Episodios

  • Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31

    Neurodivergent Creative Cycles with Sol Smith (Episode 140) - Writing Prompt #31
    Jun 13 2025
    An episode that busts the myth of 'perfect' creative processes!In Episode 140 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon speaks with Sol Smith, author of The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery. If you’ve spent time on TikTok, YouTube, or inside the NeuroSpicy community, you’ve probably felt the impact of Sol’s voice—direct, affirming, and deeply validating. He joins the show to help us rethink our relationship with writing routines, explore the realities of autistic creative rhythms, and bust the myth of 'perfect' creative processes.Plus, we announce our amazing winners from our fifth writing contest!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇'Kidnapped’ - Based on a true storyBy Laura PearsonTHE RUNNER UP 🥈'And Then I Realized…’By Genya VasilovCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* We read our winners from the fifth writing prompt for Neurodivergent Narratives and announce our 1st and 2nd prize winners. * Sol shares his path to writing The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery, and offers his insight on the challenges of the publishing process, and the role of writing in processing his lived experience.* How does Sol overcome those moments when writing doesn’t come easily, you're in a rut, or stuck in autistic inertia?* Why connecting creative cycles with SPINs and internal logic can help build up creative drive for writers.* vSol shares his advice for neurodivergent writers who feel like they’re constantly behind or not doing it 'right'.* Sol and Angela discuss the battle for perfectionism, self-acceptance, the therapeutic nature of creative expression as neurodivergent individuals, and how haiku can express profound emotion in just a few words.Sol Smith is the author of The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery and the manager of the Neurospicy Community, which is the largest support network for autistics and ADHDers in the world. A certified autism specialist who is autistic, dyslexic, and living with ADHD. He spent more than two decades as a college professor before shifting his professional focus to coaching other autistic and ADHD people to gain autonomy in their lives. Sol’s speaking skills have earned him a following of hundreds of thousands on TikTok and led to educational seminars about neurodiversity with corporations around the world. He lives in Southern California with his wife and four children, and you can find him online at www.ProfessorSol.comHere are his social media links:TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@bettersolInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprofessorsolFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/solsmithYouTube: https://youtube.com/@professor_solLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sol-smith-mfa-eds-ms-cas-7955364Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: ‘Your Autistic Birthright’ ContestI’d write an intro,but counting syllables isharder than it looks.PROMPT: Write a haiku inspired by your Autistic Birthright. Interpret the theme in any way that resonates with you—literally or metaphorically!⚠️Your poetry may not be any longer than 500 words.A haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic form made up of three lines with a specific syllable pattern:* Line 1: 5 syllables* Line 2: 7 syllables* Line 3: 5 syllablesHaiku Basics:* Total of 17 syllables* Traditionally inspired by nature or personal insight* Often includes a seasonal reference or a moment of emotional clarity* In modern usage, especially in neurodivergent communities, haiku can explore identity, sensory experience, stimming, or personal truth, freeing the form from rigid tradition.How to Write One:* Choose a theme or moment — something that feels honest or vivid.* Write what you notice or feel — don’t worry about rules at first.* Count syllables for each line: 5, 7, 5.* Trim or reshape the lines until they fit the form.Here’s an example process:Theme: Nail biting as a form of self-regulation and sensory input that isn’t a choice, even when painful or judged.Initial idea: I bite my nails. It hurts, I hate it—but fifty years of shame didn’t fix me. This is what regulation looks like.Angela’s haiku:I still bite my nails.My body calls, I answer.Shame won’t heal this skin.This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.Submit entry.Let Your Voice Be Heard.💌 Good luck, writers. We’re saving you a seat.THE ESSENTIALS:🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, June 18th at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 each week📘 Publication: Winning entries go on our Substack and in the annual Neurodivergent Narratives anthologyTHE RULES:No PlagiarismNo Hate SpeechNo Explicit or Graphic ContentSubmit as many times as you wishYou do not need to be present or subscribe to participateEntries after the deadline will not be consideredAll decisions are finalFull Contest Rules are here.Use the hashtag #haikuyou on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/...
