The Autistic Culture Podcast Angela Lauria

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!

Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about 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 Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to Autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels and the harmful monolith: Autism Speaks. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.


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!

Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about 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 Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to Autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels and the harmful monolith: Autism Speaks. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.


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!

Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about 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 Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickl

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, discuss authentic autistic representation in the character of Elsa from Frozen. They discuss masking, unmasking, ABA, sensory differences, autistic lineage, autistic women, and the heroes journey we all must take if we want to “Let it Go” and adventure “Into the Unknown.” Beyond that, this week’s quotes speak for themselves:
The wind is howling like this swirling storm insideCouldn't keep it in, heaven knows I triedDon't let them in, don't let them seeBe the good girl you always have to beConceal, don't feel, don't let them knowWell, now they knowLet it go, let it goCan't hold it back anymoreLet it go, let it go—“Let it Go”
“They were trying to conceal her because they didn't want the kingdom to know that she had powers. They were trying to make her fit in. To hide, to conceal, to fix. And it's very much ABA vibes.” —Matt
“One of the biggest dangers of coming out (as autistic) is being vulnerable and losing your support system…and losing the people that you once thought liked you but just like the mask that you wore. So (unmasking) takes a lot of guts.” —Matt
“And this is a big part about Frozen 2 because when we find ourselves, that can be an incredibly lonely process. Because, we have to we have to start shedding pieces of ourselves, one piece at a time to try to figure out—to get to the core of who we really are.” —Matt
“You kind of have to settle into who you actually are instead of who you've been pretending to be.” —Angela
“That does not happen the day the doctor says, or doesn't say, ‘You're autistic.’ Nothing magical happens that day. The magic is like the years and years of work and grief and processing and trying things, all the things you would have been doing.” —Angela
“There's often, like, this unresolved resentment because when you finally figure out who you are you're like, holy s**t, why didn't anyone (A) ever tell me (B) love me for who I really was or (C) tell me that I didn't have to hide myself?” —Matt

Do you relate to Elsa and the songs from Frozen? 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:
Wiki Fandom: Elsa
Wikipedia: Frozen (2013 film)
Blog: “Conceal, don’t feel”: The case for autistic Elsa
Article: ‘Frozen’ offers glimpse of autism in girls
Blog: 19 Reasons Why I Am Convinced Elsa Is Autistic
Article: Kristen Bell recalls Dax Shepard confronting her about her mental health
Article: Kristen Bell Is Not Afraid To Share That She Takes Medication for Her Mental Health
Article: Seeking Disney’s first disabled princess
Video: Story Of Frozen, The Making Of A Disney Animated Classic (2014)
Article: 10 Things You May Not Know About Idina Menzel—The Wicked Movie and More
YouTube: Hygge (From "Frozen: The Broadway Musical"/Audio Only)
Presentation: Is it Weird that I’m Moving to the UK?
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 07: Apple is Autistic  
Episode 09: Fairy Tales are Autistic 
Episode 26 - Disney is Autistic
Episode 34: Beauty and the Beast is Autistic
Episode 58: The Good Place is Autistic
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about 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 Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that

*TW: This episode discusses ableist policies and “therapies” and their statistically likely consequence - death by suicide. Please respect your personal and emotional boundaries and listen with care
In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, are joined by two Autistic advocates to discuss a concerning situation in Kentucky where an "autism mom" is pushing for ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy to be mandated in all public schools across the state. Matt, a member of the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism (KACA), strongly opposes this move along with his fellow autistic council members Winter Type 01 Alice (“Winter” for short) and Kat. As a safe-guard, they make sure to state that their opinions are their own and not that of the council.
“My opinions are not those of those useless neurotypical cowards on the Autism Advisory Council.” — Winter

