In this episode of Autistica, Matt and Angela explore how Anne Shirley—of Anne of Green Gables fame—embodies a deeply relatable autistic-coded experience. From echolalia and infodumping to emotional intensity and sensory sensitivities, Anne’s world mirrors the challenges, joys, and resilience of neurodivergent life.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• Autistic-coded traits in Anne Shirley — How feeling like an outsider, struggling to mask, and being told she’s “too much” reflect autistic realities.
• Historical context — The impact of the Industrial Revolution’s factory-model school system on conformity, internalized ableism, and educational trauma.
• Neurodivergent connection — Examining Anne’s friendships, particularly with Gilbert, as examples of deep, mutual understanding.
• Cultural parallels — Why Japan’s love for Anne aligns with autistic cultural values, and how Lucy Maud Montgomery may have infused her own neurodivergence into the character.

Community discussion on Anne’s creativity, emotional intensity, and unique social interactions as possible indicators of autism. 🔗 Read on Reddit

Video essay exploring autistic traits in key characters. 🔗 Watch on YouTube

Autistic-Coded TV and Film Characters – Features Anne Shirley-Cuthbert among other neurodivergent-coded characters. 🔗 Read on The Wyrd Sisters

Characters That Ping Our NeuroScopes – Looks at fictional characters, including Anne, who resonate with neurodivergent experiences. 🔗Read the Medium piece

Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables: An Early Description of ADHD – Explores overlaps between ADHD and autism traits. 🔗 Read the study on PubMed

Reflecting on Anne with an E through an autistic lens. 🔗 Read on Facebook

Related Episodes:

Dimensions of Autistic Culture

Only Murders is Autistic

Community is Autistic

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