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    1 h y 5 m
  • Pillar 4: World Building (Episode 139)

    Pillar 4: World Building (Episode 139)
    Jun 10 2025
    An episode that took a fantasy and made it reality.In Episode 139 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon continues our journey through the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture with Dr. Scott Frasard, as we move onto Pillar 4 — World building. Dr. Scott Frasard is an autistic autism advocate who is a published author and an outspoken critic of operant conditioning approaches to change natural autistic behaviors to meet neuro-normative social expectations.Dr Scott Frasard decided he wasn’t going to critique the status quo, he was going to build something new. His essay, ‘The World We Built: A Future Where Autistic People Are Respected, Not Repaired,’ set in 2075, imagines a world where autism is no longer pathologized. Where the DSM is behind museum glass, and identity is co-created, not diagnosed.You can read it in full here.Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:* 🧠Mental Mapping: Autistic brains naturally organize information in systems — we often build entire models inside our minds to understand or improve what’s around us. Creating a coherent internal or external system — could be fictional, functional, emotional, social, or sensory.* 💡Systems thinking: Using logic, narrative, and design to rethink how things could work.Key Concepts:* Autistic world-building is immersive, structured, and strategic.* It often starts in childhood: building imaginary cities, organizing toys into categories, designing languages, or character arcs.* It evolves in adulthood: spreadsheets, RPGs, sensory hacks, alt-education models, and organizing social movements.* World building is a coping mechanism and a creative force — it helps us understand systems and reimagine them.* It is not limited to fiction, but that’s how we know it best or can spot it fastest. Some examples are Star Wars, Pokémon, Taylor Swift’s Eras, Dungeons & Dragons, My Chemical Romance, Ren Faires, LARP, fan wikis, and cosplay universes.💭 Here’s what to listen for through the lens of world-building: What does it look like to lean into world-building as an autistic cultural strength? And what does it look like when that gets punished or pathologized?Here are some examples:* Build your systems:Pathologized: They call you inflexible. You’re told to be more spontaneous. You mask your systems, and your stability crumbles.Lean in: You have rituals, frameworks, time-blocking, color-coding, filters, and scripts. You run your day like a game level.* Build a universe around your SPIN:Pathologized: It’s called obsessive. You’re told it’s “just a phase.” You try to hide your joy.Lean in: You go deep. You make maps, charts, and timelines. You know what your characters eat for breakfast.* Use world-building to solve problems:Pathologized: You’re told your ideas are too complex, too idealistic, too much.Lean in: You imagine better service models, ethical policy shifts, and future educational frameworks.* Build tools for neurodivergent life:Pathologized: You’re seen as needy or over-prepared instead of brilliant.Lean in: You design visual supports, flowcharts, decision trees, or sensory kits.* Co-create with others:Pathologized: Your leadership gets ignored. Your vision gets sidelined. You get told to “just follow the plan.”Lean in: You bring friends into the world you’re building. You make collaborative campaigns, zines, and alt-syllabi.Autistic world-building is not a bonus feature. It’s the core engine of our culture. The world we want doesn’t just appear. We build it. And we’ve already started.So, whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people, you are welcome here.We’re saving you a seat!This episode is a part of our Start Here Series, which is designed for new listeners of the show who are wondering, “where should I start?” to have a solid foundation for their experience here. It’s also for loyal listeners to begin to more fully embody the pillars of Autistic culture with more clarity and pride. Join the convo with #AutisticCulture!Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottfrasard/Scott’s book: https://amzn.eu/d/1OmioMcRelated Episodes:* George Lucas - The creation of Star Wars was a masterclass in galactic-scale myth-making. (Ep 56)* Pokémon - Offers an intricate, collectible universe built on categorization, pattern recognition, and the joy of completion. (Ep 16)* Dungeons & Dragons - Let’s players collaboratively build worlds with clear rules and infinite flexibility. (Ep 39)* Taylor Swift - She constructs interconnected emotional worlds through albums, Easter eggs, and lyrical references. (Ep 64)* My Chemical Romance - MCR’s concept albums (The Black Parade, Danger Days) build rich dystopian worlds, where emotional extremes are mapped onto visual and sonic design. (Ep 121)* Lemony Snicket - The Snicketverse builds a deeply ordered but unjust world, where rules are arbitrary yet must be followed. (Ep ...
