The Autistic Culture Podcast Angela Lauria

#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! #AutisticCultureCatch
Guest 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 Autistic
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Follow our new Instagram page!
Rate and review us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Matt’s website: Matt Lowry, LPP
Join Matt’s Facebook group: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Find Angela at: AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Follow Angela on: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’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/su

This episode:
Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP chat with Ashley Storrie—the autistic writer and star of the new series, “Dinosaur” (available on Hulu in the U.S.). Discussed:
* The unconventional way that Ashely was brought on as a writer and the importance of Autistic writers shaping autistic characters.
* How Ashley came to discover her autistic identity.
* Autistic linguistics and the “shape” of words.
* How production accommodated Ashely (and everyone else!). Plus, how Ashley avoided being triggered while authentically portraying overwhelm and overstimulation.
* Why casting autistic actors in autistic roles is not only good representation—it’s good business!
* An autistic brain love fest.
* The behind-the-scenes process of deciding on the exact sexual history of Ashley’s character, Nina.
* Same foods, sensory seeking tastes, and stimming with food!
* Ashley’s complex history with The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Quotes from this episode:
“And she was like, you know, ‘You spend your life accommodating people. How about for this, we'll accommodate you?’”
“So good, so clever, but also understood the assignment because it's a lived experience. And that's like you're saying: if you live it and you know it, it's not hard.”
“It was more going right into myself and saying, ‘Who would you be if you didn't have all of that burden of pretending?’”
“She's overcoming people, and maybe their relationship to autism, and she's overcoming other people's things, but never autism itself. That's a part of her and she loves it.”
“So I've licked the Great Wall of China. I've licked Jimi Hendrix's guitar…It was such a compulsion of tasting history that I had to do it.”
“And I have like a crunchy food, a soft food, a wet food and a dry food. And that's how I roll.”
“Yeah, so much of what's magical about this show is just feeling so seen. And it's just such a gift.”

More on Ashley:
Comedian, writer and actress Ashley Storrie can be heard hosting her BBC Radio Scotland show live every Friday night from 10pm-1am. She is also the co-host of the new Midsomer Murders Podcast. 
Ashley is also known for her Harry Potter parody #tanyapotter, which has now had over 22 million views. As a result of her online success she was commissioned by BBC Scotland to create online content for their Short Stuff strand, producing viral hits including ‘If The Handmaid’s Tale was Scottish’ and ‘If Game of Thrones Was Scottish.’
Do you feel represented by Ashley’s character, Nina? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
Follow Ashley Storrie on Instagram
Check out the official trailer
Watch Dinosaur on Hulu
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 10: Star Trek is Autistic
Episode 17: Wednesday is Autistic?
Episode 54: Comedy is Autistic
Episode 57: Community is Autistic
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Check out our Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Find Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’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 and Dr. Angela Lauria discuss:
* Which came first: the autistic or the neurotypical? Are Autism and ADHD the same thing? Do neurotypicals have a disorder of pruning?
* How ‘X-Men’ addresses discrimination, social justice, and provides representation for marginalized groups.
* The two canonically autistic X-Men and several autistic-coded ones too! Plus, some of the errors allistics make when they try to write autistic characters.
* Spiky profiles, code-switching, and the price (and privilege) of masking.
* Matt’s no-holds-barred honest opinion of ABA for autism.
* Hans Asperger, his legacy, and real-life mandatory autism registrations in at least eight U.S. states.
* And, are bleach enemas a “cure” for autism? (Hint: NO!)
Quotes from this episode:
“In X-men, Mystique, the shape changer, can turn into human looking people and they ask her, ‘You can be anyone you want. Why do you do this?’ And she said, ‘Well just because I can be anyone I want, doesn't mean I should have to. You should be able to be yourself you should be able to be free to be the real authentic you and not mask.’ And, she literally masks all the time for survival, and that is exhausting.”
“First stone tools—autistic people. First iron bridges—autistic people. Calculus—autistic people, like everything. We are not a new phenomenon.”
“So basically we hoard our synapses like we hoard our collectibles.”
“We are synapse hoarders. And this is why our brains process up to 42% more information at rest than neurotypical people.”
“If you like weird, dark ‘Glee,’ you're going to love this.”

