The Autistic Culture Podcast

Dr. Angela Kingdon

Welcome to the Autistic Culture Podcast. Each episode we dive deep into Autistic contributions to society and culture by introducing you to some of the world’s most famous and successful Autistics in history! Whether you are Autistic or just love someone who is, your hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria, the Linguistic Autistic and Licensed Psychological Practitioner, Matt Lowry, welcome you to take this time to be fully immersed in the language, values, traditions, norms, and identity of Autistica! To learn more about Angela, Matt, and the Autistic Culture Podcast visit AutisticCulturePodcast.com

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社会・文化社会・文化

始める

BONUS Episode: Magic The Gathering is Autistic

BONUS Episode: Magic The Gathering is Autistic

We were so excited when we recorded this episode, but when we heard it played back we realized we needed to release this one on video. So here it is, our first YouTube exclusive episode. We really hope you enjoy it. Are you an MTG superfan? Tell us about it in the comments!Show notes and resources:Wikipedia: Feynman diagramWikipedia: History of the periodic tablePoster: MTG card variationsArticle that discusses how fan communities can become excellent at organizing information from a bottom up perspective.Links from Fred:* Fred’s personal website* Fred’s professional website* The healthcare taxonomy system used in the United States* Aspergers* The Scientific American article is a good summary.* NPR interview with Edith Sheffer, who did the research that showed Aspergers collaboration with the Nazi regime. * A more recent article from The Guardian detailing how the patient communities still hold to the community building nature of the Aspergers diagnosis. * Coral Sword is the famous Game Store in Houston, TX that I frequent. * Tallia Vess (talented player, great to learn from!!) https://www.twitch.tv/taaliavess * Hunter Pence (yes.. The baseball player) https://twitch.tv/hunterpence* Bioportal is by far my favorite clinical ontology browser.* Here is the link for the results of searching Bioportal for “Autism” * Here is my MTG Card Information poster* This is something I use when teaching my MTG database class* Scryfall is the authoritative source of MTG information online. * Using scryfall, you can see all of the prints of a card, like “Diabolic Tutor”, which according to wizards of the coast, is just one card.. * Which lets you see how they are resurfacing classic card designs, with new characters.* It also lets you fully enjoy “alternative art” on cards. MTG uses a “planes” model, where planes correspond to different real cultures and their magical mythologies. The set “Kaldheim”, for instance, is full of viking mythology. One card in that set, “Fynn, the Fangbearer” has:* The basic card. Which is always done in a modern fantasy high-art style. * An alternative art style, which references the mythology of the plane. For vikings, lots of celtics knots and carvings. * A reprint that might continue the alternative art style. * Sometimes, there is a “universes beyond” print of the card, where the card has two names, and references totally different pop culture entertainment franchises. * They have an API* And they support very complex searches.* They have an art tagger project, which allows the community to label MTG art. This helps to allow people to find connections in the art at several semantic levels.. For instance: * You can find cards that have hidden monsters in the art. * You can find cards that use a specific palette, like red-orange or green blue* Some amazing MTG Data analysis: * The first appearance of different creature power/toughness combinations, by set icon.* Race/Class/Color combinations on cards* The “evil color pie” which shows how evil is expressed by characters of different colors. This goes back to the idea that despite the fact that white and black are two of the five colors, they do not map to “good/evil’ at all.* Economic analysis of MTG. There are dozens of different resources in the game, which have a kind of “exchange rate” between them. Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:Episodes 16: Pokémon is AutisticEpisode 35: Sex is Autistic (Alfred Kinsey episode)Episode 39: Dungeons and Dragons is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

