An episode that writes itself through the fog!

In Episode 132 we’re diving into something central to the autistic experience: confusion—especially in social situations—and how writing through that confusion can become a powerful act of identity development. Plus we announce our amazing winners from our first-ever writing contest—over 100 neurodivergent writers entered!Here are our top two entries.

OUR WINNERThe Snowglobe by Jessica Weiss

"Shaken, settled.Shaken, shutdown.Shattered…Spilled."

THE RUNNER UPby Daisy

"Sensitive, oddball, mystic, or undiagnosed autistic?"Congrats to our winners and to see all the finalists. You can see them all here.

Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* We read our top 10 finalists from the first writing prompt for Neurodivergent Narratives and announce our 1st and 2nd prize winners. These memoirs were stunning, surprising, and profoundly relatable, any of them could have won!

* So much of being autistic in a neurotypical world means living in a perpetual state of confusion—social rules that feel made up, conversations that shift without warning, expectations that aren't stated until you've already broken them.

* The Double Empathy Problem:This theory, coined by autistic scholar Damian Milton, shows that communication breakdowns between autistic and non-autistic people are mutual—not one-sided. It challenges the deficit model by proving that autistic people understand each other just fine—it’s the cross-cultural mismatch that causes a lot confusion.

* The “Wrong Planet” Feeling:Many autistic people describe feeling like aliens on Earth—constantly misunderstanding and being misunderstood, even in the simplest of social situations. That “culture shock” feeling? It's because autistic culture truly is a different culture.

* The Grief and the “Not a Duck” Moment:Discovering you’re autistic later in life can bring a rush of clarity—but also a tidal wave of grief and confusion. You realize that your entire life could have been easier if you had just known. There’s grief, yes—but also a seed of healing.

* Stimming Through Confusion:Often, when confusion builds up, our bodies try to help regulate us through movement—stimming isn’t just joy, it’s also processing. For many, writing is a form of stimming with language, helping sort sensory and emotional overwhelm into clarity.

Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: The “I’m So Confused” Contest

A radical reclaiming of voice.

Simple on the surface—but for many of us in autistic culture, those three words echo through entire chapters of our lives.

PROMPT: Write a fictional short story in any genre that includes the line: “I’m so confused.”

⚠️Your story must include the line: “I’m so confused.” and your story may not be any longer than 500 words.

This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.

Submit entry.Let Your Voice Be Heard.

THE ESSENTIALS:🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, May 21 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 final

Use the hashtag #SoConfused on social media to share this contest.

Submit Your Entry Here: https://forms.gle/EzSNgVcUyf5E8QVa8

Full Contest Rules are here. Resources:

Double Empathy problem - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361315586721Find More Writing Contests Here - https://authorspublish.com/57-literary-journals-that-pay-their-authors/

Related Episodes:

Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)

Introducing the Weekly Writing Contest (Episode 130) - Writing Prompt #26

Related Articles on our Substack:Autism is a Culture NOT a Disorder - https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/autistic-blog-autism-autistic-cultureUnmasking Autism Diary #20: Not a Duck -https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/p/autistic-blog-unmasking

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com 

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

An episode that welcomes you to a brand-new chapter in this project - one that has been years in the making!

In Episode 131 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we are revisiting the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture! What you’re about to hear is a special remastered version of an earlier episode that introduced the 10 Pillars of Autistic Culture, plus updated context and reflections from me about what it means in this new chapter. These are the building blocks of everything we’re creating together going forward.

This episode originally aired in January 2024, and since this episode first aired, I’ve taken a deeper look at the structure of the show and the framework we use to understand autistic culture.

I’ve refined the 10 Pillars updating their names, sharpening the descriptions, and better connecting them to our lived traits, like sensory processing differences, stimming, emotional intensity, and our beautiful SPINs.

What you’ll hear in this episode is the heart of the work but think of it as the “draft” version.

