Autistic Culture | Where autism meets identity!

This episode originally aired on December 13, 2022 under the title “Peanuts is Autistic.”“Our relationships are based on the three F's. Friends, family, and fictional characters.”“He was a very big proponent of gay rights because one of his best friends is Billie Jean King and Peppermint Patty is directly based on her.”“The entire world seems incredibly chaotic to us. And we need this structure and we need this routine in order to be happy, in order to be healthy, in order to be productive. And it seems like Charles Schultz really, really leaned into this because that is what helped him be who he was.”“This is so pathologizing and so incorrect because we, These are the things that give us life. These are the things that bring us joy.”“He said, ‘that's what life was about to me.’ He didn't say ‘that's what I liked.’ He didn't say ‘that's what I loved.’ He said, 'that's what life was about.”Which Peanuts character do you relate to the most? Fan Favorite Game, design #5 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesEpisode 06: Lemony Snicket is AutisticEpisode 12: Parks & Rec is AutisticEpisode 20: Sesame Street 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 shopTACP’s TeePublic 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

This episode originally aired on November 7, 2022 under the title “Poetry is Autistic.”“That seems largely like Autistic torture, because leaving the sanctity of a well-stocked library to go make small talk…” “Yeah, literally.” “Oh, my God.”“Due to the monotropic mindset, when we find something that is appealing, we have to dive deeply and fully into it…whatever it is that feeds this passion for us. If we are in the zone, we are healing.”“And can you imagine, like, the social anxiety? All you want to do is read. You're in the middle of a great book and you have to go see some fake ass people and smile and drink tea.”“This is a thing that I don't understand about neurotypical culture, because it's based largely on colonialism, white supremacy, puritanism, and all this stuff. There's this element of, ‘Have you tried just suffering?’”Do you write poetry? Are you an Autistic rebel? How do you relate to Emily?Fan Favorite Game, design #4 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesEpisode 06: Lemony Snicket is AutisticEpisode 11: Sherlock is AutisticEpisode 24: The Trouble with TempleReady 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 shopTACP’s 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

This episode originally aired on October 17, 2023, under the title “Dungeons and Dragons is Autistic.”“This gives us a safe place where we can be ourselves, where we can be other people, where we can bond with people, where we can have a ritual of getting together once a week and spending lots of time eating snacks and socializing in a safe and effective way where we all know the rules of socialization.”“You have a specified time. You have a specified reason for hanging out. You have a specified goal during the game. It meets our socialization needs.”“So like what you like, because whatever it is, they'll find a way to call you weird.”Are you a D&D fan? Tell us about your favorite character or campaign! How has D&D helped you to tap into authentic joy and connection?Fan Favorite Game, design #3 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesEpisode 10: Star Trek is AutisticEpisodes 16: Pokémon is AutisticEpisode 28: Superheroes are 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 shopTACP’s 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

This episode originally aired on December 20, 2022, under the title “Fairy Tales are Autistic.”Angela’s all-time favorite episode! #ActuallyAutistic co-hosts discuss how HCA used imaginative stories to reframe common Autistic traits (that we’re frequently bullied for) as treasured gifts.“We are not defective neurotypicals. We are not ugly ducklings. We are swans. We do swan things. We don't do duck things.”“They claim that we have no empathy—we are just overwhelmed a lot by emotion because they're so big for us.”“It's all about the research because, god, we love the research.”“They did these brain scans, and it turns out that neurotypical people tune out 98% of all sensory data. 98%. And we don't.”“The world is overwhelming for us. It's chaotic. And this is exemplified in ‘The Princess and the Pea’ because she feels it, whereas other people wouldn't…And that's the reason she's royalty.”Which fairy tale (or fairy tale character) do you relate to most? Fan Favorite Game: design #2 (get your “not a duck” design here OR your “HCA was framed” design here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesEpisode 03: Poetry is Autistic (The Emily Dickinson episode)Episode 25: The Legend of AutisticaEpisode 34: Beauty and the Beast is AutisticEpisode 63: Elsa 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 shopTACP’s 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

