In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Autistic podcast hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP interview Andralyn Zayn, an Autistic circus producer, director, performer, and fitness educator.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• How Andralyn first connected with autism through TikTok, eventually leading to a professional diagnosis.
• The story of her very Autistic-aligned dating profile (and the circus-specialized act she now performs with her husband!).
• Behind-the-scenes of her documentary on autistic circus performers—and the toll it took on her health with undiagnosed chronic conditions including polycystic kidney disease and POTS.
• Why autistic people are often drawn to circus arts: proprioceptive and vestibular joy, sensory input, and flow states.
• The risks of ignoring bodily signals and pushing beyond limits in an ableist society.
• Learning self-acceptance and creating a sustainable lifestyle while resisting productivity pressures.
• Challenging ableism in creative industries and beyond, while embracing autistic strengths.

Resources:

Wikipedia: Risley (circus act)

Article: The next yoga? Circus-inspired fitness

Video: On the Job with Circus Artists

Andralyn’s Instagram

Andralyn’s Facebook

Related Episodes:

Autistic Medical Needs

Trains are Autistic

Cats are Autistic

Autistic Centred Therapy - AuCT

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