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Writing Memoir with Alethea Shapiro (Episode 138) - Writing Prompt #30

    Writing Memoir with Alethea Shapiro (Episode 138) - Writing Prompt #30
    Jun 6 2025
    An episode that shared its story with the world!In Episode 138 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon sits down with Alethea Shapiro, who is currently in England as she writes her memoir, to discuss why memoir is probably the hardest or most demanding genre to break into in terms of how good and polished your writing skills need to be.Plus, we announce our amazing winners from our fourth writing contest!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇"She Wants Her Floodplains Back" by Hedda Asklund THE RUNNER UP 🥈Home Is Where The Heart Is’ by Ryan GillisCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* We read our winners from the fourth writing prompt for Neurodivergent Narratives and announce our 1st and 2nd prize winners. Why Memoir Is So Demanding (If You’re Not Famous)* Memoir requires introspection, structure, and emotional honesty, all at once.* You must shape real life into a coherent story with meaning, not just a series of events.* Readers expect literary quality, emotional depth, and strong narrative arcs.* Without a public platform, your writing must carry the entire weight of the book—there’s no “celebrity curiosity” to fill in the gaps.Why Genre Fiction Can Be Easier to Break Into.* Genres like romance and mystery are built around well-known formulas and reader expectations:* Romance: meet-cute → tension → conflict → resolution → happily ever after.* Mystery: crime → investigation → twists → reveal.* These genres provide a roadmap, which helps writers focus on execution rather than invention.* Readers of these genres often seek familiarity and satisfaction, not literary innovation.* Because the structure is shared, you can get better by copying, testing, and iterating, and there’s a massive market to enter.Make a Choice: What Kind of Writer Are You Right Now?Option 1: Write for Fun + Self-Publish* You're writing because it feels good and you have something to say.* You’re open to experimenting, learning by doing, and sharing your voice without pressure.* You may self-publish or blog your work.* Key insight: The more you write, the better you get—and that’s enough.Option 2: Commit to a Literary Career* You treat writing as a serious craft—memoir is your art form.* You find joy and pleasure in studying structure, style, and voice.* You seek out editing, workshops, critique, and growth over time.* You may aim for traditional publication or hybrid publishing with literary integrity as your guide.Neither Is "Better"—But They Are Different Paths* Confusion happens when you expect literary outcomes from casual effort, writing casually but feel guilty for not being “serious.”* Be honest about your goals and capacity, especially if you're neurodivergent and balancing energy differently.* Decide what success looks like for you, not for a hypothetical industry gatekeeper.Your story matters. Your voice matters. But clarity is kindness to yourself and your reader.Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: The “Family Secret” ContestWrite where you are. No, literally.PROMPT: Write about a secret—real or imagined—that upends a family.⚠️Your micro-drama may not be any longer than 500 words.This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.Submit entry.Let Your Voice Be Heard.💌 Good luck, writers. We’re saving you a seat.THE ESSENTIALS:🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, June 11th at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 each week📘 Publication: Winning entries go on our Substack and in the annual Neurodivergent Narratives anthologyTHE RULES:No PlagiarismNo Hate SpeechNo Explicit or Graphic ContentSubmit as many times as you wishYou do not need to be present or subscribe to participateEntries after the deadline will not be consideredAll decisions are finalFull Contest Rules are here.Use the hashtag #familysecret on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://forms.gle/FMWs6j77BfgE7bf59Related Episodes:Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)Introducing the Weekly Writing Contest (Episode 130) - Writing Prompt #26I'm So Confused (Episode 132) - Writing Prompt #27Recovering from Burnout (Episode 134) - Writing Prompt #28Local Color with Tim Clare (Episode 136) - Writing Prompt #29Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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
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    58 m
  • Pillar 3: Norm Challenging (Episode 137)

    Pillar 3: Norm Challenging (Episode 137)
    Jun 3 2025