Which X-Men superpower would you use to make the world safer for autistics? Which X-Men is your favorite? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
Trailer for the new X-men series on Disney+: X-Men '97
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Book Club #06: True Biz
Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple
Episode 28: Superheroes are Autistic
Episode 30: Doctor Who is Autistic
Episode 61: Wikipedia is Autistic
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

TACP’s Instagram
TACP on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Matt’s website: Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s Facebook: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Find Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s socials: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’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

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Autistic hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, are joined by autistic author, Becca Lory Hector. Topics include:
* Midlife autism diagnosis…and all of the bumps and bruises along the way to get there. Plus, is autism really “over-diagnosed”?
* Why identification is so important—at any age.
* A neuro-affirming way to process, unpack, and grieve after diagnosis.
* “Autistic preppers bags”: what they are and why we need them.
* The ultimate place for “hobbity” people to get lost in the woods.
* Navigating relationships post-autism identification, including mixed-disability relationships.
* The nuances of masking: who, what, when, where, and why.
Quotes (from Becca) from this episode:
“An undiagnosed autistic person cannot—it's impossible—to take care of yourself. You don't have the information you need.”
“And while we're expected to move on with our lives when our reality gets invalidated, neurotypicals really struggle when we do that to them.”
Ode to the McNugget: “The perfection of McDonald's chicken nuggets is something to be marveled at a savory symphony of taste and texture accompanied by instant comfort and joy. Each golden crispy nugget is a bite of bliss. A delightful treasure, perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender, juicy excellence that pairs perfectly with the salty, savory goodness of their fries. The fries with their ideal crunch on the outside and soft, fluffy insides are the perfect companion to the magic of nuggets. Dipping them both into a favorite sauce creates a harmony of flavors to delight your senses. For me, McDonald's chicken nuggets aren't just a meal, but a joyful escape that consistently brings meaningful pleasure and comfort to my life. And no matter how many times I go, eating nuggets and fries remains a cherished ritual that brings me guaranteed satisfaction with every bite. Whether it's a reward after a doctor's appointment or a quick treat to lift my spirits, McDonald's chicken nuggets remind me that simple pleasures can bring the greatest joy.”

What’s in your “Autistic peppers bag”? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
For a limited time, early listeners can get their FREE copy of Becca’s book at: www.AlwaysBringYourSunglasses.com
Course: Self-Defined Living - A path to a quality autistic life
Becca’s website, Facebook, and Instagram
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 21: Dino Nuggets are Autistic
Episode 31: Chess is Autistic
Episode 47: Autistic Centered Therapy - AuCT
Episode 61: Wikipedia is Autistic
Episode 63: Elsa is Autistic
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Our Instagram
Listen on Apple podcasts and Spotify
More on Matt: Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s Facebook group: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
More on Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Follow Angela on: Twitter and TikTok
Our 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

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Podcast hosts, Matt Lowry, LPP and Dr. Angela Lauria, discuss Neil Gaiman and his recent post identifying himself as autistic. Topics include:
* Interception difficulties, etymology fun, and how left-handedness relates to autism.
* Gaiman’s prolific writing including: “Don't Panic: The Official Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Companion,” “Good Omens,” “Constantine,” “Coraline,” “Doom Patrol,” “Stardust,” and “Babylon 5.”
* Sandman: one of the first graphic novels to reach the NYT Best Seller’s List. Plus, how Neil Gaiman welcomed a whole new demographic (women) to comic books.
* Amanda Palmer: Gaiman’s chaotic, quirky, punk, ex-wife who might just be a high masking autistic woman.
* Bonus: Neil Gaiman’s surprising best friend!
Episode Quotes:
“He brought a newfound legitimacy to comics.” —Matt
“It became very, very ethereal and created this grand mythology that was beyond what other comic writers were doing at the time and created a giant template that brought in a whole new audience.” —Matt
“This issue was the first and only comic to ever win the World Fantasy Award for short fiction in 1991, before they changed the rules to make sure comics could never win it again. He broke the system to where they had to patch the hole, because he’s so good.” —Matt
“If you are autistic—especially as a woman—and you have been masking and scrounging to survive, often there is trauma associated with it.” —Angela
“But, I think a lot of it is a trauma response of not knowing how to love her neurodivergent brain.” —Angela

