In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Matt and Angela explore a fan-suggested topic: autism culture for teens and tweens. From the struggles of navigating neurotypical school systems to the importance of finding your people, they share advice, insights, and encouragement for autistic youth who feel out of place in the mainstream.

Hello, I am a listener of your podcast and an undiagnosed autistic. My 12 year old daughter is a diagnosed autistic who has had some traumatic experiences in the educational system since they use the medical model of autism. She is very likely twice exceptional (our school has no gifted program to offer her), but she thinks that her brain is broken because so many things are hard. She probably also has social anxiety. I am writing to ask if you and Angela would consider doing a short podcast episode aimed at teens and tweens about the wonderful ways their brains work, what autistic culture is, why it is so hard to fit into mainstream culture/school, how to make it a little better now, and how it can become SO much better later, especially once you find friends who you click with. She feels pretty hopeless at the moment, and does not have any friends to rely on yet. Thank you for reading.

- Autistic Culture Listener

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• Why school can feel like a nightmare for autistic kids – The clash between conformity-focused systems and individual needs.
• The truth about “broken brain” myths – Understanding your strengths, creativity, and hyper-connected mind.
• Social hierarchies decoded – How neurotypical group dynamics operate (and how to survive them).
• Masking as research – Using a Jane Goodall approach to navigate neurotypical culture without losing yourself.
• Gendered expectations – Why autistic girls are often pressured to blend in more than boys.
• Finding your weirdos – Building friendships with people who appreciate the real you.
• The long game – How adulthood often brings more autonomy, control, and the ability to shape your environment.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Galaxy High – 🔗 Watch on YouTube
• The Muppets (2011 film) – 🔗 Wikipedia Entry

Related Shows:

Apple is Autistic

George Lucas is Autistic

Alternative Schooling Options

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🌐 Learn more at www.autisticculturepodcast.com

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