Over the next 10 weeks, I’ll be highlighting one updated pillar each week with a replay of an episode that really brings that theme to life. I’ll also share new context and reflections to go deeper. We'll unpack what each one means, how it shows up in our lives, and why it’s worth celebrating.

But I wanted to bring you this episode just as it aired because even though things have changed, this conversation holds so many gems, and it was a joyful reflection of where we were. And now, we get to go even deeper.

Lets quickly walk you through what those 10 pillars are now. You might notice a few name changes:

* Bottom-Up Processing (formerly “Logic and Strategy”)We build understanding from the ground up detail by detail, pattern by pattern. Think Sherlock Holmes, chess masters, scientific discovery.

* Rhythmic Communicating (formerly “Linguistics and Accents”)Our conversations are musical echolalia, scripting, tangents, infodumps. There’s a beat, a flow, a poetry to how we speak.

* Norm Challenging (formerly “Deep Thinking and Insights”)We question assumptions. We live authentically. We honor truth over politeness, equity over hierarchy, and insight over illusion.

* World BuildingWe don’t just tell stories we create entire universes. Pokémon. Star Wars. Dungeons & Dragons. Autistic imagination builds the future.

* Pattern Matching (formerly “Data Gathering and Analysis”)SPINs. Trivia nights. Wikipedia editing. Sexuality research. We find the signal in the noise and bring meaning to the chaos.

* Game Changing (formerly “Innovative Ideas”)We’re not following trends we’re starting them. We rethink, reinvent, and rebuild systems from the ground up. Think Steve Jobs. Questlove. Muybridge.

* Boldly Creating (formerly “Artistic Expression”)We paint with stims. We sing in scripts. We dance in sensory rhythm. Our creativity is intense, embodied, and often unconventional.

* Predictably Comforting (formerly “Consistency and Reliability”)Repetition, routines, safe foods, rituals. These aren’t rigidity they’re anchors. Comfort. Stability. Power.

* Justice Seeking (formerly “Justice and Honesty”)Fairness isn’t optional it’s essential. Emotional intensity meets ethical clarity. From Greta Thunberg to John McEnroe we stand for truth.

* Passionate Superfanning (formerly “Superfanning and Fictional Friends”)Star Trek. Doctor Who. My Little Pony. Our love runs deep and our joy is contagious. Fandom is family. Lore is love.

These 10 pillars map across three major domains of life:🎭 Arts & Entertainment🪴 Lifestyle & Leisure🏛️ Society, Values & Knowledge

And across all of them, we’ll be celebrating the best of Autistic Culture through history, pop culture, storytelling, and personal experience.

So whether you’re autistic, exploring the possibility, or just someone who loves and respects autistic people you are welcome here.

You are part of Autistica!

Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about the 10 pillars of Autistic Culture — from Bottom-Up Processing and World Building to Justice Seekin! And over this series, we’ll be celebrating the best of Autistic Culture through history, pop culture, storytelling, and personal experience! Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!

Related Episodes:

Autistic Culture for Teens and Tweens

My Chemical Romance is Autistic

Taylor Swift is Autistic

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com 

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

An episode that encourages you to lean into your weird through writing!

In Episode 130 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon kicks off a brand-new mini-series: Neurodivergent Narratives! Are you ready to unmask on the page and write your truth? In this heartfelt and inspiring episode,

Angela shares her lifelong spin on writing (starting with a childhood book called They Wed), offers a peek behind her contest-winning piece The Heart of Us vs. The Truths We Hide, and unveils the first prompt in a brand-new weekly writing contest—open to everyone and absolutely FREE through July!

Each week brings a new writing tip, a featured winner, and a new prompt to explore your neurodivergent identity. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just getting started, this is your chance to get published, get heard, and maybe even get paid.

Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* Learn about the Neurodivergent Narratives virtual writing circle

* Discover the power of narrative healing for autistic and neurodivergent people

* Hear Angela’s moving essay about identity, silence, and breaking generational rules

* Join the free weekly writing contest—submissions open now!

Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: The 6-Word Identity Declaration Contest

A radical reclaiming of voice—in six words.