エピソード

BONUS Episode: Magic The Gathering is Autistic

BONUS Episode: Magic The Gathering is Autistic

We were so excited when we recorded this episode, but when we heard it played back we realized we needed to release this one on video. So here it is, our first YouTube exclusive episode. We really hope you enjoy it. Are you an MTG superfan? Tell us about it in the comments!Show notes and resources:Wikipedia: Feynman diagramWikipedia: History of the periodic tablePoster: MTG card variationsArticle that discusses how fan communities can become excellent at organizing information from a bottom up perspective.Links from Fred:* Fred’s personal website* Fred’s professional website* The healthcare taxonomy system used in the United States* Aspergers* The Scientific American article is a good summary.* NPR interview with Edith Sheffer, who did the research that showed Aspergers collaboration with the Nazi regime. * A more recent article from The Guardian detailing how the patient communities still hold to the community building nature of the Aspergers diagnosis. * Coral Sword is the famous Game Store in Houston, TX that I frequent. * Tallia Vess (talented player, great to learn from!!) https://www.twitch.tv/taaliavess * Hunter Pence (yes.. The baseball player) https://twitch.tv/hunterpence* Bioportal is by far my favorite clinical ontology browser.* Here is the link for the results of searching Bioportal for “Autism” * Here is my MTG Card Information poster* This is something I use when teaching my MTG database class* Scryfall is the authoritative source of MTG information online. * Using scryfall, you can see all of the prints of a card, like “Diabolic Tutor”, which according to wizards of the coast, is just one card.. * Which lets you see how they are resurfacing classic card designs, with new characters.* It also lets you fully enjoy “alternative art” on cards. MTG uses a “planes” model, where planes correspond to different real cultures and their magical mythologies. The set “Kaldheim”, for instance, is full of viking mythology. One card in that set, “Fynn, the Fangbearer” has:* The basic card. Which is always done in a modern fantasy high-art style. * An alternative art style, which references the mythology of the plane. For vikings, lots of celtics knots and carvings. * A reprint that might continue the alternative art style. * Sometimes, there is a “universes beyond” print of the card, where the card has two names, and references totally different pop culture entertainment franchises. * They have an API* And they support very complex searches.* They have an art tagger project, which allows the community to label MTG art. This helps to allow people to find connections in the art at several semantic levels.. For instance: * You can find cards that have hidden monsters in the art. * You can find cards that use a specific palette, like red-orange or green blue* Some amazing MTG Data analysis: * The first appearance of different creature power/toughness combinations, by set icon.* Race/Class/Color combinations on cards* The “evil color pie” which shows how evil is expressed by characters of different colors. This goes back to the idea that despite the fact that white and black are two of the five colors, they do not map to “good/evil’ at all.* Economic analysis of MTG. There are dozens of different resources in the game, which have a kind of “exchange rate” between them. Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:Episodes 16: Pokémon is AutisticEpisode 35: Sex is Autistic (Alfred Kinsey episode)Episode 39: Dungeons and Dragons is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Hip Hop {Fan Favorite Re-drop #13}

Hip Hop {Fan Favorite Re-drop #13}

This episode originally aired on May 9, 2023, under the title “Questlove is Autistic.”“He has won An Academy Award, a Grammy Award—oh, six Grammy Awards—a BAFTA. Yeah, dude has had a career. The man needs some more shelf space for awards.”“OK, so we've got a stim—which is spinning things—and we've got a special interest—which is Soul Train. That leads to Black music history (and) music history in general. Put those two together and what do you have? A career as a DJ! Fantastic.”“For each of the 200,000 records that he has, name any song and he can tell you the beats per minute of that song.” “Wow. Oh, that is super Autistic.”“He's a filmmaker, he's a musician, he's a collector, he's a historian, he's now a publisher, he's had 11 albums with The Roots, he's produced about 36 to 40 albums including Common, Erykah Badu, Solange, he's got a podcast: Questlove Supreme, he's got this huge career as a DJ…He co-founded a whole bunch of websites like OkayPlayer, OkayAfrica. He's got, I think, six books now. One of them is on Soul Train, which is his special interest…(and) he has directed several documentaries, including a really key one called The Summer of Soul.”“He has become a one-man Blacksonian museum.” “That is magnificent. That is that is the ultimate dream of becoming a living museum.”Are you a living museum? What fabulous collection(s) do you have? Share it in the comments!Fan Favorite Game, design #13 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesFreddie Mercury is Autistic (Episode 73)Episode 64: Taylor Swift is AutisticEpisode 05: Washington, D.C. is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