This episode originally aired on December 12, 2023 under the title “Autistic Centered Therapy - AuCT”Matt Lowry, LPP, tells his co-host, Dr. Angela Lauria all about AuCT: a style of therapy that he created to help support his autistic clients in an authentic, neurodiversity-affirming way.“CBT just taught me, like, “Mask harder. Don't be annoyed. Ignore your senses.”“CBT does not work for us because it's not structured for our brains.”“(CBT)'s essentially gaslighting. But for neurotypical people, it starts pruning their synapses. But, since we don't do that, it's completely meaningless for us.”What do you think the world would be like if AuCT was taught in graduate school programs for therapists and social workers? Where else should it be taught?Fan Favorite Game, design #1: (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesTrailHouse.orgEpisode 36: Bad Autism DiagnosisEpisode 38: Productivity is AutisticEpisode 62: Protecting Kentucky KidsReady 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 shopTACP’s 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

Matt Lowry, LPP, gives his co-host, Dr. Angela Lauria, a special infodump about one of his idols: George Lucas.* Lucas’s early life, including his relationship with his Vader (“father”).* The vital role that PDA played in Lucas’s first film company. Plus, the many Autistic traits that helped Lucas to think outside of the box and change the way that movies are made.* Movie casting and socializing with the actors - Autistic style! * George Lucas’s personal journey from scrappy Rebel to lord of Empire.“George Lucas is a socially awkward man who does not like eye contact or small talk, loves talking about: cars, things that move fast, technology, film editing. He loves mythology. He loves sociology. He loves how myth can make the world a better place. He's got a lot of social justice sensibilities. Yeah, I really think that there is a lot of evidence that says that he firmly belongs enshrined in the Autistica Hall of Fame.”“He had a lot of new outside-of-the-box ideas. He did not follow traditional patterns. He was very, very much a learner.”“Carrie Fisher said he had two directions: ‘Faster and more intense!’”“But he said, ‘Fuck the systems. Fuck all the systems. I am out of the systems. I'm going to do the things the way that I want to do them.’ Because PDA.”“She is and will always be an icon. She is one with The Force. May she rebel in peace.”“He changed the way that movies were made.”Are you a George Lucas fan? Or, are you a passionate filmmaker? Tell us about it in the comments!George Lucas' father issues unfold on filmLucas Museum of Narrative ArtBook: Empire Building: The Remarkable Real Life Story of Star Wars by Gary JenkinsVideo (45 min): Icons Unearthed: Star Wars Empire of Dreams Video (64 min): From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga Joseph Campbell and the Power of MythEpisode 04: Industrial Light & Magic is AutisticEpisode 37: Motion Pictures are AutisticEpisode 63: Elsa is AutisticEpisode 64: Taylor Swift 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 shopTACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

Dr. Angela Lauria shares Freddie Mercury’s amazing Autistic traits with her co-host, Matt Lowry, LPP.* How Freddie Mercury’s hypermobility and possible EDS resulted in an extraordinary vocal range.* Mercury’s many special interests including stamp collecting, cats, and Japanese art.* The important role that echolalia, echopraxia, and advanced pattern-matching played in Queen’s success.* The spectrum of Mercury’s sexuality and gender expression.* Quotes and lyrics that describe the experience of masking.* The classic, unfair reputation Autistics know all too well, and the pain of being chronically misunderstood.* Executive functioning differences and sensory sensitivity hacks.“Members of the band said if he could be anywhere, he'd want to be home with his cats.”“We're four misfits who don't belong together playing for other misfits.”“I do think playing with commitment, monogamy, gender, sexuality—that is definitely a big part of our culture.”“Boxes are largely conforming, and because we don't conform to a lot of society, it's hard for us to conform to those boxes.”Do you relate to Freddie Mercury? Which Queen song do you listen to on repeat?Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Freddie Mercury & Ehlers Danlos SyndromeMultiple supernumerary teeth (MSNT) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS): a case reportThe strangest, craziest, and most disgusting animated film is back with its own series.Peter Freestone Talks... About Freddie & His CatsThe Development Of The ‘Epic’ Queen SoundHow Queen's I Want to Break Free Video Explores Queerness in Relation to Queer TheoryFreddie and the Rocky Horror Picture ShowFreddie Mercury "I'm Not The Leader Of The Band"Under PressureEpisode 46: Cats are AutisticEpisode 53: Meat Body MaintenanceEpisode 14: Autistic Medical NeedsFind us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