What can you say about who you are, what you’ve survived, or what you believe—in just six words?

PROMPT: Write a six-word response that speaks your neurodivergent truth.

Examples:

* “I’m not broken, just different.”

* “Mask off. Voice on. Finally.”

* “Sensory, sacred, soft, strong, seen.”

* “Burnout broke me. Writing rebuilt me.”

* “Diagnosis: devastation. Then came rebirth.”

This isn’t therapy.This is voice reclamation.

Submit your six words.Let Your Voice Be Heard.

THE ESSENTIALS:🖊️ Open to: Everyone🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, May 14 at 12 PM ET / 5 PM UK💷 Prize: £10 each week📘 Publication: Winning entries go on the 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 final

Use the hashtag #6WordVoice on social media to share this contest.

Resources:

Submit Your Entry Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uuNEuNBWH3tzTIwVWjadTp1Bq11y1GC-W6ofqBwPNKo/preview

Listen to more 6 word memoirs on this awesome NPR podcast

Irish Autistic Literary Anthology: Wired Our Own Wayhttps://a.co/d/1kfNSSa My Cousin Mike’s book, Going Homehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WWBFL12Full Contest Rules are here. Related Episodes:

Neurodivergent Narratives (Episode 84)

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com 

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

An episode that figured out it was in a cult!

In Episode 129 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we’re talking about cults and extremist religious movements in autistic culture. We’re joined by Jude Mills, an autistic theologian and former hospice chaplain, and host of Fkd up by faith, whose research and lived experience offer us an inside look at why this isn’t just a trauma story—it’s a culture story.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* Why do so many of us Autistics find ourselves in Cults? Why do we stay?

* The same traits that can make autistic folks susceptible to cults—intense focus, logical systems, emotional honesty—also show up in the leaders of these movements. But what does it mean when the very systems that exploit autistic people are often built by someone with autistic traits?

* What happens to your SPIN when it used to be Jesus or Revelation or prophecy? Do you mourn it? Rework it?

* What does the journey out look like for most people? What’s uniquely hard for autistic folks?

Jude Mills’ Bio

Jude Mills is an interfaith Minister and spiritual counsellor, ordained with One Spirit Interfaith Foundation in 2020. Fkd Up By Faith – Healing Conversations for Those Hurt by Religion, is a podcast where they explore the deeply personal and often challenging stories of people who’ve been hurt by their faith but have found hope, healing, reconciliation, or forgiveness—whether within their faith traditions or beyond them.

Jude’s Website and Podcast

Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about Cults and Extremist religious movements in autistic culture — from the intense focus and logical systems to emotional honesty. Getting out doesn’t mean you failed. It means you got free. And when you walk away from a belief system that demanded your masking in exchange for conditional love, you’re not just walking away—you’re walking home! Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!

Resources:

Richard Turner - a UK based autistic counsellor (and cult survivor) who specialises in cults and cult recovery: https://www.tothinkagain.co.uk/about

Ashlen Hilliard is a very cool US based person who specialises in cult recovery: https://www.peopleleavecults.com/

The websites of Alexandra Stein and Janja Lallich both have reading lists and links and resources for all things cult: https://www.alexandrastein.com & https://janjalalich.com

Related Episodes:

Fighting Internalized Ableism

Academia and Ableism

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com 

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

An episode that takes a walk down an alternative path.

In Episode 128 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we talk with a guest who is not just a long time listener and supporter of the show, but also an autistic parent of two late-diagnosed autistic young adults. Chrissy and her husband embraced radical unschooling, allowing their children to lead their own learning journeys. What it is, how it works, and why it’s been such a game-changer for Chrissy’s family?

Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* We discuss what exactly is unschooling and how is it different from regular home-schooling.

* Chrissy and Angela share their experiences parenting as an autistic person while also raising autistic kids, answering the most common critiques and concerns about unschooling.

* How do you respond when people ask, “But what about socialization?”