The Doctor {Fan Favorite Re-drop #12}

The Doctor {Fan Favorite Re-drop #12}

This episode originally aired on May 16, 2023, under the title “Doctor Who is Autistic.”“‘But I hope that in 15 years time, in 1988, you will publish another special to celebrate 25 years of wandering in time with The Doctor, (signed) Peter Capaldi, age 15.’” “Oh, my God!”“In 1974, at the age of three, David John McDonald tells his parents that he wants to be an actor so that he can be Doctor Who…He later became a member of the Actors Union. Unfortunately, there was already a David McDonald in there. So, because he was a fan of the Pet Shop Boys, he took Neil Tennant's name and became David Tennant.”“One of the common things for the autistic people—we don't do hierarchy. If you're an Autistic kid, you treat the teachers, you treat the principal, you treat a president the same as you treat anybody else, because we're very egalitarian in that regard.”“Matt Smith, a very fascinating guy, very naturally somewhat clumsy, tended to break a lot of props, ruin a lot of costumes—very much considered the ADHD Doctor.”“What Peter Capaldi and the Doctor Who franchise in general bring is, I think, an Autistic culture definition of kindness, which is a deep, abiding, justice-fueled kindness—not about friendliness or cheeriness.”“We do love a little arcane trivia. I think that's part of what makes the Doctor Who world partly part of our autistic culture is there is more arcane trivia than you can shake a stick at.”“When they made this particular hero, they didn't give him a gun, they gave him a screwdriver to fix things. They didn't give him a tank or a warship or a X-Wing Fighter, they gave him a phone box from which you can call for help. And they didn't give him a superpower, or pointy ears, or Heat Ray, they gave him an extra heart. They gave him two hearts and that is an extraordinary thing. There will never come a time when we don't need a hero like the Doctor.”Who’s your favorite Doctor and why? Share it in the comments!Fan Favorite Game, design #12 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rules* https://www.reddit.com/r/doctorwho/comments/tbadag/is_it_ethical_that_the_10th_doctor_took_away/* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ0fmUr5cfUReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramRate us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Ashley Storrie {Fan Favorite Re-drop #11}

Ashley Storrie {Fan Favorite Re-drop #11}

This interview episode with Autistic writer/actress/comedian, Ashely Storrie, originally aired on May 7, 2024, under the title “Dinosaur is Autistic.”“I'm Ashley Storrie. I'm in Glasgow currently in my bedroom surrounded by pictures of space and my Lego.”“Everything that Nina feels and thinks autistically, are things I've felt and feel autistically. I didn't want to take any things out of other people's autism experience to put into Nina that I didn't have full understanding of.” “Having somebody else neurodiverse in my life has always been a really good thing.”“I tried to pretend I wasn't autistic, and it wasn't fun.”“I worked as a various catering and factory work, and I would have a different personality for every job. And that was how I got through the day was by pretending to be a completely different person because that was easier than being me.”“I didn't want autism to be the thing that held her back, or the thing that was her foil, or the thing she had to overcome. That's just a thing that exists in this world, and she's never having to, like, “overcome” autism. She's overcoming people and maybe their relationship to autism, and she's overcoming other people's things, but never autism itself.”“You're going to love it. Your brain's going to just stim on that all day. I’ve got to do a little audio stimming. That's how I roll.”Do you relate to Nina? What’s your favorite part about Ashely’s show, Dinosaur? Fan Favorite Game, design #11 (get your curator of museums design here or the mobility aids are cool design here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesEpisode 43: Only Murders in the Building is AutisticEpisode 57: Community is AutisticEpisode 58: The Good Place is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

