In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP sit down with Dr. Kade Sharp to explore how kink fits naturally into autistic culture—from sensory play and SPINs to spreadsheets for communication and consent.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• What kink actually is (spoiler: it’s not always sexual!), what common kinks look like, and whether kinksters are “dangerous” or “ill.”
• Why most research on autistic sexuality is deeply flawed.
• Common stereotypes and misunderstandings about the kink community.
• Autistic systems for communicating comfort and consent—including kinky spreadsheets!
• How kink honors sensory differences, builds structure and clarity, and embraces SPINs (special interests).
• Ways kink empowers neurodivergent folks, regardless of whether they identify as kinksters.
• Tips for exploring kink—solo, with partners, or with new kinky friends.

Featured Guest: Dr Kade Sharp

Dr. Kade Sharp (he/they) is an autistic transgender Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing in Richland, Washington, at Spectrum Counselling, his private practice. 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.

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)

Related episodes:

Sex is Autistic

Lessons in Chemistry is Autistic

Pregnancy is Autistic

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