* Why reframing unschooling as a way of affirming neurodivergent autonomy should be seen as Autistic liberation.

* If someone wants to unschool but can’t go “all in” due to work, custody, or finances—what are a few principles they could try on anyway?

Chrissy Gardiner's Bio

Chrissy Gardiner is an autistic mom of two late-diagnosed AuDHD young adults. Chrissy and her husband embraced radical unschooling, allowing their children to lead their own learning journeys. She holds a master’s degree in liberal arts with a focus on history and Black studies and is currently pursuing nursing school, aiming to research best practices for autistic patients.

Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about the experiences of for parents who are unschooling their autistic children and why it’s been such a game-changer for Chrissy’s family. If unschooling isn’t an option for you right now—remember: every moment you make space for autonomy, consent, and curiosity—you’re already doing the work! Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!

Related Episodes:

Parenting Autistic Kids

Child-to-parent Diagnostic Pipeline

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com 

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

This episode is an important announcement. Matt Lowry LPP has decided to step away as a Co-Host and will not longer be apart of The Autistic Culture Podcast.

Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* This episode is being put out there to explain what happened to prevent gossip, rumors, or unnecessary speculation about Matt’s decision to depart the show. The work Matt and I did together mattered—and deserves to be honored with truth, not drama.

* The Autistic Culture Podcast WILL CONTINUE with Angela but will be different for the upcoming season 4 - all is explained in this episode!

* The last advocacy episode will come out as usual on Friday while the last official episode of Season 3 will come out on May 6th.

Matt’s contributions to the Autistic Culture Podcast will always be part of our foundation and I wish him the very best for the future.

See the Full Correspondence between Matt and I here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mgd5dBhwP6wAvVBJkvNV34063bcYwjC0IPr4aziZkic/edit

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

An episode that gets right in the feels.

Please note that this episode contains discussions about, death, suicide and self harm.

In Episode 126 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we explore how grief extends beyond the loss of a person with guest Mady Snyder—an autistic, PDA, ADHD, OCD, and cPTSD-identified therapist—who specializes in exactly this kind of nuance. Why do we grieve the loss of routines, relationships, and expectations. She’s here to help us unpack the ways autistic grief is different—not broken, not less, just different.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* We discuss the concept of ambiguous loss, the limitations of traditional grief models, and the unique ways autistic individuals experience and express grief.

* Mady and Angela breakdown the role of special interests in processing grief and the impact of grief on the nervous system.

* We share various coping strategies, the significance of personal rituals, the importance of understanding individual needs, and the impact of social invalidation on the grieving process.

* Additionally, we address the challenges of internalized ableism and the importance of recognizing diverse expressions of grief and why you can grieve a grilled-cheese sandwich.

Mady Synder's Bio

Mady Snyder, LMFT, is a neuroaffirming therapist in private practice in Pasadena. She specializes in Autism, PDA, parenting, and mixed neurotype relationships. She’s also a consultant and educator committed to building environments where neurodivergent people can actually thrive. Oh—and when she’s not doing all that? She’s singing to her cats.

Mady’s Website

Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about the unique ways autistic individuals experience and express grief — from the concept of ambiguous loss to the limitations of traditional grief models. We also explore coping strategies and the significance of personal rituals, the challenges of internalized ableism, and the necessity of finding supportive resources that cater to neurodiverse individuals! Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!

Related Episodes:

Autistic Sleep Problems

Aging and Executive Function

Autistic Affirming Social Skills

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com 

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

An episode that hits hard and stays in bounds!

In Episode 125 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, we explore the unexpected overlap between roller derby and autistic identity with guest Carina Taylor — a neurodivergent therapist and seasoned skater. From emotional regulation to alter egos, this episode dives into how the sport offers structure, expression, and community for autistic and neurodivergent individuals alike.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* In this episode, Angela chats with Carina Taylor — a primary therapist at Foundations in Asheville, North Carolina and a roller derby extraordinaire — about the unique connections between roller derby and autism.