The main points raised are:
* ABA is seen as unethical by many autistic people as it focuses solely on modifying outward behaviors without addressing inner experiences, thoughts and feelings. It operates from a deficit model of trying to make autistic people appear more neurotypical regardless of the negative outcomes of masking.
* Matt, Winter, and Kat argue that including autistic voices and prioritizing acceptance, accommodations and understanding is far more beneficial than pursuing the outdated goal of a colonialist and eugenics-motivated "cure" for autism.
* ABA is dangerous. It causes trauma and deepens the shame of internalized ableism. It also leads to an increased likelihood of death by suicide.
* Investing money into better teacher training, more special education staff (especially Autistic educators), sensory rooms, class support animals, and other accommodations would be much more helpful for autistic students than forcing ABA on them.
* Autistic advocates face burnout from constantly fighting these battles, especially those with fewer resources (a frequent result of societal ableism). Building community support and sharing the advocacy workload is crucial.
* There is a window of opportunity to organize and counter the autism mom's push before the bill (HCR 51) advances too far. Connecting autistic-led organizations and advocates is key to stopping it.
“Self-acceptance is free, accommodations are pretty cheap, but ABA is a 1.8 billion dollar a year industry that claims—irrationally so—to fix autistic kids.” —Matt

The overall perspective is that autism is an integral part of identity, not a disease to be eliminated. Ethical, compassionate support focusing on authentic quality of life for autistic people should be the priority over compliance-driven behavioral modifications.
What kind of neurodiversity-affirming supports would have helped you in school? 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:
Kentucky House concurrent Resolution 51
House of Representatives in Kentucky
Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism 
Mandatory ABA lived-experience - ABA Abuse Traumatizes Autistic Teen (A First Hand Account)
The Great Big ABA Opposition Resource List
Milton’s Double Empathy Study
Scholarly article: A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability
Scholarly article: Death by Suicide Among People With Autism: Beyond Zebrafish
Video: The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus and Learn
Kentucky House Standing Committee - Education
Winter’s website: Translunar Academy
Find Winter’s advocacy group: Autistics United Kentucky Facebook and Instagram
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 36: Bad Autism Diagnosis
Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic
Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Check us out o

In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Hosts, Dr. Angela Lauria and Matt Lowry, LPP, discusses how Wikipedia depends heavily on autistic editors and volunteers. However Wikimedia is ran by allistics who have a pattern of exploiting the autistic labor force they depend on without proper compensation or appreciation.
Wikipedia's systematic approach to organizing information fits right in with Autistic culture! We love sharing facts around special interests and often have skills in categorizing and referencing data.
Autistic data hunger and justice sensitivity often combine to help autistic editors to be inclusive of different cultural perspectives and knowledge. However, tensions arise around what constitutes neutrality and "facts" when editing hot-button topics. For example, what constitutes a “neutral” entry about the Confederate flag?
“A lot of arguments among neurotypicals happen because they they want to know who is right but a lot of arguments between autistics happen because they want to know what is right.” —Matt

Unfortunately, the inner workings of Wikipedia show a pattern of ableism from both the neurotypical employees and the “A-Spectrumers” at the company who perform neuronormativity and express internalized ableism through their bullying of autistics and use of functioning labels.
A former autistic Wikimedia employee, "Jane," faced harassment, discrimination and bullying after disclosing her autism diagnosis. She filed an EEOC complaint but dropped it due to burnout.
Jane shared how Wikimedia's neurotypical management frequently demeans and mocks autistic editors and labor behind the scenes, even as they exploit and fundraise off that free labor.
The podcast urges supporting local Wikipedia chapter groups which are often run by autistics instead of donating to Wikimedia's central fundraising, and encourages privileged autistics to become high-edit count editors to change the culture from within.
“Don't give money to the Wikimedia Foundation. Do use your privilege—if you have power and extra bandwidth—and…get your editor count up so you get a vote to change things from the inside. Don't do that if it's going to be detrimental to your mental health—take care of that first.” —Angela

The episode explores the complex interplay of Wikipedia providing an autism-friendly platform for special interests while also perpetuating ableism in its management and fundraising practices around this uncompensated autistic workforce.
How has ableism affected you in the work place? 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:
Wikipedia’s definition of ableism
How to become a Wikipedia editor
Wikipedia:WikiProject Autism
Thread: Autism Spectrum Wrongly Described In Wikipedia
Thread: Wikipedia likes us!
Wikipedia:High-functioning autism and Asperger's editors
Wikipedians with autism
Article: Wikipedia accused of bullying former autistic employee with claims of a toxic work culture
Village pump (miscellaneous)
Article: Alex St John’s Ideas About Game Development Are Terrifying
Other episodes to check out if you liked this one:
Episode 04: Industrial Light & Magic is Autistic
Episode 35: Sex is Autistic (Alfred Kinsey episode)
Episode 38: Productivity is Autistic
Ready for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!

Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about 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 Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience a