Questlove 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.

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP explore why Pokémon resonates so deeply with the Autistic community.🎧 What You’ll Learn:How Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri’s childhood special interest in collecting bugs—rooted in his own autism diagnosis—inspired one of the world’s most successful franchises.Why the urge to collect, categorize, and analyse Pokémon appeals strongly to Autistic skills and motivations.The concept of “Flow” and how Pokémon’s immersive gameplay provides Autistics with joy, focus, and persistence through special interests.A critique of how allistic perspectives dismiss Autistic passions as “obsessions,” contrasted with the Autistic experience of joy, fun, and fulfilment.How Pokémon fosters authentic Autistic socializing and builds community through shared interests.Why Pokémon exemplifies Autistic culture as a celebration of curiosity, focus, and intrinsic motivation.Resources:See MewFlow: The Psychology of Optimal ExperienceRelated Episodes:Ponies are AutisticDungeons & Dragons is AutisticAnimation 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.

In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP confront the systemic discrimination Autistics face in healthcare and why culturally competent medical care is desperately needed.🎧 What You’ll Learn:The disproportionate health challenges Autistic people face, including sleep apnea, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal issues, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, PCOS, Hashimoto’s, lupus, and more.How medical gaslighting, dismissal, and communication barriers prevent Autistic patients from receiving accurate diagnoses and proper treatment.Why bringing an ally to medical appointments can help combat discrimination and ensure Autistic voices are heard.Matt’s vision for a culturally competent Autistic health centre in Kentucky, designed by and for Autistic people.The importance of Autistic self-education, advocacy, and peer support to counter systemic barriers and reduce burnout.How disability justice, neurodiversity, and Autistic pride can guide the creation of more equitable healthcare systems.A tribute to an Autistic friend of the show whose passing underscores the urgent need for systemic change in medical institutions.Resources:What is EDS?What is MCAS? POTS The POTS Facebook GroupRelated Episodes:Dimensions of Autistic CultureBad Autism DiagnosisAutistic Medical Needs🌟 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.

Guest Sherlock Holmes, an outsider often associated with Autistic culture, discusses feeling like an alien. Topics include alone time, stimming with pipes, getting paid for special interests, social exhaustion, and Autistic qualities like generosity. The hosts also analyze Sherlock's strengths, his family's potential hereditary autism, and moral inflexibilities. They delve into stimming, meditation, monotrophism, justice sensitivity, and the concept of autistic joy.

Hans Christian Andersen, famous author, was misunderstood due to his eccentricities and social challenges. His stories like The Ugly Duckling and The Little Mermaid reflect feeling different and masking oneself to fit in, making them relatable to Autistic individuals. Other topics discussed include sensory sensitivity, special interests, direct communication, existential loneliness, and Andersen's troubled friendship with Charles Dickens.

The podcast explores the connection between Apple's culture and autism through the lens of Steve Jobs. It discusses how Jobs' autistic tendencies may have influenced Apple's success and examines his iconic outfit as a representation of autistic culture. The hosts also discuss the challenges faced by autistic individuals due to misunderstandings and misconceptions. The importance of attention to detail and organization is emphasized, and the incorporation of Buddhist concepts in Apple's design is explored. The impact of touch screens and the joy of meeting new people who love to learn and exchange research are also discussed.