* We dive into roller derby technique and clear up some common misconceptions (no, it’s not choreographed — and no, it’s not all about aggression). But it does bring out some big emotions and serious intensity.

* Despite its rough-and-tumble reputation, roller derby is a highly organized sport with a detailed rule set and a strong emphasis on strategy and teamwork. It’s also one of the most gender-inclusive sports out there, creating space for athletes of all gender identities to participate, compete, and feel represented on the track.

* Additionally, roller derby often involves adopting a persona or alter ego — a playful, empowering form of masking that allows skaters to fully step into a character and express parts of themselves that might not surface in everyday life.

* Roller derby offers a powerful outlet for emotional expression, allowing skaters to channel complex feelings—like frustration, excitement, and vulnerability—into physical movement and team connection. The structure and creativity of the sport provide a safe, supportive space where emotions aren’t just allowed but embraced. For many, especially neurodivergent individuals, it becomes a form of regulation, empowerment, and authentic self-expression both on and off the track.

Carina Taylor's Bio

Carina (she/her) is a primary therapist at Foundations in Asheville, a young adult transition community located in the mountains of North Carolina. Originally from Pennsylvania, Carina completed her Bachelor’s in Sociology with minors in Psychology and Social Work at Bridgewater College in Virginia and her Master’s in Social Work at East Tennessee State University. As a Primary Therapist at Foundations, she provides therapy that focuses on values exploration, identity development, resilience expansion, and trauma-informed care including EMDR therapy. One of her biggest goals when working with students is to help them normalize what they are experiencing and why they are experiencing it, while moving through their experiences in a more resilient and settled state. In her free time, she enjoys being active, including roller derby!

Did you enjoy this episode? We talk about all things roller derby — from the rules and strategy to the emotional intensity it brings out in skaters. We also explore how this high-energy, gender-inclusive sport offers a powerful outlet for neurodivergent and autistic individuals to express themselves, connect with community, and even embrace a bold alter ego. Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!

Special thanks to our friends at Shrub Oak International for making this episode happen. Shrub Oak offers a personalized, strength-based education on a serene 127-acre campus. Their transdisciplinary team collaborates to create individualized learning plans that honor each student's passions and needs. Beyond academics, they provide clinical services, life skills development, and a rich array of activities—from art and music to therapeutic horsemanship—all designed to your kid feeling actually happy—not just compliant. 

If you're searching for a school that truly understands and nurtures autistic students, visit shruboak.org to learn more.Resources:Smokey Mountain Roller Derby - https://www.facebook.com/SmokyMountainRollerGirls/ Foundations Asheville - https://foundationsasheville.com

Related Episodes:Belly Dancing is AutisticFollow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

An episode that tries to make it make sense.

In Episode 124 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, “Justice for Victor,” we confront the tragic police killing of 17-year-old autistic Puerto Rican teen Victor Perez and the systemic failures that led to his death. Centering voices from the Black neurodivergent community, this powerful conversation demands a reimagining of autistic justice beyond white-centered narratives. This episode is a call to action for the autism and neurodiversity movements to prioritize true equity, accountability, and liberation for all.Here’s what we cover in today’s episode:

* In this powerful and somber episode, Angela is joined by Black autistic advocates Faith Clarke and Darren Calhoun to discuss the heart breaking murder of Victor Perez, a non-speaking autistic Puerto Rican teenager.

* On April 5th, Victor Perez—a 17-year-old autistic, disabled Puerto Rican teen—was shot by police in his own front yard. He is no longer with us. And now, his family is left to grieve in a system that failed him at every level.

* Darren Calhoun is a justice advocate, worship leader, and photographer based in Chicago. He’s the co-host of the Second Sunday podcast, and his work bridges communities across race, gender, and neurodivergence. Darren is a powerful voice for intersectionality and faith-based inclusion, and he’s someone who speaks truth with clarity and compassion.

* Faith Clarke wrote her best selling book Parenting Like a Ninja with Angela and it was based in part on her experience as a business owner and mom of a non-speaking autistic son (and a couple of other neurodivergent humans too).