    An episode that explores the heart of autistic insight, authenticity, and truth-telling.In Episode 137 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon continues our journey through the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture as we move onto Pillar 3— Norm Challenging. Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:* ❓Autistic culture doesn't just question norms — it reimagines them. Being misunderstood is often a sign of being ahead of our time, not behind. Our literal minds challenge euphemism, dishonesty, and performative niceness. We ask “why” not to be difficult, but because truth matters.* 🔥Emotional intensity fuels a drive toward justice, not just personal catharsis.* 🌐Sensory and interoceptive differences create embodied experiences that challenge cultural assumptions (about politeness, gender, social scripts).* 🌊Depth over surface: We don’t do small talk — we go deep, fast.* 🎭Insight over appearance: We value meaning, not pretense.* 🗣️Truth-telling: Even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.* 💥Emotional honesty: Our intensity can be confronting — and transformative.* 👮Questioning authority: We challenge rules that don’t make sense.* 🌈Gender and identity fluidity: Many autistics naturally diverge from binary roles.* ❌Rejection of social performance: If it’s fake, we’re out.* 🤝Anti-hierarchy: We build relationships around shared interest, not status.* 📊Pattern-driven rebellion: We don’t just push back — we see what’s broken.* ⚖️Moral clarity: Our black-and-white thinking often reflects a clear sense of justice, not rigidity.🎙️ What you’re about to hear is a special remastered episode from our archives — perfect for Pillar 3: Norm Challenging. This episode doesn’t just talk about language — it lives inside it. 💭 As you listen, ask yourself:* Literal honesty over social performance – Emily refused to “visit” socially, a major chore in her time. She didn’t pretend to enjoy small talk or conform to polite society. She opted out, poetically, and repeatedly.* Persistent demand for autonomy – What gets labeled PDA today was how Emily lived: resisting unjust expectations, from marriage to fashion to church membership.* Religious resistance and personal meaning-making – In a deeply Calvinist world, Emily publicly identified as “without hope” (refusing conversion) and privately worshipped the Word itself — finding spiritual truth in poetry, not doctrine.* Gender fluidity and self-redefinition – She referred to herself in letters as “Brother Emily,” imagined herself as a prince, earl, or duke, and expressed longing to be “bearded like a man.” Her queerness wasn’t a phase — it was part of her poetic self-construction.* Masking for survival, not acceptance – Emily dressed all in white, framed her writing as religious, and stayed under her father’s roof by appearing pious, not because she agreed with social norms, but to create safety and space for her real work.* Social rejection and CPTSD – Her refusal to conform was punished. Her poetry was ignored. She was called strange, sickly, and reclusive. This episode explores how rejection sensitivity and chronic invalidation shaped her creative and emotional world.* Sensory seeking and autistic fashion – Emily made her own clothes for comfort, refused corsets, and wore the same soft cotton wrapper daily. Not just defiance — it was regulation and sensory joy.* Rewriting the world through poetry – Her work challenges poetic form, grammar, rhythm, and even the rules of punctuation. She wasn’t bad at writing — she rewrote what writing could be.* Choosing truth over approval – Whether in letters, verse, or social choices, Emily never picked the easy path. She chose what was honest. Even when it meant social exile.* Legacy of liberation – By breaking norms in her time, she opened doors for queer, autistic, gender-nonconforming, and outsider voices. Her work didn’t just survive — it changed literature forever.So as you listen to this episode, ask yourself: What norms have you challenged — even quietly? What parts of you have been pathologized that might be your power?Let Emily Dickinson remind you: telling the truth, even slantwise, is still truth. And that, in itself, is revolutionary.So, whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people, you are welcome here.We’re saving you a seat!This episode is a part of our Start Here Series, which is designed for new listeners of the show who are wondering, “where should I start?” to have a solid foundation for their experience here. It’s also for loyal listeners to begin to more fully embody the pillars of Autistic culture with more clarity and pride. Join the convo with #AutisticCulture!Related Episodes:* Emily Dickinson – Her reclusive lifestyle, gender ambiguity, and radically inventive poetry defied 19th-century norms. (Ep...