80’s Tennis {Fan Favorite Re-drop #10}

80’s Tennis {Fan Favorite Re-drop #10}

This episode originally aired on November 7, 2023 under the title “McEnroe is Autistic.”“He's so intense. He's different. John is hyper antsy—born with that DNA that's got the extra.”“An epic player, definitely one of the best in the world and certainly the best in the world, particularly in 1984.”“He says, ‘I turn the game of tennis into a math equation, and I was already good at math.’”“And it looks like he's psychic. People are like, ‘how does he know where the ball is gonna come?' He's always there before the person has even hit the ball.’ And none of the commentators can figure out, like…Because he knows physics.”“All Autistic people, we have that expectation sensitivity because we live in a world full of chaos and we need things to be predictable. Hence, the patterns.”“He has a meltdown, and the crowd flips out, and they switch on him. They switch sides. And he doesn't know what happened because he was right.”“Autistic people, due to our hyper-connected neurology, tend to have hyper-empathy as well.”Can you relate to McEnroe’s big emotions? When have you been treated unfairly, and asked to sit down and shut-up, when you KNEW you were right?Fan Favorite Game, design #10 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesEpisode 31: Chess is AutisticEpisode 19: Eminem is AutisticEpisode 11: Sherlock is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Star Wars {Fan Favorite Re-drop #9}

Star Wars {Fan Favorite Re-drop #9}

This episode originally aired on November 15, 2022 under the title “Industrial Light & Magic is Autistic”“If you're able to find a job where your monotropic state is not just valued but rewarded, you will be an incredibly successful Autistic person.”“Monotropic focus is the outcome of having a hyper-connected Autistic brain. When we love something, we love it to such a degree that we get into this zone. Csikszentmihalyi talked about the state of Flow.”“In order to create something that has never been created, he needed to have people who had skills that have never been used before, who had never been appreciated, who were not limited by this neurotypical view.”“Due to our monotropism we are data seekers. We are not happy unless we are gathering every single scrap of data we can, and learning everything we can about it.”“I think that they speak the same language, that they knew that they were of the same culture and that made them not just form a bond, but the bond that they formed was incredible and has lasted over 50 years.”Have you been a part of an accidentally-Autistic group where you flourished? Tell us about it in the comments! Fan Favorite Game, design #9 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesGeorge Lucas is Autistic (Episode 74)Episode 30: Doctor Who is AutisticEpisode 10: Star Trek is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Environmental Justice {Fan Favorite Re-drop #8}

Environmental Justice {Fan Favorite Re-drop #8}

This episode originally aired on January 31, 2023 under the title “Greta is Autistic.”“We can no longer let the people in power decide what is politically possible. We can no longer let the people in power decide what hope is. Hope is not passive. Hope is not blah, blah, blah. Hope is telling the truth. Hope is taking action. And hope always comes from the people.” – Great Thunberg We’re with you, Greta!“She's putting herself out there to do the hard work that other people may not be able or willing to do.”“As a sensitive people—and even just our sensory sensitivities—make us even more attuned to the climate crisis and how it affects us, like, right now! Like, already.”“I think autistic people have a spidey sense and are able to find each other in the room.”“It's very tough to be Autistic in an Allistic world, especially if you don't know that you're Autistic.”“And it led Time Magazine to name her their 2019 “Person of the Year.” And, everyone was nice to her and she was accepted and beloved by all. Oh, wait—nope!“She fights the good fight. And I have massive respect for that.”Are you an environmental activist? Share your favorite fact, resource, or practice in the comments!Fan Favorite Game, design #8 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesEpisode 03: Poetry is Autistic (The Emily Dickinson episode)Episode 09: Fairy Tales are Autistic Episode 24: The Trouble with TempleReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramRate us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela on Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Abed! {Fan Favorite Re-drop #7}