* We are especially grateful to Tiffany Hammond who you might remember from our Monster’s High episode a couple of weeks ago — whose writing on her fidgets and fries Instagram in response to Victor’s death called me into deeper reflection. Her words were a turning point for us.

* Victor’s Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-victor-perez

Victor is not the first. He joins a growing list of young, Black and Brown neurodivergent lives—Stephon Watts. Elijah McClain. Ryan Gainer.

Their stories demand justice.

This episode is about what happened. What should have happened. And what needs to happen next—if we truly want a movement that’s rooted in liberation for all of us. Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!

Related Episodes:

Trivia is Autistic (Episode 27)

Monster High Is Autistic (Episode 117)

Listen to Darren Calhoun on Second Sunday Podcast

Buy Faith Clarkes Book

Faith’s Substack -

Refrenced in this episode:

We Will Rest!: The Art of Escape

Rest Is Resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life

Tiffany Hammond - https://www.instagram.com/fidgets.and.fries/

Camille Proctor/ Color of Autism Foundation https://www.instagram.com/colorofautism/

Othering and Belonging institute: John Powell

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com

Our Autism-affirming merch shop

An episode that explores autistic and neurodivergent representation in The Big Bang Theory and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. From Sheldon’s neurotypical framing to Charlie Kelly’s proudly autistic chaos, we break down what hits, what misses, and why it matters.

Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:

* In today’s episode, we’re diving into It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and how it nails autistic representation—unlike The Big Bang Theory, which mostly reflects a neurotypical perspective.

* We start by breaking down what The Big Bang Theory got right—and wrong—about autism, touching on Young Sheldon and the dynamic between Sheldon and Amy.

* After that, we dive into how It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is actually deeply autism-centric, even if it’s not explicitly framed that way.

* Then, we dive into how It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is deeply autism-centric—thanks in large part to Charlie Kelly, who is explicitly autistic and gives the show its neurodivergent heart.

* We also explore how the writers of It’s Always Sunny approach the show from a neurodivergent lens—crafting characters who consistently misunderstand the world around them in ways that feel deeply relatable to autistic viewers.

* Our hosts get into all the autistic tendencies throughout the show—from Sweet Dee, Dennis, and Charlie’s unique quirks to Charlie himself, who has openly identified as autistic multiple times.

* We also talk about how the humor in It’s Always Sunny is specifically tailored to an autistic audience and sense of humor—sharp, absurd, and rooted in social misunderstandings.

* Matt and Angela also discuss the concept of autistic integrity and how it shows up both in It’s Always Sunny and in the core values of this podcast.

* Sometimes we have to play the game of capitalism just to get by—but as long as you’ve got your crew of fellow weirdos to lean on, you’ll make it through.

“It’s representation, but at what cost? We don’t have a seat at the table. There is a picture on the table of a caricature of an autistic person. And then everyone else talking about how weird they are.” - Matt

“The impetus behind It’s Always Sunny was not, ‘hey, let’s make a marketable show and sell it and have lots of airtime and get in the top 20 or whatever.’ They’re like, ‘hey, you know what would be funny? If we did our own thing with a low-res video recorder.” - Matt

“They are very, very socially minded. They’re very, very self conscious about these things, which is the autistic way. They do things in the way that they do it because they think it’s the right thing to do. Whenever they see an issue, they want to call it out on the show. So they do it in the most blatant way possible so that the people watching it will be like, ‘hey, that’s an issue.” - Matt

Did you love this episode? We took a deep dive into autistic representation in pop culture—comparing The Big Bang Theory and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. From Sheldon and Amy’s dynamic to Charlie Kelly’s openly autistic identity, we unpack how neurodivergent humor, character quirks, and autistic integrity show up on screen. We also explore how Sunny nails an autistic lens through its writing, jokes, and chaotic logic. Join the convo with #AutisticCultureCatch!

Related Episodes:

Community is Autistic

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Learn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com

Our Autism-affirming merch shop