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    1 h y 28 m
  • Local Color with Tim Clare (Episode 136) - Writing Prompt #29

    Local Color with Tim Clare (Episode 136) - Writing Prompt #29
    May 30 2025
    An episode that doesn’t have to travel far to tell a story worth sharing!In Episode 136 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon sits down with fellow author, poet, and performer Tim Claire, to dive into something every Autistic writer calls to: finding your creative calling. Plus, we announce our amazing winners from our third writing contest. You showed us the joy, the obsession, the comfort, the heartbreak, and the magic of falling in love with the thing that makes life worth living!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇"To my dearest, softest, pastel sage finger weight yarn…”by Kaleigh ETHE RUNNER UP 🥈“The Written Word” by Katie Robin.Congrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* We read our winners from the third writing prompt for Neurodivergent Narratives and announce our 1st and 2nd prize winners. We received dozens of Epistolaries, which showed us the joy, obsession, comfort, heartbreak, and the magic of your special interests.* Dr Angela and Tim discuss Tim’s career as a writer, his advice on working through writer’s block, his methods for creative writing, and why games have inspired his creative writing style.* Tim shares his love for board games. He discusses his new book about why the history of board games is really the history of human civilisation, and reveals how writing it resulted in his Autism diagnosis. * They discuss when he first recognized writing as his creative calling and what advice Tim would give someone unsure about following their own.* Tim performs his poem ‘In Portishead’ to inspire our writers for the next contest.Tim Claire is the author of The Game Changers: How Playing Games Changed the World and Can Change You Too, The Honours, The Ice House, and We can’t all be Astronauts (winner Best Biography/Memoir – 2009 East Anglian Book Awards).He presents the creative writing podcast DEATH OF 1000 CUTS for anyone who wants to know how to write a novel, write great fiction, and get published. He is a stand-up poet with several award-winning 5-star shows under his belt. He has performed his work on BBC 1, 2, Radio 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, and has written for The Guardian, The Times, The Independent, The Big Issue and Writing magazine, amongst others.Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: The “Local Color (Colour!)” ContestWrite where you are. No, literally.Inspired by a creative technique known as local color (and by the wise writing of Tim Clare), this week’s prompt brings us back to the ground, literally. You don’t have to travel far to tell a story worth sharing. The details you notice are worth writing about. The way you see the world is worth capturing. So lace up your shoes—or open your window—and take a closer look!PROMPT: Take a walk within just a few hundred meters of your home. Write about what you observe.⚠️Your travel writing may not be any longer than 500 words.This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.Submit entry.Let Your Voice Be Heard.💌 Good luck, writers. We’re saving you a seat.THE ESSENTIALS:🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, June 4th at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 each week📘 Publication: Winning entries go on our Substack and in the annual Neurodivergent Narratives anthologyTHE RULES:No PlagiarismNo Hate SpeechNo Explicit or Graphic ContentSubmit as many times as you wishYou do not need to be present or subscribe to participateEntries after the deadline will not be consideredAll decisions are finalFull Contest Rules are here.Use the hashtag #localcolor on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://forms.gle/FVK4p11Kmip6T7G2AResources:Tim Claires websiteTim’s podcast - Death of 1000 cuts (for anyone who wants to know how to write a novel, write great fiction, and get published)Tim’s writing in the Guardian on his latest book and his love for Board gamesAmazon link to Tim’s book: The Game Changers: How Playing Games Changed the World and Can Change You TooRelated Episodes:Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)Introducing the Weekly Writing Contest (Episode 130) - Writing Prompt #26I'm So Confused (Episode 132) - Writing Prompt #27Recovering from Burnout (Episode 134) - Writing Prompt #28Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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
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    1 h y 26 m
  • Pillar 2: Rhythmic Communicating (Episode 135)

    Pillar 2: Rhythmic Communicating (Episode 135)
    May 27 2025
    An episode that explores a core expression of how autistic people interact with the world and one another.In Episode 135 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon continues our journey through the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture as we move onto Pillar 2— Rhythmic Communicating. Here’s what defines this core Autistic trait:* 🗣️ Echolalia: Repeating things you’ve heard — could be from a show, another person, or even yourself. It can happen right away or much later.* 🔄 Palilalia: Repeating your own words or phrases, often without meaning to. Sometimes it speeds up or gets softer as you go. * 🎭 Scripting: Using lines from movies, shows, or past conversations to communicate or handle social stuff. It’s like having go-to phrases ready. * 🤓 Infodumping: Talking a lot (and in detail) about something you're super into. It might be a one-way info blast, but it’s done with passion. * 🪞 Echopraxia: Copying other people’s movements or gestures, sometimes without realizing it. Like mirroring someone’s body language. * 🌀 Mazing: Telling stories or explaining things in a roundabout way — lots of tangents, loops, or detours before getting to the point (if ever). Autistic communicationIt’s often musical, patterned, and poetic, following its rhythm and flow. This style isn’t “off”; it’s layered, intentional, and deeply expressive. The so-called “autistic accent” — our pacing, tone, gestures, eye contact, and speech patterns — isn’t a social flaw, it’s a cultural vibe. What sounds “weird” to others is often rooted in sensory joy, linguistic precision, or scripted comfort. 