Matt Lowry, LPP and Dr. Angela Lauria chat about the popular Australian cartoon, Bluey.* Bluey’s short episodes and silly imaginary play is accessible for children, but the deeper themes and storylines are geared towards adults, making it fun and enriching for the whole family.* Research on Bluey and the ‘tism that resulted in a mix of evidence and, “A really interesting left turn!” * Why some Autistics love Waldorf schools…and why some (including Angela) cannot stand them.“I have been brought to many a tear by Bluey and her family.”“Oh, no! We almost got through an episode without intense controversy!”“I know it must be pattern matching, but it feels like I'm psychic.”“I found it fantastic. Fantastically horrifying.”Are you autistic and a little psychic? Give us chills—share a psychic experience in the comments!The 7 Core Principles of Waldorf Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Bluey is Great, but…An Overview of Waldorf SchoolsMontessori vs. Waldorf schools‘Bluey’ Creator Joe Brumm On Making A TV Juggernaut, Not Compromising His Vision & The Heeler Family’s FutureEpisode 22: Trains are AutisticEpisode 68: Dinosaur is AutisticEpisode 32: Animation is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

Autistic hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, interview belly dancer and entrepreneur, Arielle Juliette. * Sensory sensitivities and accommodations in dance.* Cultural appreciation versus cultural appropriation.* Running a business on “glitter and non-denominational Jesus.”* Echopraxia and Arielle’s other super hero powers.* Perks of (mild) hypermobility.* “Meat sack” and “brain sack” communication* How to teach dance using bottom up processing.* Angela and Arielle’s body liberation journeys.* Arielle’s autistic self-identification and realization he’s trans!* How internet trolls and haters helped Arielle tap into deeper self-acceptance and self-love.* Group stimming and regulation, plus body resonance fun!* Stimming as the genesis of great art.“What if stimming is the core cultural attribute of some of our highest art?”“So I actually, I recommend people have haters. I recommend you have haters, and that you say to them, ‘Fuck you. I'm doing me.’”“It's about coming together for our weekly regulatory time. You know, we have this set time that we will always come and regulate together. We're going to shimmy, we're going to stim, we're going to sing, we're going to sweat. It's going to be awesome.”Arielle Juliette (he/him and she/her) is the owner of Dance Life, where he cultivates an atmosphere that celebrates, supports, and embraces the autistic dance experience. Arielle has had a special interest in dance since 2004, and shares her love of Egyptian dance in particular through silly songs and easy to understand anecdotes, while leaving behind the allistic conformity of right/left, counts, and perfection. He also creates viral social media videos, where he strives to bring his unmasked, joyful, autistic self and the idea that all bodies (and neurotypes!) are worthy.Have you group stimmed in some way? What was your experience? Madison Dance Life FacebookMadison Dance Life InstagramMadison Dance Life TikTokwww.madisondancelife.comThe differences between Egyptian and Turkish danceA video of Arielle’s that includes all her favorite books, podcasts and resources for fighting fat oppression Master instructors who have online classes: * Zara Abdelrahman* Mohamed Shahin* Suhaila SalimpourEpisode 17: Wednesday is Autistic?Episode 29: Questlove is AutisticEpisode 64: Taylor Swift is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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

Matt Lowry, LPP shares a deep dive on Rick and Morty with co-host, Dr. Angela Lauria.* How getting fired from Community propelled Autistic writer, Dan Harmon, to create Rick and Morty.* The Back to the Future origins of Rick and Morty, plus fanbase shenanigans.* Processing childhood trauma through writing.* The complex relationship many autistics have with talk therapy.* Why Autistic culture is filled with meta references.* Autistic personal growth journeys and learning to embrace your true self.* Emotional-support people and why we need them.“We are going to be talking about what it might be one of the finest and most Autistic cartoons of all time that has possibly the most toxic fan base of all time.”“So at the time, he was a massive, massive, massive, self-loathing alcoholic. And that came out in the character of Rick.”“It's a very big show of growth—especially from an autistic perspective—and how we learn to more effectively relate to the people around us, how we find ourselves, how we state our own needs.”Are you a Rick & Morty fan? What do you relate to most? Rick and Morty on WikipediaEpisode 57: Community is AutisticEpisode 60: Mythic Quest is AutisticEpisode 64: Taylor Swift is AutisticEpisode 68: Kink is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Find us on:* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Follow us on Instagram* Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com * TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic 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