Abed! {Fan Favorite Re-drop #7}

This episode originally aired on Feb 20, 2024 under the title “Community is Autistic.”“(Abed) is possibly the greatest character in the history of television.”“He's more than a medical condition—that's his identity. This is part of his culture. And this is why he is a champion of Autistic culture.”“None of us want to be alone. We want to be understood. We want people around us who get us, people who support us. We want a true family, not just a bunch of relatives who judge us. And when you find people where you fit, where they like you, where they appreciate you—if you don't have that, there's nothing in the world to tell you how great it is. And if you've been rejected your entire life, you may stop looking for it, which is a form of trauma.”“Abed is never seen as anything other than, you know, a person with certain strengths and certain weaknesses it's it's not it's not pathologizing it's not inspiration porn it's just the way he works.”“It's uniquely Autistic centered, celebrating Autistic culture, celebrating Autistic heritage, celebrating the Autistic mindset.”Do you relate to Abed? How does a character like Abed, or a show like Community, make you feel seen?Fan Favorite Game, design #7 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesLearn more about Trail HouseEpisode 70: Rick & Morty is AutisticEpisode 60: Mythic Quest is AutisticEpisode 12: Parks & Rec is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramRate us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela on Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Tay Tay {Fan Favorite Re-drop #6}

Tay Tay {Fan Favorite Re-drop #6}

This episode originally aired on April 9, 2024 under the title “Taylor Swift is Autistic.”“That's what they do to autistic people: They hate us and have opinions about us loudly.”“We are pointing out autistic culture as it is seen in the wild, just like we might point out cannolis, whether they were made by Italians or not.” “It's almost as if that's the point of the Autistic Culture Podcast.”“She represents Autistic culture, and as the PR department, if we are not like waving the flag— ‘The biggest star in the world is from Autistica!’ Yeah, like, we have to celebrate this. There is so much to celebrate.”Do you relate to Taylor Swift and/or her lyrics? Share your favorite lyrics in the comments!Fan Favorite Game, design #6 (get yours here)Play the game! Fan Favorites Game rulesEpisode 46: Cats are AutisticFreddie Mercury is Autistic (Episode 73)Episode 50: Top 10 Pillars of Autistic CultureReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Charles Schulz {Fan Favorite Re-drop #5}

Charles Schulz {Fan Favorite Re-drop #5}

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!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Emily Dickinson {Fan Favorite Re-drop #4}

Emily Dickinson {Fan Favorite Re-drop #4}

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 out on InstagramReview us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

D&D {Fan Favorite Re-drop #3}

D&D {Fan Favorite Re-drop #3}

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!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Hans Christian Andersen {Fan Favorite Re-drop #2}

Hans Christian Andersen {Fan Favorite Re-drop #2}

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!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

AuCT {Fan Favorite Re-drop #1}

AuCT {Fan Favorite Re-drop #1}

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!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

George Lucas is Autistic (Episode 74)

George Lucas is Autistic (Episode 74)

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, ‘F**k the systems. F**k 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!Check us out on InstagramFind us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPMatt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTokTACP’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

Freddie Mercury is Autistic (Episode 73)

Freddie Mercury is Autistic (Episode 73)

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:* TeePublic merch shop* Follow our Instagram account!* Review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press* Twitter and TikTok* Matt Lowry, LPP* Autistic Connections Facebook Group 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

Is Bluey Autistic? (Episode 72)

Is Bluey Autistic? (Episode 72)

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!TACP on InstagramHelp others find this podcast by giving us a review on Apple podcasts and SpotifyGet your Autistic Culture gear in our merch shopMatt Lowry, LPP and his Autistic Connections Facebook GroupAngelaLauria.com and her book coaching website Difference PressAngela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok 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

Belly Dancing is Autistic (Episode 71)

Belly Dancing is Autistic (Episode 71)