🎙️ What you’re about to hear is a special remastered episode from our archives — perfect for Pillar 2: Rhythmic Communicating. This episode doesn’t just talk about language — it lives inside it. 💭 As you listen, ask yourself:What if this is what beautiful communication sounds like?What if rhythm, repetition, and emotional precision are not quirks to fix, but forms to celebrate? What to listen for through the lens of rhythmic communication:🎤 Lyrical scripting – Taylor Swift uses structured lyrics, poetic motifs, and callbacks to express emotion. Repetition and metaphor = cultural fluency, not just style. 📚 Hyperlexia meets infodumping – From childhood writing to Easter eggs and liner notes, Taylor info-shares with love and detail — autistic intimacy in action. 🌀 Mazing and tangents – Her storytelling spirals, loops, and circles back. Think folklore and evermore — this is an autistic narrative style at its finest. 🗣️ Voice as rhythm – Songs like “Shake It Off” use rhythm to ground and energize. It’s more than catchy — it’s a stim anthem. 🕺 Stimming and vocal play – In interviews and docs (like Miss Americana), Taylor bounces, scripts, giggles, and flaps — classic joyful stimming. 🪞 Emotional echolalia – Recurring lyrics like “I can change everything about me to fit in” echo across albums. This mirrors how autistic folks process emotion through repetition. 🖼️ Visual scripting in media – Her aesthetic choices follow structured patterns. Just like scripting conversation, but in color, costume, and camera work. 🎤 Autistic accent through performance – Her tone, pacing, and stylized speech aren’t awkward — they’re rhythmic, deliberate, and expressive. 🫶 Patterned speech as relationship – Fans speak in Taylor-coded language (e.g., Easter eggs, quotes). It’s the same way many autistics build connections. 🎼 Genre as grammar – Taylor uses each musical genre as a unique emotional language. Every album is like its own communication style. As you listen and pay attention to the rhythmic communication pillar with deeper context, I want you to ask yourself: What if this is what beautiful communication sounds like? What if rhythm, repetition, and emotional precision are not quirks to fix, but forms to celebrate?You don’t have to be a Swifty to see it. But you do have to listen for the rhythm. And once you do, you might never hear her the same way again.So, whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people, you are welcome here.We’re saving you a seat!This episode is a part of our Start Here Series, which is designed for new listeners of the show who are wondering, “where should I start?” to have a solid foundation for their experience here. It’s also for loyal listeners to begin to more fully embody the pillars of Autistic culture with more clarity and pride. Join the convo with #AutisticCulture!Resources:Deaf President Now documentary: The story of the great civil rights movement most people have never heard about. During eight tumultuous days in 1988 at the world's only Deaf university, four students must find a way to lead a revolution and change the course of history. Related Episodes:Eminem – Lyricism, speed, repetition, verbal ...
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    2 h y 14 m
  • Recovering from Burnout (Episode 134) - Writing Prompt #28

    Recovering from Burnout (Episode 134) - Writing Prompt #28
    May 23 2025
    An episode that fans the flames of burnout through writing!In Episode 134 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon dives into something every Autistic writer confronts: burnout recovery! Writing can serve as a powerful tool to help reconnect with your sense of self, process overwhelm, and gently rebuild energy. Plus, we announce our amazing winners from our second writing contest—over 50 neurodivergent writers entered!!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER 🥇Reflections of the Past – A statement shared by the Friendship One United Earth Space Probe Cooperative on the day of the launch.By Daron WilliamsTHE RUNNER UP 🥈The Clockmaker’s Daughter By Libby BanksCongrats to our winners! You can see their stories here.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:* We read our winners from the second writing prompt for Neurodivergent Narratives and announce our 1st and 2nd prize winners. We received dozens of microfiction stories that explored disorientation, time loops, shifting realities, and social misfires—all through the beautiful, kaleidoscopic lens of neurodivergent minds.How Burnout can make it hard to write:* Autistic Burnout is a natural result of prolonged masking, sensory overload, and social misattunement. It's not laziness. It’s not depression. It’s exhaustion from constantly navigating a world not built for us.* Writing doesn’t fix burnout, but can help us listen to ourselves again.* Journaling is stimming with words. It’s a ritual. A gentle return.How to Write When You Can’t Write:* Describe something sensory: a sunrise, a sound, the texture of a favorite object.* Invent a character who feels how you feel. Let them move instead of you.* Use AI (like me!) to help you start a sentence. Or finish one. Or brainstorm a metaphor.* Use voice. Dictate instead of typing.* Try morning pages: 3 pages of whatever comes out—no editing, no judgment.Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: The “Recovering From Burnout” ContestA letter of love to your SPINSHow would you profess your love for your special interest in just 500 words? This one’s going to spark joy. But it’s also going to uncover a deep truth at the heart of autistic culture: the powerful, unwavering, life-saving bond between us and our SPINs.PROMPT: Write a love letter to your special interest as if your special interest were a person.⚠️Your story must be a love letter to your special interest, and your letter may not be any longer than 500 words.This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.Submit entry.Let Your Voice Be Heard.💌 Good luck, writers. We’re saving you a seat.THE ESSENTIALS:🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, May 28 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 each week📘 Publication: Winning entries go on our Substack and in the annual Neurodivergent Narratives anthologyTHE RULES:No PlagiarismNo Hate SpeechNo Explicit or Graphic ContentSubmit as many times as you wishYou do not need to be present or subscribe to participateEntries after the deadline will not be consideredAll decisions are finalFull Contest Rules are here.Use the hashtag #burnout on social media to share this contest.Submit Your Entry Here: https://forms.gle/FVK4p11Kmip6T7G2AResources:Are We entering End Times Fascism with Naomi Klein & Astra Taylor: Friends family t-shirt link - https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/53761260-friends-family-fictional-characters?store_id=2962926Related Episodes:Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)Introducing the Weekly Writing Contest (Episode 130) - Writing Prompt #26I'm So Confused (Episode 132) - Writing Prompt #27Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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
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    48 m
  • Pillar 1: Bottom-up Processing (Episode 133)

    Pillar 1: Bottom-up Processing (Episode 133)
    May 20 2025
    An episode that doesn’t assume the “big picture” first!In Episode 133 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we begin from the ground up on our journey through the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture as we start with Pillar 1— Bottom-Up Processing. Here’s what defines this cultural trait:* Detail-first thinking: Autistic minds gather information from the ground up, building meaning through sensory input, observed patterns, and logical systems.* Monotropism: We deep-dive into specific interests and tasks, driven by focused curiosity rather than generalized frameworks.* Hyperfocus and complex analysis: These traits allow for immersive attention, precise deduction, and strategic decision-making.* Sensory integration: Proprioception and interoception inform our responses to emotional and social cues with accuracy and nuance.* Nonlinear social fluency: We understand people by noticing behaviors, not by relying on social templates or stereotypes.* SPIN-powered cognition: Special interests are not distractions — they are the engines of learning and innovation.* Autonomy in method: We prefer to figure things out ourselves and follow processes that make logical sense, even when unconventional.* Strategic solitude: Alone time isn’t loneliness — it’s essential cognitive processing time for autistic thinkers.* Injustice sensitivity: Bottom-up logic often clashes with top-down authority, particularly when systems are unfair or inconsistent.* Visionary pattern recognition: Autistic culture leads in science, logic, and systems design because we see the overlooked details that make up the whole.Autistic people, generally speaking, process information bottom-up. We start with details, anomalies, inconsistencies. We don’t assume the “big picture” first—we build it ourselves. This cognitive style clashes in top-down cultures, but fits more comfortably in bottom-up ones. In bottom-up cultures, autistic cognition can be framed as insight. In top-down cultures, it is often framed as insubordination or incompetence.What you’re about to hear is a special remastered version of an earlier episode from our archives that keys in on Pillar 1 with a deep dive on another fictional bottom-up processor, the OG, Sherlock Holmes.As you listen to this episode, notice references to bottom-up processing and how that pillar holds up other aspects of Autistic people, for instance, why it makes stimming so important, or small talk so infuriating. Start thinking of the ways these pillars have been weaponized and medicalized. How even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle turns Sherlock into a misanthrope, or Sherlock himself becomes an opium addict, because of the pathologization of his natural culture. As you listen and pay attention to that bottom-up pillar with deeper context, I want you to think of how your internalized ableism has caused you to push back on your own bottom-up processing and instead try seeing where you can lean into it and how that might improve your mental health.So, whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people, you are welcome here.We’re saving you a seat!This episode is a part of our Start Here Series, which is designed for new listeners of the show who are wondering, “where should I start?” to have a solid foundation for their experience here. It’s also for loyal listeners to begin to more fully embody the pillars of Autistic culture with more clarity and pride. Join the convo with #AutisticCulture!Related Episodes:Chess is Autistic Lessons in ChemistryBroadway is Autistic - particularly the references to Sondheim, whose musicals are very bottom-up!Washington DC is AutisticFollow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Our 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
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    1 h y 28 m
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