Are you “Team Gaiman” or “Team Palmer”? Tell us in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Show notes and resources:
Neil Gaiman’s Tumblr
ONTD Original: A timeline of Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer's relationship
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 19: Eminem is Autistic
Episode 28: Superheroes are Autistic
Episode 41: Tim Burton is Autistic
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Our links:
* Instagram
* Apple podcasts and Spotify
* Matt Lowry, LPP
* Autistic Connections Facebook Group
* AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
* Twitter and TikTok
* TACP’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 was HIGHLY requested by Autistic Swifty listeners and their contributions are incorporated throughout. Much like how Cher is a Queer culture icon—regardless of her own sexual orientation—we are celebrating Swift as an Autistic culture icon—regardless of her own neurotype. This is a celebration of the ways we see our fabulous culture represented in the once-in-a-generation, Taylor Swift.
In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, discuss the many ways that Taylor Swift and her fanbase of “Swifties” represent Autistic Culture. Including:
* Swift’s encyclopedic knowledge about cats and use of music to find purpose, community, and a successful career. Plus, super fanning, Swifties, and the elements of a “good” special interest.
* The autistic joy that comes from decoding puzzles, riddles, and “Easter eggs.”
* Swift’s spot on descriptions of feeling like an outsider and masking in order to fit in, as expressed in her lyrics and interviews.
* Autistic body language and Autistica’s stimming anthem!
* The intersection of capitalism, privilege, and disability.
* The relationship between justice sensitivity and expectation sensitivity.
* Swift’s Autistic family tree.
Episode Quotes:
“Listen, Taylor is the biggest star in the universe right now, and she represents Autistic Culture. And as the (Autistic) PR department, if we are not waving the flag: ‘The biggest star in the world is from Autistica!’…We have to. We have to celebrate this. There is so much to celebrate.” —Angela
“Yeah, this is the way. Because we don't do anything half-assed. If it's worth doing and worth obsessing about, we go all the way.” —Matt
“Taylor's response to that was, ‘Well I am weird, and the cat jokes will stay!’” —Angela
“It's very very very difficult, especially for celebrities, to come out because of the connotation of what it might mean to be autistic, because there might be some person somewhere saying, ‘You can't be autistic! You're nothing like my five-year-old boy!’” —Matt
“That is why she wrote Shake It Off. That is the song of our people! That is a cultural hymn!” —Angela

Are you an autistic Swifty? Tell us all about it in the comments and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your answer on your social media and connect with other listeners!
Shout Outs:
Two Swifty listeners made this episode possible:
* Brittany Sellers
* Autumn Elliot
Show notes and resources:
(See listener-provided images at the bottom of this post)
Article: Taylor Swift is related to famed American poet Emily Dickinson, Ancestry reveals
Article: Ancestry reveals Taylor Swift is related to American poet Emily Dickinson
Quora: Could Taylor Swift have Asperger's syndrome?
Article: 40+ of Taylor Swift's Most Brilliant Easter Eggs, Decoded
YouTube: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Taylor Swift's Easter Eggs
Video: Taylor Swift listing cat breeds on Fallon
Video: Interviews of Taylor Swift describing masking
Video: The number "13" video
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 03: Poetry is Autistic (The Emily Dickinson episode)
Episode 09: Fairy Tales are Autistic 
Episode 21: Dino Nuggets are Autistic
Episode 46: Cats are Autistic
Episode 58: The Good Place is Autistic
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Find us on:
* Instagram
* Apple podcasts and Spotify
* Matt Lowry, LPP
* Matt’s Autistic Connections Facebook Group
* AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
* Angela on: Twitter and TikTok
* TACP’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