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, ‘F**k 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!Like and follow us on InstagramListen on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt Lowry, LPPAutistic Connections Facebook GroupDifference Press and AngelaLauria.com Find Angela on Twitter and TikTokGet your merch on in our 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

Rick and Morty is Autistic (Episode 70)

Rick and Morty is Autistic (Episode 70)

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!* Follow our Instagram* Rate us on Apple podcasts and Spotify* Check out our Teepublic merch shop* MattLowryLPP.com * AngelaLauria.com* Autistic Connections Facebook Group* Write a book with Angela at Difference Press* Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok 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

Kink is Autistic (Episode 69)

Kink is Autistic (Episode 69)

#ActuallyAutistic podcast hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, interview Dr. Kade Sharp to discuss the ways that kink fits into Autistic culture. * What is kink (spoiler: it’s not necessarily sexual!), what are some common kinks, and are “kinksters” dangerous or ill?* The fundamental flaws in most research methods that explore Autistic sexuality.* Stereotypes and misunderstandings that most people have about the kink community.* Kinky spreadsheets and other Autistic systems of communicating comfort and consent.* Honoring sensory differences, connecting through SPINs, defined expectations, and other ways that the kink community appeals to so many autistics.* How kink helps neurodivergent folks to feel empowered—regardless of whether or not they identify as a kinkster. * Tips on exploring kink with partners, finding kinky folks to explore with, and getting kinky solo.“I think I just found out I'm kinky.”“I think a lot of your listeners are going to find that out today.”“Someone asked if he was my biological son. And I said, ‘why, yes.’ And somebody was like, ‘well, how did you make him?’ And…It occurred to me while answering this question: there is a big myth out there that we do not have the sex.”“Kink is not just sexual. So, in fact, a good proportion of the folks that responded to my eligibility survey for the study were on the aro/ace spectrum.”“There's so much unspoken stuff and so much resentment because allistic partners say, ‘You should know what I want,’ or that kind of nonsense. But when you explicitly negotiate and have spreadsheets regarding everything from eye contact to butt stuff, it makes relationships run a lot smoother.”Are you an Autistic kinkster? How does kink help empower you? Share in the comments! #AutisticCultureCatchGuest Bio:Dr. Kade Sharp (he/they) is an autistic transgender Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing in Richland, Washington, at Spectrum Counseling, his private practice, where he sees therapy clients, supervises clinicians working toward licensure, and provides case consultation for colleagues. Kade is also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and a certified Child Mental Health Specialist. He has his PhD in Clinical Sexology through Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. Kade has a clinical focus on working with autistic and trans folks of all ages, especially those with anxiety challenges. His volunteer work over the past ten years has been with local LGBTQ+ youth centers, Pride organizations, the Diversity Equity Inclusion team at a local school district, and serving on the WA state chapter of the Association for Play Therapy board. Resources:* A Kink in the Spectrum (Kade's dissertation)* Dr. Erin Findley (dissertation chair)* Dr. Amy Pearson (dissertation committee member)* Dr. Nick Walker (dissertation committee member) * Neurokink (Kade's side project & mailing list)* Mojoupgrade (digital kink checklist)* Bex Talks Sex's Super Powered Yes/No/Maybe List (printable)* Thrive (an annual virtual BDSM & Mental Health Conference)* Dr. Faith G Harper's publications on sex, kink, & mental health* Dr. Emily Nagoski's publication on sex* Dr. Katie Munday's research and advocacy* FetLife (kink social media)* Hiki (autistic dating app)Similar episodes:* Episode 35: Sex is Autistic* Episode 56: Lessons in Chemistry is Autistic* Episode 59: Pregnancy is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow our new Instagram page!Rate and review us on Apple podcasts and SpotifyMatt’s website: Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt’s Facebook group: Autistic Connections Facebook GroupFind Angela at: AngelaLauria.com and Difference PressFollow Angela on: Twitter and TikTokTACP’s 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